3D Breadth Assignment #8

Through & Through

Areas of focus: movement, shape/form, variety/unity, repetition

Goal: The Visual Movement assignment is about creating a sense of movement in your sculpture. As you design and create this work, you’ll focus on creating movement through the repetition of a motif - or what we call a “module” in 3D work.

Process:

1. Idea development / research: Look at the world around you. As you examine the space you are in, look at the shapes and forms without considering the function of the objects. Are there some objects whose shapes seem to suggest movement, or have a flow to them? Sketch just the outer contours of these objects without any interior details. Now look around and try to find areas of repeated shapes or forms. Sketch the pattern these repeated shapes create (for example, the random pattern of tree leaves, the regular pattern of wooden window blinds, the alternating rhythm of floor tiles, etc) Repeat this process in at least 2 additional locations.

Questions to ask for the “Visual Movement Sculpture”:

• What types of shapes suggest movement?
• How many types of pattern / rhythm can I find?
• How can I create a sense of movement through repeating shapes / forms?

Also ask yourself how the elements of art can be used to give a certain feel to your work:

• What type of shape/forms (open vs closed, angular vs freeform, etc)?
• What type of textures (rough, smooth, fuzzy, spiky, slick, crinkly, etc)?
• What type of line (straight, winding, curvy, zig-zag, tapered, wiry, etc)?
• What type of color (bright, muted, natural, artificial, cool, warm, etc)?
• How can you manipulate the elements to give a certain feel to your work by using design principles like repetition, rhythm, movement, balance, scale, emphasis, variety/unity, contrast?
1. Create multiple sketches to work out the composition. Start by designing one or two modules (3D motifs) to be repeated. Consider how to add some variety by making some slight changes (e.g. size) to the repetition.
2. Consider some of the different forms a 3-dimensional piece can take: freestanding sculpture, relief sculpture, assemblage, installation. With 3-d work, always take into consideration the view from each angle.
3. Determine the best way to work with your chosen natural materials. How can they be manipulated? How can they be affixed together? Do you need a support? How can you incorporate man-made materials, either as a support, or as a visually important part of the piece, in a thoughtful way?
4. Suggested materials: styrofoam or foam core, paper, cardboard, string, wire, toothpics, sticks
5. Work with your teacher once your media has been decided to establish an appropriate working size for this assignment.