3D Breadth Assignment #5

Hundreds or Thousands of Things

Areas of focus: Repetition, movement, texture, unity / variety

Goal: use small objects that come in hundreds or thousands (such as paper clips, clothespins, toothpicks, nails, push pins, etc.) to create an interesting form that demonstrates a sense of rhythm and movement.

Process:

1. Idea development / research: Brainstorm a list of as many things you can think of that can be had free or cheaply in multiples. Consider office supplies, household cast-offs, hardware, craft / sewing supplies, recyclables, even edible things. After you’ve listed everything you can think of on your own, start asking around: yours and other teachers, family members, local business: Is there anything at your home or business that you produce or is a byproduct of you work that accumulates in large amounts? You’ll be surprised at the variety of materials you’ll come across. Research “recyled art,” “assemblage,” “3D mixed media,” and “found object art.”

Questions to ask for the “Hundreds or Thousands of Things”:

• Is there anything inherently interesting about the shape, texture, color or design of this object?
• What does this object make me think of?
• How can the repetition of this object be employed to emphasize its’ most interesting visual aspects?
• Does this object come in other varieties that I can incorporate?
• Is there another object that could complement the object I’ve chosed as my primary material?

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 line (thick, thin, tapered, spiky, flowing, rough, hesistant, bold)?
• What type of textures (rough, smooth, fuzzy, spiky, slick, crinkly, 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. Your piece can be abstract / non-objective, or representational.
2. Experiment with attachment methods. What will you use as a support? How will you connect or attach your objects in a purposeful / aesthetic way?
3. Consider how the form of the piece and how will be displayed. Is it a relief sculpture? If so, what will you attach it to so it can be hung on the wall. Is it free standing? If so, what will you use for a base and how will you affix the wire to the base and make it stand? Will it hang? If so, how will you suspend it?
4. Work with your teacher once your media has been decided to establish an appropriate working size for this assignment.