Fundamentals of Sculpture

3 Sculpture Fundamentals

Form is the total mass or configuration that the subject or idea takes.  It is the final physical structure of the sculpture.  Although this structure need not be recognizable or naturalistic, it must show skillful use of the design elements and principles to be successful.

DESCRIBE using Elements and Principles of Art

Content is the emotion, passion or message that the sculptor intends to convey through the sculpture.   It is also the viewer’s reaction to the work and how the sculpture interacts with the viewer in an aesthetic sense.  Without content, the design elements and principles mean little.

EXPLAIN  What is the message

Technique is the marriage of materials and tools with the ability of the sculptor.   It is the result of the sculptor’s knowledge, preparation, and practice.  Through technique, the sculptor is also able to show his or her understanding of the elements and principles of design.  Without technique, ideas remain just that; they are not developed into concrete sculptural objects.

HOW TO  What was the process

Sculpture Concepts 

Freestanding sculpture, or sculpture “in the round,” is a work that has been developed for viewing on all sides.

Relief sculpture juts out from a surface or wall and has at least one side that is not developed.

Kinetic sculpture moves or possesses moving parts.