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ART 338  / Controlling Materials/ Duplicating a plaster study

Due Tuesday, Sept. 9

 

Assignment: Duplicate in clay one of the plaster face details provided and write a 2-page reflection about your experience.  This sculpture should be the exact size of the original. Utilize observation aids and good modeling practicing as outlined below to help you achieve exact likeness. Your 2 page commentary should address the challenge and ÔartÕ of representation from direct observation including past experiences, the role, if any, of subjectivity in the process, and what methods/ approaches helped and hindered you the most. Also include a summary estimation of the result. What aspects of your clay object do not match the plaster and why do you think that happened.

 

Observation aids include:

Proportion: the comparative relation between things or magnitudes as to size, quantity, number, etc.; ratio. How to observe proportions:

á       Sighting

á       Calipers, rulers, or story sticks as a way of comparing distances/ sizes.

Measurement: Dimensions, quantity, or capacity as ascertained by comparison with a standard (an agreed unit such as inches). How to use direct measurement:

á       If same size: calipers, rulers, story sticks

á       If changing scale: measurement with mathematical scaling

Alignment: The process of adjusting parts so that they are in proper relative position. How to observe alignments:

á       Finding and sketching axial lines

á       Sighting verticals and horizontals

Layout: A schematic arrangement of parts or areas. How to use layout:

á       Finding and sketching, underlying geometries

á       Superimposing a grid or other simple divisions (such as quadrants) as a means to observe.

Good modeling practices include:

The use of physical notations (marks, lines, coils of clay) that aid observation including:

  • Quadrant marks as a way to judge symmetry
  • Alignment lines to judge relative positions of features
  • Proportion marks that divide up the total object into correct ratios

Employing good vantage point practices including:

  • Moving around the model at a steady, constant pace to create a work that unifies all points of view into a coherent object.
  • Always positioning your sculpture and the model in the same visual relationship to your eye (both level and angle)
  • Standing back far enough from your sculpture so you can see it as a whole.

Developing your sculpture in a consistent progressive manner including:

  • Beginning with overall observations by roughing out basic forms (i.e.-seeing and modeling forms in terms of their underlying geometry).
  • Developing all parts of the sculpture equally (not leaving certain views or parts of the figure less attended to).
  • Only moving on to more detail when underlying topology is well established.

 

Submitting the Work:

Bring the sculpture to class with your name on the back and email your commentary as an attached word doc named yourlastname_claystudy.docx

 

Evaluation: This assignment will be graded based solely on exact likeness to the original and your insights into methods that helped you get there and what habits Ôgot in your wayÕ.