Biomorphic Plaster Casting & Carving
Artists of Interest:Vocab Terms to know:Metamporphosis- A change of the form or nature of a thing into a completely different form, by means of natural or super natural means. Reduction/Subtraction Carving - A method of sculpting where material is removed from a block to reveal a FORM Form- A three-dimensional object, activating height, width, and depth. Planes- A flat surface within a painting or sculpture, the most interesting sculptures will activate a diagonal or twisting plane = a more "dynamic" effect Relief- A type of carving done only from the front plane, so that the image remains attached to the back ground and does not pop out very far = a more "rigid" effect Negative Space- The "empty area" around or within a FORM Biomorphic Abstraction - Forms or images that while abstract nevertheless refer to, or evoke, living forms such as plants, animals, or the human body. Non-representational Abstraction - Unrecognizable objects or images (simply shapes and colors for their own sake) Actual Texture- perceived through touch as "smooth," "rough," "spiky," "cracking," etc. Surface Treatments- How the surface of an object is manipulated to give it actual texture, i.e. hammered, sanded, jabbed, etc. Undercutting- A method of carving deep and with an inward angle in increase the play of light and shadow on an object's surface |
Examples & ReferencesTheme: Morphing Natural Elements |
How to mix Plaster of Paris: Island Method or 1 part H20 to 2 parts plaster
Criteria:
- Combination/Transformation of two distinct objects (as chosen by chance!)
- Visual Research and Sketches (Printed pictures of the two objects from various points of view and SHADED (range of value to show light falling on the object = highlight (highest), mid-tone (curving away from the light), and darkest (undercut or deep carving)
- Creativity- consider various options for how the objects could combine
- PRACTICE clay model (additive and subtractive sculpting methods) to create a 3-D mockup
- Choose and modify two containers to use for casting your plaster
- More dynamic than static – carving from all sides simultaneously trying to achieve a spiral or twisting composition (Process critique = points and feedback for the rough form)
- Physical balance- doesn’t fall over on the table
- 1 or more negative spaces – areas that are completely carved through
- Surface Treatment – two or more contrasting actual textures and finishing touches
- OPTIONAL – stained or watercolor (you will want to practice first!)