ASSIGNMENTS

 

Project One

 

SCULPTURE WITH EVERYDAY ITEMS - STYROFOAM CUP SCULPTURES

 

1. Generating Ideas: 

          Goals:  Students will be introduced to contemporary artist Tara Donovan and her sculpture created from repeating             household objects.  Students will design and sketch multiple ideas for using Styrofoam cups to create an abstract               sculpture with a focus on the elements and principles of art.  Students will use methods demonstrated in class to                 alter, manipulate, and attach Styrofoam cups in order to build the abstract sculpture inspired by one or more of                   their chosen sketches.  

 

2. Vocabulary: 

 

          Abstract, Asymmetrical, Symmetrical, Craftsmanship, Positive & Negative Space

          Review Elements and Principles: Color, Shape, Texture, Space, Form, Line, Value, Unity/Harmony, Balance,                                                                                        Scale/Proportion, Emphasis, Variety, Movement, Rhythm, Harmony

 

3. Researching: 
           a. Think about your Theme/Subject (You choose @ least three from the Elements and Principles)
                           Google Search: Styrofoam Cup Sculpture

                           Google Search: Styrofoam Cup Relief

           b. What type of sculpture do you want to make?:
                       1.   Relief: Sculpture that extends from a surface, like a wall
                       2.   In the Round: Sculpture that can be viewed from all sides

           c. What techniques will you use?


4. Visual Development

          Create three design sketches for your proposed designs. You may not start until you have at least three different                 design sketched out. Remember that sculpture is visible in the round and that all sides must be interesting. Speak             with me when you have your design sketches complete and we will pick the best one together.


5. Final Design

         Requirements:

                  Must create an artwork that shows:
                              a. experimentation with materials
                              b. intentional Positive & Negative Space development
                              c. completed artwork with a completed design

                              d. completed work displays @ least 3 of the elements and principles of art
                              e. artwork is abstract, asymmetrical and interesting from all sides
                              f. Constructed neatly and carefully

                              g. Sculptures must be 12" tall or 12" long 

                              h. 3 sketches are complete and show effort in concept and design

6. Refinement:

            When you have completed the majority of your project, make sure you begin refining your design. Think about the               following things:

                     - Clean up your glue areas, making sure there are no messy areas that distract from your design                     
                     - Make sure that you have GOOD CRAFTSMANSHIP in your cut out areas. 
                     - Make sure that you have GOOD CRAFTSMANSHIP when gluing/attaching the project together                                              (construction). 
                     - ask at least three people around the room if they notice any areas that need attention
                     - Continue to analyze your project to see if any areas need to be refined or changed to fit the project rubric                             requirements.

 

 

 

Materials:

​

Styrofoam cups

Xacto knives

Rulers

Templates

Cutting boards

Hot glue

Elmers glue

 

Procedure:

Contemporary artist Tara Donovan will be introduced to students, by showing examples of her work which is made from repeating household objects such as Styrofoam cups, buttons, etc.  Discussion about how the artist uses the elements and principles of art to create her sculptures.

 

Students will also view various other examples of sculptures created using Styrofoam cups

 

After viewing the work of Tara Donovan, students will develop three different concepts for a finished sculpture using altered and manipulated Styrofoam cups.  Students should focus on the elements and principles of art when developing their sketches.

 

Things to think about:  Consider cutting lines and/or shapes from the cups.  Use only parts of the cup to build with (i.e.:  rim, bottom circle,etc.).  Consider using a heat gun to slightly misshape the cup.  Cut notches in the cups to link them together before gluing.  Make sure the sculpture is interesting from all sides and that it is not symmetrical.  You sculpture should have emphasis or an area to which the viewers eye goes first.  Both positive and negative space are important.

 

Once sketches are developed, students will review sketches with the teacher in order to choose one concept to work with.

 

Once final concepts are chosen, teacher will demonstrate various methods as mentioned above in class that will enable students to create and build their finished sculpture.

 

Students will build their final sculpture from Styrofoam cups using the methods demonstrated in class with a focus on the elements and principles of art.

 

Craftsmanship is very important for all works of art.  Students should ensure that all lines and connections are clean, and there are no glue strings from the hot glue gun.