This page is devoted to sharing the latest and greatest at the NIU School of
Art. This month we feature a three-dimensional assignment by
Jessica Witte.
Bend Me, Shake Me…
A project for the first day of
class.
Problem: Make movable sculpture… puppet, book form, or mobile- that is a
self-portrait or self-referential. In viewing this, one will get an idea of
your life, your thoughts, your dreams…at the present moment. Your project
must be at least 1 foot by 1 foot and must be able to fit into one of the
cases. Intricate smaller work will be accepted on an individual basis.
Objective:
Begin working with 3D materials, to show me what you already know and what
your interests are. Amaze me. High craft level (neat edges, no glue globs,
etc ) and good ideas are expected.
Materials:
Open to all 3D and 2D materials (use materials that reflect who you are,
what your life is like now, what you are passionate about) Wire, pliers,
glue gun, and paper will be provided. Bristol board, photographs, wooden
dowels, floral wire, and any materials thin enough to be easily cut with
your X-acto are ideal for this beginning project.
Strategy: Use these questions as a guide…
How can you make the form of your work
move in space in an interesting way? How did you use the elements and
principles of design to make a unified work?
How does the way your work moves help
express your content (think about the meanings behind- unfolding, balancing,
and having a body part controlled by someone else? How do(es) the
material(s) speak about you? (Remember that we are going to look at the
objects and materials without the personal narratives that may be behind
them.) Does the relationship between my materials and the idea mirror each
other?
Day 2 of project: BRING IN SKETCHES. You
will be working in class all day Day 3 and 4, so have the materials needed
and things ready to work on. You will need to turn in your finished work on
Day 5, so use all of class time.
Assessment
Criteria:
-Is the construction method stable enough so that the piece can be
moved easily by a viewer?
-Does the sculpture convey a part of your
personality or interests?
-Are the elements of design used to help
communicate your idea and organized to create a unified whole with enough
variety to retain a viewer’s interest?
