3d visual art humanities. sculpture or 3d art art that takes up actual 3 dimensional space...

3D Visual art

Humanities

Sculpture or 3D art

Art that takes up actual 3 dimensional space–height–width–depth

Dimensionality

Full-Round– Intended to be viewed

from any angle– Complete figure from any

angle– Free-standing

Dimensionality

Relief– Attached to a background– Can be viewed only from front– Still has a 2D quality

Dimensionality

Linear– Made up of linear

materialsWireNeon tubingMetal pipe

Methods - HOW?

Subtraction– “Carving”– Starting with a large piece of material,

and then cutting away the unwanted material

– Must start with a flawless piece of material

– Rock, wood

Methods

Addition– “Built sculpture”– Starting with a small bit of material and

then adding elements– Often involves mixing materials

Methods

Substitution– “Casting”– A mold is made and then some type of

material that will turn from liquid to solid is added. After it hardens, the mold is taken away.

– Metal, plastic, resin, fiberglass– Usually hollow to save money, less

cracking

Methods

Manipulation– “Molding”– Artist starts with the correct amount of

material, and then reshapes it to it’s final form

– Clay (pottery)

Methods

Found– Taking natural objects and putting

them together to form a sculpture– Many times combined with one of the

other methods

– Can a naturally created object be a sculpture?

Methods

Ephemeral– A sculpture designed to exist only for a

short time.– Many times , the creation of the art is

as important as the final product

Running Fence – Christo

Composition - Elements

Mass– Unlike 2D art, 3D sculpture has real

mass (takes up space)– The density (weight of the material)

also effects the appearanceA square foot wood weights less

than a square foot of metal, etc.

Composition – Elements

Line and form– Operate exactly as in 2D art.– Cannot be separated

Individual lines are selected and then arranged into forms, telling the viewer “what” they are looking at.

Composition – Elements

Focal Point– Operates exactly as in 2D art.– Where does the artist want us to look?– Open form

Parts of the work exist outside the workOur eyes drift away from the work

– Closed formIs contained completely in the workOur eyes are directed back into the work

Composition – Elements

Color– Operates exactly as in 2D art.– Different materials have different colors– The material may be chosen solely for

it’s color– Some sculptures are painted

Greek sculpture

Composition – Elements

Texture– Operates exactly as in 2D art– Much more use of actual texture in

sculpture– Most sculpture was created to be

touched– A mark of a master sculptor is the

finished texture of the work

Composition – Elements

Negative space– Holes or openings in the sculpture– Amount, size, and placement control

how important they are in a work

Composition - Negative space

Composition – Principles

Proportion– The relationship and balance of shapes

Artistic – appearance of the subjectTechnical – so the work will stand up

– Placement may effect proportionMichelangelo’s David

– Torso and arms elongated because sculpture was supposed to be on the roof of a building

Composition – Principles

Rhythm Harmony Variation Repetition Juxtaposition

– Operate as they did in 2D art– May be more subtle or hidden than in

2D visual art

The Discus Thrower – Byron

Variation withtriangles

Other factors

Articulation– How one form moves to and connects

with another– Very important in sculpture because

the artist must control a 3D space– (see next)

Other factors

Emphasis (Focal area)– Important for all visual artists, but even

more difficult for a sculptor as the viewer can move all around the work.

– How the artist gets us to move around the work, but to return to the focal point.

How does it stimulate our senses?

– TouchTexture

–Most sculpture is meant to be touched

• Rough or smooth?• Cold or warm?

How does it stimulate our senses?

– TemperatureApparent warmth or coolness based

on color of material or paint

– AgeOld or new based on condition of

the surface and weathering or aging–Can be “created” by the artist

How does it stimulate our senses?

– DynamicsApparent movement of the workVisual clues as to direction and

speedCan be altered by the movement of

the viewer around the sculpture–The Discus Thrower-

• moving or still?

How does it stimulate our senses?

– SizeHas an important effect on or

reactionExaggerated size may lend more

importance to the subject

Michelangelo’s David is 18 feet tall. Would this effect our reaction?

How does it stimulate our senses?

– LightingEffects;

– Color– Highlights– Shadows– Appearance of mass and 3D

Is usually out of the artist's controlOutside lighting is constantly changing

How does it stimulate our senses?

– EnvironmentWhere is the work exhibited

– Inside or Outside?Do we see the entire work clearly, all at

one time? (as in most museums)

Do we have to move around the work to get a clear or complete picture? (possibly outside)