Weeks 9 & 10 wrapping our sculptures

During week 9, we used a substance called Paverpol along with newspaper to giver our sculptures some depth.  Unfortunately, we didn't have enough Paverpol and it was really sticky to use which made it difficult for the students to wrap their sculptures.

During week 10 Mrs. Luker happened to have plaster wrap, which worked much, much better.  The wrap consists of a gauze with plaster adhered to it.  When you dip it in water, it becomes soft and pliable.  Students cut strips of plaster wrap and wrapped their sculptures like they would a cast.  When dry, the sculptures will be hard and we'll begin painting them.

Week 8- Forming our sculptures

This week we continued on our Giacometti inspired sculptures by wrapping them in foil.  Wrapping the wire in form is an important step in forming our figures.   We gave the bodies a bit more girth and depth and secured the legs to the base by forming feet.  This step gave the figures more life and character, as you can see from the photos...

Next week we'll wrap the figures in newspaper and a substance called Paverpol.  This step will make them hard and sturdy.  See you then!!

Week 7- Alberto Giacometti Inspired Sculptures

This week, we talked about the work of Alberto Giacometti and his bronze sculptures of the human figure. Alberto was categorized as a surrealist.  I put together a Power Point presentation which you can view here.

We talked about how abstract figures like Giacometti's can have elongated arms and legs.  It exaggerates the movement of the pieces.

Each student got on long piece of sculpture wire to twist and bend to form the shape of the head, torso, and legs.  Then, they hooked the legs (or in some cases, leg) to the styrofoam bases.  Then, we added a piece of wire for the arms.  It's really cool to see all the different gestures and positions the students sculpted their forms in!

Next week we'll use a substance called Paverpol to attach newspaper on to the wire and base.  See you then!

Week 6- Drawing Realistic Portraits

This week we did a 180 degree turn from our abstract masks and learned how to draw a realistic face using charcoal pencils.  We talked about the structure of the face, the shape of the face, how the eye line is half way down the face, then the nose line half way from the eye line to the chin, and then the mouth line half way from the nose line to the chin.  We talked about how human faces can vary and no two faces are alike, but normally the structure of the face is the same for everyone.

We also talked about shading, value, light and dark and how to show dimension in the structure of a portrait.  I think the kids did a great job with these!

Next week we'll start a long term abstract sculpture project.  See you then!

Week 5- Painting our Cubist Masks

I've gotten a bit behind on the blog again... I apologize for that.  This week we painted our cubist masks and found that they had cracked while drying in multiple places.  I actually contacted Columbus Clay, which is where we purchased the self hardening white clay.  They told me that the cracking was likely due to the thickness of the masks.  We'll still be able to salvage them... all is not lost!  Mrs. Luker and I have plans to mount them on some sort of hard board before the spring show in May.

The students did a great job of painting the masks in a cubist and abstract manner, emphasizing the different shapes in their masks.  

Week 4- Sculpting our Cubist Masks

Today we began sculpting our cubist masks out of white air dry clay from Columbus Clay Company.  I showed the students a quick presentation on Picasso, African Masks, and Cubism before we began to help them understand abstract elements in cubism a bit better.  You can view the PowerPoint Presentation here.  The students understand that each element Picasso used has purpose.  They aren't just random shapes all jumbled up.  He painted 3 dimensional objects from both sides.  Our task is to try to show all sides in our masks...

I think the kids really have a good grasp of the cubism and understand how use these elements in their masks.  Next week we'll paint our them.  I'm looking forward to seeing how they turn out!

Week 3- Sketching Cubist Masks

Today, we began a long clay sculpting project.  To begin, we sketched ideas for our cubist masks.  We talked about Picasso's cubist movement and how he was influenced by African art.  Picasso used geometric shapes to describe the human face.  He also used cubism, which is like painting a three dimensional object all at once from both sides.

Next week we'll begin sculpting our masks out of clay.  See you then!