3-d Foundations
Course Description:
Objective interaction: September 9th 2014
This first assignment started with the simplicity an arrow. I chose it because it is a basic object that would be a powerful statement when thought of as a metaphor. So, I decided to take the arrow idea and run with it. I did not really have any other ideas that came to mind; nothing struck me. And for this project, I wanted to have the object be about me. Luckily in my family crest, there is a bow and arrow.
As my thought process continued, the arrow grew into multiple arrows after researching artist Cai Guo-Qiang. His installation piece of tigers, Inopportune: Stage Two, was a huge influence and flow of ideas for my sculpture. His piece is a stuffed tiger with a massive amount of arrows penetrating the tiger at all angels, symbolic message to his audience. With this idea of arrows present, I still needed a base object for the arrows to interact with. To me, the arrow represents shooting for goals through life. Each is a hope, a dream, a wish, and they have to shoot through the air and hit something. This something was the next piece I had to figure out. Like Cai Guo-Qiang's piece, there had to be importance to this sculpture. In the back of my mind, there has to be some type of message to convey to the audience. Looking at it this way, I thought of a human heart since my roommate is a nurse. It is complex, meaningful, and a great way to break the boundaries of society’s idea of love. The idea was complete.
Now, how and where do I start? Having never made a mold and any type of plaster object, I had to do a little research after the class lesson. Making the mold from the industrial Styrofoam was not as difficult as I thought it would be, but the shaping of the mold after it was set, that was the hard part. I definitely put many hours into the plaster heart to make it as 3D as I possibly could. The arrows also were hand-made, instead of finding one object, because the metaphor was important to create. The only problem I ran into is the drying time of the plaster. It always seemed damp and the arrows struggled to stay in place with the use of making a hole in the plaster and hot gluing the arrows into place.
Overall, the process wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. A good chunk of time was put into the shaping of the sculpture, and to have this piece fully grasp the idea and message I was trying to convey. I'm very happy with the final product! There’s always room for improvement, and am very excited to see the outcome of the critique.
As my thought process continued, the arrow grew into multiple arrows after researching artist Cai Guo-Qiang. His installation piece of tigers, Inopportune: Stage Two, was a huge influence and flow of ideas for my sculpture. His piece is a stuffed tiger with a massive amount of arrows penetrating the tiger at all angels, symbolic message to his audience. With this idea of arrows present, I still needed a base object for the arrows to interact with. To me, the arrow represents shooting for goals through life. Each is a hope, a dream, a wish, and they have to shoot through the air and hit something. This something was the next piece I had to figure out. Like Cai Guo-Qiang's piece, there had to be importance to this sculpture. In the back of my mind, there has to be some type of message to convey to the audience. Looking at it this way, I thought of a human heart since my roommate is a nurse. It is complex, meaningful, and a great way to break the boundaries of society’s idea of love. The idea was complete.
Now, how and where do I start? Having never made a mold and any type of plaster object, I had to do a little research after the class lesson. Making the mold from the industrial Styrofoam was not as difficult as I thought it would be, but the shaping of the mold after it was set, that was the hard part. I definitely put many hours into the plaster heart to make it as 3D as I possibly could. The arrows also were hand-made, instead of finding one object, because the metaphor was important to create. The only problem I ran into is the drying time of the plaster. It always seemed damp and the arrows struggled to stay in place with the use of making a hole in the plaster and hot gluing the arrows into place.
Overall, the process wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. A good chunk of time was put into the shaping of the sculpture, and to have this piece fully grasp the idea and message I was trying to convey. I'm very happy with the final product! There’s always room for improvement, and am very excited to see the outcome of the critique.
"Pierced Love"
Wire: september 23rd 2014
Using wire was completely new to me when it was introduced at the beginning of the semester. Taking the time to try and manipulate it into an object was even harder. So when I created my original piece it was very object based. I had an idea and tried to recreate it, the Viking helmet. But, when I was told I could redo it my entire mindset changed and so did my plan of attack. I was going to continue my on going theme of the semester.
I had a few extra pieces of broken glass, one in particular that would be used for the base of the sculpture. And then the other pieces were used to enhance the concept of broken and shattered, but also be lit up by a spot light to create a variety of looks and add color from the blue-ish green glass quality. After I found what glass I wanted to use, I then took all my extra cuts of wire and started to shape them into hearts, with each heart being slightly different. Once I had the love concept I put it all together on the bigger piece of glass. While this project is still only 4x5x6 inches, the lighting is key to enhance and really project the concept of this piece.
Overall I’m very pleased with re-doing the project to make something greater than what I had originally started with. I learned a lot about adapting to what materials I have, even if I struggle with them. Also, learned that abstract art is okay and fun to do when it stands with a strong concept and heavy deeper messages to drive the piece to success.
I had a few extra pieces of broken glass, one in particular that would be used for the base of the sculpture. And then the other pieces were used to enhance the concept of broken and shattered, but also be lit up by a spot light to create a variety of looks and add color from the blue-ish green glass quality. After I found what glass I wanted to use, I then took all my extra cuts of wire and started to shape them into hearts, with each heart being slightly different. Once I had the love concept I put it all together on the bigger piece of glass. While this project is still only 4x5x6 inches, the lighting is key to enhance and really project the concept of this piece.
Overall I’m very pleased with re-doing the project to make something greater than what I had originally started with. I learned a lot about adapting to what materials I have, even if I struggle with them. Also, learned that abstract art is okay and fun to do when it stands with a strong concept and heavy deeper messages to drive the piece to success.
"back together again"
Public Works Project: October 14th, 2014
This foam core model structure for the NIU public art is a way to have students, faculty, and any other person take the chance to sit and relax on a large structure. The wrap around bench is broke particularly into four sections to sit four different groups of people, with the barriers in place to keep conversations to each group. The paw print and NIU reliefs on opposites sides give an icon look to the tall structure. Over time, things may or may not be added to the other two sides. The material of this column structure would be stone, and would allow etching or engraving into the stone. The two reliefs would be of stainless steel, portraying a rough but still put together look. As for the wrapped bench, it would be in stone as well, with stainless steel barriers in between.
The simplicity of the structure would be a main selling point. It is more architecturally based, rather than an abstract piece of art. Its’ function would also be appreciated due to the lack of benches and seating areas around the East side of campus. The location of this piece could be placed in any common meeting area, with open space and height to have this tall structure fit. Its use would be more of a positive, rather than just looking at it as a piece of art. Function is very important to creating a well-rounded piece of public art.
The simplicity of the structure would be a main selling point. It is more architecturally based, rather than an abstract piece of art. Its’ function would also be appreciated due to the lack of benches and seating areas around the East side of campus. The location of this piece could be placed in any common meeting area, with open space and height to have this tall structure fit. Its use would be more of a positive, rather than just looking at it as a piece of art. Function is very important to creating a well-rounded piece of public art.
3d Printing: October 28th, 2014
Being able to have to opportunity to learn 3D programs on the computer is an amazing experience that not many students do not have at their liberty. This class project was not only interesting, but also somewhat difficult because of the programs. I also had trouble with the programs specifically because I was using my laptop track pad instead of a mouse. Only having one week to learn the program and then use it correctly was a little time consuming. I would love to be able to be correctly taught tricks and full usage of the program so that I could directly take my sketches of my designs and create them in the program.
By having these difficulties I ended up tooling around with the program and using parts of my idea sketches, not the exact sketches. The difficultly is what set me a little behind, as well as the frustration of the program. I did, however, mess around with multiple programs from the list to get an idea of how to use more then one program. My technique isn’t fully at par with my own standards, but I had enough to get the project done to the requirements.
Overall the project had its upsides and downfalls as well. On the positive side, not many other classes get the chance to use a 3D printer. That is huge! Just for us to be able to try it is a great opportunity. I’m very excited to see where the designs can go in the future. Also I’m interested in how the 3D printer actually works, the mechanics of it. It’s very different. The technology is very complex, yet it is a great new tool in the art world.
By having these difficulties I ended up tooling around with the program and using parts of my idea sketches, not the exact sketches. The difficultly is what set me a little behind, as well as the frustration of the program. I did, however, mess around with multiple programs from the list to get an idea of how to use more then one program. My technique isn’t fully at par with my own standards, but I had enough to get the project done to the requirements.
Overall the project had its upsides and downfalls as well. On the positive side, not many other classes get the chance to use a 3D printer. That is huge! Just for us to be able to try it is a great opportunity. I’m very excited to see where the designs can go in the future. Also I’m interested in how the 3D printer actually works, the mechanics of it. It’s very different. The technology is very complex, yet it is a great new tool in the art world.
3d Box Project: November 11th, 2014
This project has by far been the most exciting to create, and the most interesting. By using the wood material, I automatically knew I had an upper hand. I’ve been using power tools regularly since I was a child, from building birdhouses to even putting in hardwood floors in homes, the use was easy. The hard problem I had was mastering the techniques and getting the process down in the correct order.
I started off with the idea to create a box that was not the shape of a box. From there, I wanted the box to connect to me so that later on I could use the box, keep it on my dresser. Thinking this way, a jewelry box was a perfect idea! By connecting it to me I decided to use something close to my heart. Since I’m very involved in my sorority, I decided to use their symbol of the Ivy leaf. After a few sketches the idea was clear that I was going to use wood to trace out ivy leaf. I needed to have layers to create the depth of the box, and then make sure I had a hollow middle and then a top lid to close it. By adding the swivel aspect to the box, it makes it more unique, as well as more of an art piece that can be for art and for function. Double use is very important to this piece to make it stand out. As well as the swivel part, I decided it would be best to stain the piece after sanding, for a little extra. The stain was also picked out to be the particular color that it is so that it matches my sorority colors to create a more in depth piece.
Overall I really liked working with this wood material. The techniques learned in class were put to good use in this piece. Also, my background in wood working helped me a lot when it came to ideas and how to get that idea from my head to the piece itself. I still need to go back, make the bottom piece and finish the top lid, and I need to sand and stain once again. Then I would also like to seal the stain. By figuring out these last steps I can have a fully done and unique piece.
I started off with the idea to create a box that was not the shape of a box. From there, I wanted the box to connect to me so that later on I could use the box, keep it on my dresser. Thinking this way, a jewelry box was a perfect idea! By connecting it to me I decided to use something close to my heart. Since I’m very involved in my sorority, I decided to use their symbol of the Ivy leaf. After a few sketches the idea was clear that I was going to use wood to trace out ivy leaf. I needed to have layers to create the depth of the box, and then make sure I had a hollow middle and then a top lid to close it. By adding the swivel aspect to the box, it makes it more unique, as well as more of an art piece that can be for art and for function. Double use is very important to this piece to make it stand out. As well as the swivel part, I decided it would be best to stain the piece after sanding, for a little extra. The stain was also picked out to be the particular color that it is so that it matches my sorority colors to create a more in depth piece.
Overall I really liked working with this wood material. The techniques learned in class were put to good use in this piece. Also, my background in wood working helped me a lot when it came to ideas and how to get that idea from my head to the piece itself. I still need to go back, make the bottom piece and finish the top lid, and I need to sand and stain once again. Then I would also like to seal the stain. By figuring out these last steps I can have a fully done and unique piece.
"Ivy ivy ivy"
Put a Pig on it: November 19th, 2014
Who ever liked birds? Like, truly truly liked birds? Not me. No way. They are dirty and disgusting. But pigs, they are so cute! Growing up listening to farm stories from my father I grew a huge love for pigs in my heart. When we watched the “Put a Bird On It” comedy skit, I realized a few simple things, and then changed them to apply them to my life.
First, people who aren’t artists, or have no art bone in their body, most think that you can make something and just call it “art”. To me, this skit makes fun of art. Being able to just put a bird on something and call it a piece of artwork. While this is humorous, it’s also very disrespectful. Going through this 3D class, I’ve found a new love for my artwork. I create something, in some way with many techniques. It is art. I do not see it as just putting a “bird” on something. I put time and effort, thought and a full process into every piece that I create.
This is exactly what I did with this quick project. Pigs, a personal connecting that could also be very different. I decided to create a freestanding piece with a pig somewhere. The idea was originally created in a thrift store, grabbing items of the shelves, figuring out how to piece them together, and then putting a pig on it. I’ve always been fascinated with mosaics, so I grabbed different colors of glass that I could find in the isles. Keeping a color theme, cool colors, I thought it would be interesting to create my pig out of glass. I then had to break the class, draw the pig on the top spinning wood piece of the structure, and then glue all the pieces down. After this, just simple assembling of the items was next. Overall the simplicity of this project was good, for it was created in a short period of time, but still with good craftsmanship and an in depth idea of importance to me. It is true art, doesn’t matter what you “put on it”. Also, testing this project with glass mosaic gave me the idea for my final project. Even though this was done in a short period of time, many great ideas came out of it!
First, people who aren’t artists, or have no art bone in their body, most think that you can make something and just call it “art”. To me, this skit makes fun of art. Being able to just put a bird on something and call it a piece of artwork. While this is humorous, it’s also very disrespectful. Going through this 3D class, I’ve found a new love for my artwork. I create something, in some way with many techniques. It is art. I do not see it as just putting a “bird” on something. I put time and effort, thought and a full process into every piece that I create.
This is exactly what I did with this quick project. Pigs, a personal connecting that could also be very different. I decided to create a freestanding piece with a pig somewhere. The idea was originally created in a thrift store, grabbing items of the shelves, figuring out how to piece them together, and then putting a pig on it. I’ve always been fascinated with mosaics, so I grabbed different colors of glass that I could find in the isles. Keeping a color theme, cool colors, I thought it would be interesting to create my pig out of glass. I then had to break the class, draw the pig on the top spinning wood piece of the structure, and then glue all the pieces down. After this, just simple assembling of the items was next. Overall the simplicity of this project was good, for it was created in a short period of time, but still with good craftsmanship and an in depth idea of importance to me. It is true art, doesn’t matter what you “put on it”. Also, testing this project with glass mosaic gave me the idea for my final project. Even though this was done in a short period of time, many great ideas came out of it!
Break and put together again: Dec. 9th 2014
This final project came easy to me. My idea was to go outside my comfort zone and create an abstract 3 dimensional piece. At first I want to use wood. This semester has taught me a lot about wood working, and I’ve had the chance to perfect the skills I already had with wood working. So from there a material was chosen.
After that initial step was started, I could start to create a “deeper meaning”. I already had a theme going for this semester…heartbreak, sorrow, and connection with inner self…so I decide to keep that concept in full flow for my final piece. I also needed to create a piece that had the high caliber to be put in to my Art Education entrance portfolio. These two main guidelines were the first steps in creating this abstract 3D art.
I took the action of cutting up wood into piece, and related it to the broken heart, or lifestyle that I’ve been living. And then an idea click, what about glass?! I enjoy smashing glass into millions of pieces so I thought I would go forth with this and try to take both mediums and put them together. I also sanded and stained each piece of wood with a marble stain, adding flare and personality to just a simple piece of plywood. This represents myself as an individual.
Once I had that all down and the beginning steps completed, it was time to assemble the piece. Since I was going for an abstract look (the way a heart breaks is never the same), I decided to “wing it”. I started by hot gluing pieces together at angles and creating shapes pleasing to the eye. The glass was added after all the wood was put in place. By combining all these broken pieces, the finished product was whole. The same way a broken heart becomes whole again. It may not be the same as it once was before, but it is still something. And that something is beautiful.
After that initial step was started, I could start to create a “deeper meaning”. I already had a theme going for this semester…heartbreak, sorrow, and connection with inner self…so I decide to keep that concept in full flow for my final piece. I also needed to create a piece that had the high caliber to be put in to my Art Education entrance portfolio. These two main guidelines were the first steps in creating this abstract 3D art.
I took the action of cutting up wood into piece, and related it to the broken heart, or lifestyle that I’ve been living. And then an idea click, what about glass?! I enjoy smashing glass into millions of pieces so I thought I would go forth with this and try to take both mediums and put them together. I also sanded and stained each piece of wood with a marble stain, adding flare and personality to just a simple piece of plywood. This represents myself as an individual.
Once I had that all down and the beginning steps completed, it was time to assemble the piece. Since I was going for an abstract look (the way a heart breaks is never the same), I decided to “wing it”. I started by hot gluing pieces together at angles and creating shapes pleasing to the eye. The glass was added after all the wood was put in place. By combining all these broken pieces, the finished product was whole. The same way a broken heart becomes whole again. It may not be the same as it once was before, but it is still something. And that something is beautiful.
Partner Interview: Dec 9th 2014
Being able to experience a 3D foundations class in the art department has been a pleasure; and even more, an experience to meet new students and ones that have become friends through the program and beyond. I had the opportunity to interview Andrew. He is a Time Arts major, very excited to get into his program. Even though his major in 2D based, his excitement talking about 3D was very pleasant.
Looking at the semester as a whole, his favorite project was said to be both the wire project, as well as the box project. Specifically looking at the wire project, Andrew made a replica of his violin. He thought that this project excelled for him due to the concept behind it, the idea of making an instrument out of something other than what it truly is made of him. For him, the violin has a big importance and impact on his life. His love for instruments propelled him to create a well-crafted piece. The only difficulty that he mentioned was the craft of the smaller pieces. Working with the wire material to make the neck of the violin was the most difficult part, to make sure that is was structurally supported with the entire violin as a whole.
His biggest challenge in the course was the same as mine, time management. This seemed to be a reoccurring problem for most classmates. Have multiple studio classes and have more than one project due on specific due dates definitely puts a tool on the time management for art students. Andrew and I both had trouble with getting project 100% done for critiques, and did our best to at least put something out there that could be critiqued by the class. Other than time management, Andrew struggled with new techniques and materials. This 3D class was very informative when it came to materials and techniques we had never seen before, but then having to apply them takes time. It also takes a lot of practice. It’s hard to be graded and expect higher grades on techniques we have never used before. So all in all, it’s a learning process.
Andrew’s overall impression and feelings from this course were on a positive note. He explained to me that this 3D course was a good start and dabble into the world of 3D art! Learning how to use new materials, as well as techniques was a great tool to have for the future for him. Also, his idea and concepts grew over time. Having ideas to have meanings and concepts connect to the viewer on a deeper level was the most important thing to take away from this class. Andrew and I both agree on that aspect of this 3D course! It plays a big part into making artwork stand out and be memorable.
Looking at the semester as a whole, his favorite project was said to be both the wire project, as well as the box project. Specifically looking at the wire project, Andrew made a replica of his violin. He thought that this project excelled for him due to the concept behind it, the idea of making an instrument out of something other than what it truly is made of him. For him, the violin has a big importance and impact on his life. His love for instruments propelled him to create a well-crafted piece. The only difficulty that he mentioned was the craft of the smaller pieces. Working with the wire material to make the neck of the violin was the most difficult part, to make sure that is was structurally supported with the entire violin as a whole.
His biggest challenge in the course was the same as mine, time management. This seemed to be a reoccurring problem for most classmates. Have multiple studio classes and have more than one project due on specific due dates definitely puts a tool on the time management for art students. Andrew and I both had trouble with getting project 100% done for critiques, and did our best to at least put something out there that could be critiqued by the class. Other than time management, Andrew struggled with new techniques and materials. This 3D class was very informative when it came to materials and techniques we had never seen before, but then having to apply them takes time. It also takes a lot of practice. It’s hard to be graded and expect higher grades on techniques we have never used before. So all in all, it’s a learning process.
Andrew’s overall impression and feelings from this course were on a positive note. He explained to me that this 3D course was a good start and dabble into the world of 3D art! Learning how to use new materials, as well as techniques was a great tool to have for the future for him. Also, his idea and concepts grew over time. Having ideas to have meanings and concepts connect to the viewer on a deeper level was the most important thing to take away from this class. Andrew and I both agree on that aspect of this 3D course! It plays a big part into making artwork stand out and be memorable.