Project 1 Description/Assignment:
We studied Clive Bell and his Theory of Significant Form and then created a dynamic asymmetrical composition that used the elements of design. Once we had a non-representational form we thought about how we could juxtapose a two dimensional visual element on our form based on a reading we looked at called “The New Graphic Design: Layers”
Personally, I was most excited for the visual/graphic element because that is where I am more confident, however I was very excited to try something I had never done before (working with chicken wire and plaster/ coming up with ideas for representational forms).
Finished Piece
I started out solely focusing on making the form non representational and dynamic. Once I had my form I started thinking about my graphic element. Even though Clive Bell's voice in my head was telling me to make it just about the form, I couldn't help but see some meaning in my form. It reminded me of a cave under the sea, a very organic shape with varying textures. So, when preparing for my visual element I decided I would stick with that theme of the sea and used water-like and bubble-like patterns and the color blue. At the end I added on some chicken wire on as a finishing touch, and it became a piece about pollution.
Lateral Thinking:
The first step to this project was to study Clive Bell and his Theory of Significant Form. I learned there are two types of responses one can have while viewing a work of art, and those are: emotional responses (when the artwork is a more significant form and symbolizes something that would evoke some sort of memories or emotions in the viewer, often relating to culture), and aesthetic responses (response to forms themselves, regardless of other associations/meanings). Clive Bell believed looking at art aesthetically was the correct way to view art, therefore I immediately started thinking of ways I could make my piece solely about form and aesthetic, without applying any meaning or representation.
Sketchbook/Drawings
For each of my sketches I tried to create designs that were dynamic in the sense that they did not have flat bases, they were asymmetrical, had more than two sides, and included texture and pattern while still being non representational.
Maquettes
i used clay to sculpt my maquettes. After making these I was able to better see my designs in 3D, so it was easier to tell how dynamic they were. I realized some of my designs were two sided and symmetrical, so I knew what I had to do differently for my final piece.
Material Studies
This is a photo of the material study I did before starting the sculpture. I tested out molding the chicken wire and then mixing the plaster and layering it on, and then smoothing it out. This was helpful to study before starting the final piece so I knew how the plaster worked with the wire.