Independent Research
Junior/senior level experience in sculpture.
Intermediate: Individual Research: Request for Proposal (RFP)
Hot Metal Casting: Lost Wax Process
Mission: (Project Description)
Hollow lost wax casting method: A unique wax pattern will be developed using plaster and rubber molds. The wax pattern will be taken through the “Lost Wax Process” to create a unique bronze or aluminum sculpture with a patina or alternative finishing method. Individual students have a choice to cast a wax form presented from a previous course or to create a new hollow casting for this project. A hollow lost wax casting method is the only technical criteria. If a new casting is to be produced, you are encouraged to create a composition and concept that pushes the envelope of this level course.
This project will challenge and further introduce the student to the processes of casting metal. A traditional investment material of plaster, silica sand and silica flour will be used for this project. The student should show an understanding of the methods listed below. A metal form will be cast and finished by the student.
Project Gallery
Exquisite Corpse: Artifacts
Exquisite corpse or Cadavre exquis is traditionally a drawing technique where a bank of words or images are collected, and assembled to create a finished composition. This project explores this surrealist idea in an assemblage of components to create an “Exquisite corpse” sculptural artifact.
Mission: (Project Description)
In this project, the student is asked to create five artifacts from the inventory of objects created from previous mold-making assignments. Students are allowed to melt, cut, deconstruct, and transform existing objects and reassemble them into unique sculptural forms/figures. The final form may be prepared as if to be cast in metal using the gating method for the traditional investment lost wax method. Other materials may be added. Attention should be given to how additional materials are fastened to the wax objects. Note whether objects will remain as original material or be cast pin metal.
Project Gallery
Texture Switch
Mission: (Project Description)
Within this project, we will bring into question the “skin” of an object, and how alterations to it develop our perceptions of the object. Many artists, such as Meret Oppenheim, Lucas Samaras, and Joseph Beuys, have pursued this concept creating works that question or negate an object’s original function. The simple manipulation of a surface can allow strong conceptual narratives to develop, speaking to a greater importance beyond the original object.
Transform: v. 1 make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance, character, etc.
Project Gallery
Wood Carving: Merging Early and Contemporary Icons
Mission:
In this project create a wood carved mask that visually merges early and contemporary icons. The mask should take on a combination of both icons chosen. The main material will be wood, other materials can be used to embellish the form. Try to use materials that are a part of our current culture. Accumulated objects or components of devices we use might be good resources. A visit to the salvage yards will be a good resource as well.
Plaster Carving Non Objective Form: Abstraction Morphing/Transformation
Mission: (Project Description)
Using two forms build one, morphing the forms together to become a non-objective or abstract formal composition. The original forms are to be used as inspiration to assist in guiding the form. Use elements from each, yet develop your sculpture as a unique entity with an elegant form and a clean aesthetic. Original chosen objects may be mechanical (man-made) or natural.
Project Gallery
Body Art: Plaster Casting and Mixed Media
Prologue:
The human body and its components allow us to understand facets of identity such as gender, sexuality, race, and ethnicity. Slight gestures can represent emotion, mood, and intent. Subtle and extreme alterations of the body, such as hair, skin, and clothing can suggest alignment with or rebellion against social conventions and to express ideas to others. Many artists explore visual expression through representations of the body and by using their bodies in their creative process. The poetry of bringing objects together to suggest or make strong statements can sometimes be elusive. Not only does one need the right objects to build a dialogue, but a keen observation of craft is important in developing a poetic voice that does not distract the artist’s intent.
Mission: (Project Description)
Create a sculptural form using elements from the human body and at minimum one other form. A cast component, plaster, or other material, of the body, will be a basis for their research. Other materials are not only encouraged but also expected in the final solution.
Project Examples:
Mold Making: Encapsulated Rubber Molds
Mission: (Project Description)
In this project, the student will be introduced to “Encapsulated Mold-making”. Rubber will be used as an interior jacket to collect surface and surface detail. A plaster exterior mother mold will be used to establish a structure for the flexible mold. Rubber is an elastic material that can pick up very minute detail. Its flexible quality allows it to be pulled and stretched to cast challenging objects that can not be cast from a more rigid material. The mold material can be used numerous times with many different materials, respectively.