ARTistic Pursuits Inc.: Sculpture Technique Construct {Review}

We have enjoyed reviewing for ARTistic Pursuits Inc. over the last several years, so when we had the opportunity to review Sculpture Technique Construct, we were excited to get started.

Sculpture Technique Construct is designed for ages 11-18 and can be used for 1 credit of high school course work with a few recommendations (such as museum and park field trips, planning and sketching, and reading additional materials). The processes, concepts, and elements of sculpture are introduced with construction methods and materials in papermaking, papier-mâché, cardboard and wire.

There are four units:

1. Creating Form in Papermaking
2. Creating Planes in Cardboard
3. Creating Motion with Papier-mache
4. Crating Volume with Wire 

Each project starts by introducing the element and medium with pictures of examples. There are contemporary sculptures that provide an example of the element. Each unit has several separate projects that build up from easy forms to more complex 3-D architectural forms. There are step-by-step illustrations for the projects, providing students with tips for using the medium and how to create intricate details. Some of the projects require advance preparation (like papermaking) and there are think ahead sections that prepare the student for the project. At the end of the unit, there is an evaluation for the student to reflect on each project and critically analyze the art work.

Materials required are clearly laid out with directions for how to use tools and safety precautions.

• papermaking dip handmold kit
• spray bottle
• construction paper in assorted colors
• bond folder scoring tool
• tacky glue
• folia color corrugated paper in classic colors
• 1 lb wheat paste
• gesso
• #8 round brush
• 1 1/2 inch bristle brush
• acrylic paint set
• plastic paint pallet
• masking tape
• 128 feet armature and sculpture wire 16 gauge
• long nose pliers
• wire cutter
• scrap paper
• pencil
• ruler
• scissors 
• newspapers
• paper plate or tray
• containers
• food containers
• paper tubes

The text is written to the student, so little teaching is required of the parent. There is a how to use this book section to explain how to accomplish the task of getting started. Additional information is provided at the end of the units: The Intersection of Art and Craft (an article), answers to the evaluations with points, a course description, templates, and how to use the book over 36 weeks.

We worked on two different units during the review period. Unit 2 and Unit 4. And mostly I picked those because papermaking and papier-mache are my least favorite art projects. I think it is because I'm not very patient with waiting on the things to dry.

We would start each lesson by reading the project information. We would look over the samples by the artists and the samples. Then the girls would work on their pieces.

For Unit 2, the girls worked together. They made two-dimensional planes.

Then they moved onto three-dimensional forms.

I told them that they could pick any large architectural model that they wished. A castle was the first thing that they agreed upon. In addition to the corrugated paper that we purchased, the kids scavenged some things from the recycle box to complete their castle.

We also worked on Unit 4. We just happened to have two small kits with tools in them that were perfect for wire sculpting.

The girls worked diligently to learn the techniques for making their sculptures.

Jo-Jo is a couple of years younger than was recommended and while this did not slow her down much, some of her wire forms were more difficult for her to complete.

woman with basket by Jo-Jo

man with a flower by Ceesa

Fish by Jo-Jo

Sail boat by Jo-Jo

Canoe by Ceesa

man with flower by Ceesa

Fish by Ceesa

Overall the girls learned quite a bit about sculpture and 3-d forms. We visited an art museum a few years ago. I have several pictures of sculptures that were there. we will be pulling those out and comparing what we have learned from our work. I think we will tackle papermaking and papier-mache this summer.

Click here to read more reviews from Schoolhouse Review Crew. Check out the other art curriculum reviewed.
 

Connect with us: