3-D Design
Project III
Parts to the
Whole: Making Meaning with Material
In this assignment we will be studying how material affects
the viewers experience of form. As we already know, form is the distinct shape
of a thing in disregard to its material. Material is the actual physical
component in disregard of the shape it makes. The thoughtful combination of
material and form produces meaning.
Step 1.
Collect 2 different materials.
Rules. Your material must satisfy each of
these qualities.
1. The 2 materials must not be traditional art/craft
materials that you might purchase in a catalogue or at a crafts/hobby
supply store.
2. Each piece of the
material must be able to exist as an object on it own (ex: a feather, shoe
lace, Q-tips, paper cups)
3. You must have a
shoebox or milk jug of each material (this varies somewhat – obviously a
shoebox of Q-tips is extreme).
4. More is better.
6. You do not have to
spend money on your materials.
Step 2.
Know your material.
Study
the materials you have chosen. Know
their history. Know their use. Understand possible meanings that might come
out of using this material as art? As
metaphor? You should be able to describe
in detail each material without looking at it.
What is it made of?
Step 3.
Develop a form
Given
what you know about these two materials, decide on a way you could
combine/attach each piece as a three dimensional form using only your hot glue
gun or the material itself. Use one
material for each form. In the end you
will have 2 forms each made of one of your 2 materials. The form should reflect something you know
about the material from your research.
Guidelines
1. Use only one material for each piece
2.
Use appropriate attachment methods.
3. Be true to the limitations of the
material. For example if the material is too
flexible or weak to stand on its own, let
that dictate the form. Do not make an
armature to attach your materials to.
Due: By
next Class you have your materials collected.
You should also have
drawings/sketches
of your thoughts for us to discuss and be
ready to work.
Final Due Date: April 7th. Have both forms completed and ready for
critique.