3D Visual Art Marc Arthur Kohn
Sculpture or 3D art Art
that takes up actual 3 dimensional space –height –width –depth
Dimensionality Full-Round
– Intended to be viewed from any angle – Complete figure from any angle – Free-standing
Dimensionality Relief
– Attached to a background – Can be viewed only from front – Still has a 2D quality
Dimensionality Linear
– Made up of linear materials Wire Neon tubing Metal pipe
Methods - HOW? Subtraction
– “Carving” – Starting with a large piece of material, and then cutting away the unwanted material – Must start with a flawless piece of material – Rock, wood
Methods Addition
– “Built sculpture” – Starting with a small bit of material and then adding elements – Often involves mixing materials
Methods Substitution
– “Casting” – A mold is made and then some type of material that will turn from liquid to solid is added. After it hardens, the mold is taken away. – Metal, plastic, resin, fiberglass – Usually hollow to save money, less cracking
Methods Manipulation
– “Molding” – Artist starts with the correct amount of material, and then reshapes it to it’s final form – Clay (pottery)
Methods Found
– Taking natural objects and putting them together to form a sculpture – Many times combined with one of the other methods – Can a naturally created object be a sculpture?
Methods Ephemeral
– A sculpture designed to exist only for a short time. – Many times , the creation of the art is as important as the final product
Running Fence – Christo
Composition - Elements Mass
– Unlike 2D art, 3D sculpture has real mass (takes up space) – The density (weight of the material) also effects the appearance A square foot wood weights less than a square foot of metal, etc.
Composition – Elements Line
and form – Operate exactly as in 2D art. – Cannot be separated Individual lines are selected and then arranged into forms, telling the viewer “what” they are looking at.
Composition – Elements
Focal Point – Operates exactly as in 2D art. – Where does the artist want us to look? – Open form Parts of the work exist outside the work Our eyes drift away from the work – Closed form Is contained completely in the work Our eyes are directed back into the work
Composition – Elements Color
– Operates exactly as in 2D art. – Different materials have different colors – The material may be chosen solely for it’s color – Some sculptures are painted
Greek sculpture
Composition – Elements Texture
– Operates exactly as in 2D art – Much more use of actual texture in sculpture – Most sculpture was created to be touched – A mark of a master sculptor is the finished texture of the work
Composition – Elements Negative
space – Holes or openings in the sculpture – Amount, size, and placement control how important they are in a work
Composition - Negative space
Composition – Principles
Proportion – The relationship and balance of shapes Artistic – appearance of the subject Technical – so the work will stand up – Placement may effect proportion Michelangelo’s David – Torso and arms elongated because sculpture was supposed to be on the roof of a building
Composition – Principles Rhythm Harmony Variation Repetition Juxtaposition
– Operate as they did in 2D art – May be more subtle or hidden than in 2D visual art
The Discus Thrower – Byron
Variation with triangles
Other factors Articulation
– How one form moves to and connects with another – Very important in sculpture because the artist must control a 3D space – (see next)
Other factors Emphasis
(Focal area) – Important for all visual artists, but even more difficult for a sculptor as the viewer can move all around the work. – How the artist gets us to move around the work, but to return to the focal point.
How does it stimulate our senses? – Touch Texture – Most sculpture is meant to be touched • Rough or smooth? • Cold or warm?
How does it stimulate our senses? – Temperature Apparent warmth or coolness based on color of material or paint – Age Old or new based on condition of the surface and weathering or aging – Can be “created” by the artist
How does it stimulate our senses? – Dynamics Apparent movement of the work Visual clues as to direction and speed Can be altered by the movement of the viewer around the sculpture – The Discus Thrower• moving or still?
How does it stimulate our senses? – Size Has an important effect on or reaction Exaggerated size may lend more importance to the subject David is 18 feet tall. Would this effect our reaction?
Michelangelo’s
How does it stimulate our senses? – Lighting Effects; – Color – Highlights – Shadows – Appearance of mass and 3D Is usually out of the artist's control Outside lighting is constantly changing
How does it stimulate our senses? – Environment Where is the work exhibited – Inside or Outside? Do we see the entire work clearly, all at one time? (as in most museums) Do we have to move around the work to get a clear or complete picture? (possibly outside)