FormA form is three-A form is three-dimensional and dimensional and enclosesenclosesvolume. Like shapes, volume. Like shapes, forms can be geometricforms can be geometric(cubes, pyramids, box (cubes, pyramids, box like, cones) or irregularlike, cones) or irregular(eggs, pears, horses, (eggs, pears, horses, people, bottles). Form,people, bottles). Form,the volume or mass of the volume or mass of objects, is the most objects, is the most importantimportantart element for art element for sculptors. While sculptors. While sculptors andsculptors andpotters work with form, potters work with form, painters work with painters work with shapes.shapes.Painters often use Painters often use shading to make shapes shading to make shapes look likelook likeforms.forms.

Alberto Giacometti, ManPointing, 1947. Bronze

Pietac. 1498-99Marble

Michelangelo

SculptureSculpture - - A three-dimensional work of art, or the art of A three-dimensional work of art, or the art of making it. Such works may be carved, modeled, constructed, making it. Such works may be carved, modeled, constructed, or cast. Sculptures can also be described as assemblage, in or cast. Sculptures can also be described as assemblage, in the round, and relief, and made in a huge variety of media.the round, and relief, and made in a huge variety of media.

As an art form, sculpture differs from painting in that it exists in space. It can be seen, touched, and often viewed from all sides. Sculpture is concerned with actual space.Not all sculptures can be viewed from all sides. Relief sculptures, for example, are similar in some ways to paintings. Their three-dimensional forms are attached to a flat surface. Like paintings, these works are designed to be viewed from the front.

The Entombment of Christ1449Stone relief

Donatello

Sculpture in the round is any freestanding work surrounded on all sides by space. Not all freestanding sculptures are meant to be seen from all sides, however. Many are designed to be viewed only from the front.

The Thinker1880Bronze

Auguste Rodin

Place yourself in the position of an artist about to transforman idea into three dimensional form. A number of importantquestions must be answered before you begin. For examplewhat material will you use-clay, wood, stone, metal? Whattools and processes are best suited for the material selected?

St. George c. 1416-17 Marble

Donatello

Artists use a variety of different processes or techniques to create sculptures from the materials they choose. These processesinclude modeling, carving, casting and assembling.

Duane Hanson, United States, 1925-1996

Football Player, 1981

oil on polyvinyl

In the process of assembly, the artist gathers and joins together a variety of different materials to construct a three-dimensional work of art.

Modeling is a process in which a soft, pliable material is built up andshaped into a sculptural form. The artist uses a material suchas clay, wax, or plaster.

Bernini. Angel with the Superscription. 1667-69.Terra-cotta

Carving is cutting or chipping a form from a given mass of material to create a sculpture. Carving is a subtractive technique, becausematerial is removed until the sculpture is completely exposed.

MichelangeloMoses. 1513-16Marble

In Casting, a melted-down metal or other liquid substance ispoured into a mold to harden. This method allows the artist to duplicate an original sculpture done in wax, clay, plaster or someother material. Edgar Degas

The Little Dancer1881. Bronze

• The cathedral is the most impressive example of the Gothic style.

• The Gothic style is characterized by pointed arches and flying buttresses.

othic Architecture

Chartres Cathedral. France

The sculptures are part of theThe sculptures are part of thearchitecture. These figures formarchitecture. These figures formthe columns of this cathedral.the columns of this cathedral.

• A common feature of the Gothic cathedral is the Gargoyle.

• The grotesque flying monsters project out from the upper portions of the cathedrals.

• They are made of carved stone or cast metal.

• Gargoyles are fantasy figures, part animal and part human.

• They were made to look like frightening monsters to guard churches and scare away evil spirits.

argoyles

Gargoyle. Notre Dame Cathedral.Paris, France.

• Gargoyles had a practical purpose. They were used on the Gothic cathedrals to spit rainwater from the buildings through hollow chambers.

• Some gargoyles stuck out from the buildings up to three feet.

Gargoyles. Notre Dame Cathedral.Paris, France.

argoyles...More

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This gargoyle is an eagle head made of stainless steel. This is a sculptural ornamenton the Chrysler Building in New York.

Sculpture Assignment

• Look at pictures of Gargoyles for inspiration.

• In your sketchbook draw 2 gargoyles.

• Your finished sculpture should be functional. Example: candle holder, incense burner, book ends…

• You will add texture to your finished piece.