Hello!
I would like to continue my
reflection on my AP 3D Design class by sharing with you information about the
Breadth section. In this blog entry I would like to share with you brief
overviews of variety of lessons that I used to help students create artworks to
build this section of the portfolio.
What is the Breadth Section of the AP 3D portfolio?
The breadth section requires
students to submit 8 artworks (2 views each) that demonstrate their
understandings of 3D space. When I explain it to students I explain that the
breadth section should demonstrate their wide array of abilities in how they
create 3D artworks. I stress in this section an exploration of the elements and
principles of design. Additionally, artworks presented as breadth artworks should change and surprise the
viewer as you look at it from multiple angles. For this section, I design the
lessons and then allow students to interpret the objectives to create their own
unique artworks. I also try to have students build upon previous skills in
order for them to demonstrate advanced art making skills. I also encourage students to explore art mediums, techniques, and concepts that are
not being investigated in the concentration section of their portfolios.
What are Some Breadth Lessons?
In the past 2 years I have done
quite a few breadth lessons. Below I will list my favorite 8 lessons and give a
brief synopsis of each project. I have also included a photo for reference.
Assemblages Inspired by
Repetition: collect found objects and then
use those objects to create an assemblage sculpture using repetition.
Repetition could be achieved by using the same object over and over again, by
repeating a motif, or by repeating a specific form. I have students begin to collect objects over the summer. Students then share what they have collected and begin experimenting to see what they come up with. I would not recommend using heavy objects or glass for this due to the limitations and difficulties inherent in these materials.
Book Transformations: students take a book and transform it into a sculpture; the
book can be layered, pierced, stacked, or folded to create a representation or
non-representational sculpture. Additional materials can be added. I love this project because it takes something that is normally so "2D" in how it functions and transforms it into something 3D. For contrast, you can also include a hand-made bound book using hand-made paper, marbelized paper, or paste paper with a binding technique such as Belgian book binding or Japanese stab binding for example.
Slip Mold Ceramics Inspired by
Texture: students create slip and use a
mold to make a ceramic cast; once the clay object is removed and leather hard,
students explore creating textures through carving or through impressing
objects and adding ceramic details such as a lid, handles, etc. to make it more
original. Students may also explore
textures through glaze mixing and application techniques. This is a great way to re-use dried out clay. Additionally, it is a pretty quick project in terms of clay construction.
Plaster Balloon Casts Inspired by
Form: students create a cast of a
balloon using plaster; students fill balloons with wet plaster, squish and hold
into place for approximately 5 minutes and allow to dry overnight. Once dry, balloon is removed, plaster is sanded and painted. For the project I would have students make multiple casts because the first few usually don't turn out as well as expected because it takes some practice with mixing, pouring, and casting the plaster. Also, having a rubber bowl to mix the plaster in is extremely helpful with clean up. Plaster water bottles with the bottoms cut off make great funnels for pouring the plaster into the balloon. This is a quick project that could be completed in 1 - 2 weeks.
Inspired by Movement: students create an interesting shape by cutting a piece of
paper, then use the piece of paper as a template to trace between 15 – 30
shapes onto foam core board. Shapes are then cut out and assembled by stacking,
swirling, or joining with notches in the foam core board; arrangement of shapes
is key to creating an interesting sculpture. Sculptures are then spray painted.
Emotional and Exaggerated Caricature Sculptures: students design and create a sculpted portrait bust using an emotion as inspiration. The goal is to have students explore exaggeration to create an emotional, expressive response within the sculpture. It should be clear what the emotion is. This is a more time consuming lesson because it involves multiple steps. Begin with a blank styrofoam head. Build up the face with newspaper and/or modeling clay. Afterwards cover with Plaster Wrap and then paint. Additional media may be used to add props or hair.
Action Shot Sculptures: students use armature wire to create abstract figure
sculptures in the round; props and/or colored wire may be created to enhance
action shot.
Jewelry Design: students use sawing, piercing, layering, linkage, and/or
enameling techniques to create a piece of jewelry. I recommend when photographing jewelry to include a photo of the jewelry by itself and also one of it being worn.
I hope you enjoyed learning about
the Breadth Section of the AP 3D portfolio! These are just a sampling of the
many lesson possibilities that exist!
