8/9/2019 Transmutation: Soft vs. Hard

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Transmutation: Soft vs. Hard Due: May 1st and 2nd (Finals Week)

transmute (verb)

to change in form, nature, or substanceHow does changing a familiar objects material andnature affect the way we perceive it? Whatassociations come to mind when we think of thingschanging from soft to hard or hard to soft? Using

the mold making and casting techniques taught inthis class, you will be expected to transmute anexisting object or group of objects by making ahard object soft or a soft object hard. You will beexpected to conduct your own research andperform tests with several materials beforedeciding on the most appropriate one for theobject you chose. Once your object or objects are

cast, you must then resolve how to present them.Your final projects must be a freestandingsculptural object.

Balloon, Self-Portrait #4 by Tim Hawkinson

The intent of this assignment is to teach you some very basic information about plaster and silicon mold making, aswell as life casting with plaster gauze. Your goal should be to learn how to properly make a two-part plaster mold andavoid undercuts, and to familiarize yourself with the many different materials that can be used for casting, such asplaster, wax, soap, sugar, and anything else that can change states from soft to hard or vice versa.

Time/Dedication/Research 20%

Consider the following synonyms for soft:Mushy, squashy, slushy, squishy, doughy, gooey,spongy, compressible, supple, springy, pliable,malleable, velvety, smooth, fleecy, downy, furry, silky,satiny, muted, understated, subdued, muffled, hushed,gentle, indistinct, nebulous

And the synonyms for hard:Firm, solid, rigid, stiff, resistant, unbreakable, inflexible,impenetrable, unyielding, solidified, hardened,compact, dense

What objects and/or materials do you associate withthose words?

Craftsmanship 20%

The quality of your molds is very important, because theywill determine the quality of your casts. Take your timeduring the mold-making process and make sure there areno undercuts. Take advantage of the mold library and maketests before casting your final piece. Which mold materialworks best? Plaster may not be the answer!

Concept 20%

Your material choice for your final object is the mostimportant aspect of this project. You are expected to giveample consideration to the underlying associations that canbe made to a certain material in relation to the form that ittakes. For instance, a chair cast in chocolate would convey amuch different idea than one made out of cow dung. Youmust have a specific idea you are trying to communicate,and be prepared to explain your intentions and reasoning.

Presentation 20%

Final projects should be designed for floor-standinginstallation in the Harder Hall Lobby outside of theHolmes Auditorium. Sculptures are to remain ondisplay for two full days, so time-based projects or

performances should keep that duration in mind. Typed(not hand written!) title cards should be hung on an adjacentwall, referring to the works title and materials.

Documentation 10%

One to three images of your final project, along with a title,dimensions and material list, must be posted on the blogafter the final critique. Your final documentation should belabeled both with your name and also Transmutation, so itcan be easily accessed.

Introduction to Sculpture ART255-02 TH+F 1:20-4:10 Binns Merrill SB01

Instructor: Alicia Eggert, eggert@alfred.eduTA: Mike Hernandez, MH5@alfred.edu

Class Blog:introtosculpture2010.blogspot.com