8/9/2019 Transmutation: Soft vs. Hard
1/1
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, [email protected]: Mike Hernandez,
[email protected]
Class Blog:introtosculpture2010.blogspot.com
