One of the smaller projects we did during class was one where we explored drawing materials on various surfaces, and then created a three dimensional sculpture out of the drawings. We worked with watercolor and oil pastels on vinyl, watercolor paper, and on paper of different thicknesses. Each time we were asked to change materials and surfaces, we were told to draw from observation and had a time restraint on how long we were able to spend on that drawing. When the exercise was complete, we chose which drawing we liked best and put it to the side. Then we created a three dimensional sculpture with the rest of the drawings we had.
This is the drawing that I chose to set to the side. It was done on a plastic surface with oil pastels. After layering the material multiple times, I scratched the surface with a plastic knife. I like it because of the visual effects the quick marks make.
Translation in Progress
Shaping the wire armature of my sculpture
This is the sculpture that I made with the rest of my drawings. The top part of it is a water color and pen drawing of a face that I put clear plastic over to create a shine effect. I then poked holes in it and my other drawings to create a wire structure. The body of my piece was created by the watercolor mixing plate I used for all of the drawings.
My Reflections:
The goal of this project was to force two dimensional thinking into three dimensional thinking. This was particularly difficult for me because I have never had to force my artistic thinking so fluidly and quickly. So, while I was translating my drawings into a sculpture, I reverted to a design that was more two dimensional than three dimensional. It had reminded me of my first project in class. I had difficulty seeing something in three dimensions.
The idea of translating something from two dimensions to three dimensions has me reflecting on art education as a whole. For my entire artistic development, I was told by so many teachers that I had to look at the world around me and find a way to put it on a flat page. Then they would teach me how to use tools and techniques to make that flat page look three dimensional. This was the first time where I was told to do the opposite, look at something two dimensional and make it three dimensional. While I struggled with this assignment, I makes me think of how I can change my teaching philosophy to make it more open to other ways of representation in art.