Lecture on Sculpture

Introduction

• Topic: Sculpture
• Part of three-dimensional art
• Comparison with other mediums

Characteristics of Sculpture

• Three-dimensional
  • Artists must consider all sides
  • Different from paintings where viewers see from one angle

Techniques and Materials in Sculpture

• Four basic techniques:
  1. Modeling
  2. Casting
  3. Assembling
  4. Carving
• Additive vs. Subtractive Processes
  • Additive: Modeling, Assembling, Casting
  • Subtractive: Carving

Modeling

• Additive process
• Involves molding material (e.g., clay) into the art object
• Example: Ceramics (Terracotta)
  • Clay molded and fired in a kiln
  • Option to glaze for color variations
  • Painted ceramics can chip

Casting

• Indirect process, allows for duplicates
• Example: Lost Wax Technique
  • Clay core, wax model, clay covering
  • Wax melts, leaves a hollow space to fill with material
  • Not all casting results in duplicates (e.g., lost wax)
• Example: Sam Butcher’s Precious Moments figurines
  • Known as 'tchotchke' art
  • Personal value, not typically found in galleries
• Jeff Koons
  • Enlarged tchotchke figurines into life-size art
  • Complex subject matter
  • Example: Michelangelo Jackson and Bubbles

Assembling

• Additive process
• Involves putting objects together (welding, gluing, nailing)
• Example: David Smith
  • Non-representational art
  • Assembles objects without referencing natural world
  • Known for self-portrait as a sculptor

Carving

• Subtractive process
• Involves removing material to reveal art
• Example: Michelangelo’s Dying Slave
  • Uses chisels and hammer
  • Modern sculptors use hydraulic tools
  • Process: rough carving, detailed carving, smoothing

Artists and Examples

• Jeff Koons
  • Fine art from tchotchke concepts
• Rachel Whiteread
  • Casts using natural objects and environments
  • Example: cement castings preserving homes

Sculpture Materials and Tools

• Techniques unchanged over time
• Modern adaptations for efficiency

Miscellaneous

• Sculpture appreciation in galleries and museums
• Mention of Broad Museum and its collection