Wire Wordplay Project

Project Requirements

  • Choose a word or phrase to sculpt out of wire. Minimum is around 5 letters (depending on complexity).

  • How you depict the word must relate to the word in some way (aesthetically or conceptually or some other way).

  • Your piece must be at least 10” on its longest side, and no thinner than 2” on its shortest (roughly). Must have VOLUME, DEPTH and DIMENSION!

  • Choose gauge of wire based on structural and aesthetic needs. Use multiple gauges.

  • Consider…

    • Might you illustrate the definition of the word in how you choose to portray it? Add narrative context?

    • What does the font choice do for the piece, is there a more appropriate font?

    • Is there more than one ‘front’ or ‘good side’ to the piece? Does the meaning change depending on the viewers POV?

    • Can you direct the vantage point of the viewer by installing the piece in a certain way? How will it stand upright on its own? Or might you attach it to the wall? Suspend it at eye level? How will you integrate the method of installation into the piece? Choice and method of installation should NOT be an afterthought.

    • Are all the letters attached together or are some dangling or separate?

    • Does the silhouette correspond to the shape of the word or are you framing the word within a different composition?

    • Consider line weight, how the lines will be layered in space depending on the vantage point of the viewer, the lighting and shadows, color of the surrounding area.

    • You can paint parts of your piece with solid colors if you want, but consider this an enhancing element not a crucial one. You will want paint that sticks to metal.

 

Inspiration Sources

  • Typography – basics/standards of spacing, layout, terminology (ie kerning, vector, serif, drop cap), English alphabet, and other alphabets

  • Font – all the variations (italic, bold, script, serif sans-serif, mono etc), line and character height, character geometry, decorative fonts, dingbats, decorative script elements and variation, comLinks to an external site.

  • Graphics & Design & Art – examples and approaches (calligraphy, woodblock print, WordArt), historical periods/styles/movements (Bauhaus, graffiti, sign painting, typewriters, pop art, neon, illuminated manuscripts), narrative composition (movie posters, propaganda posters, ads, logos, book covers, comics/graphic novels, album art)

 

3D Design Projects Rubric:
50 points total
- Craft – 10 points - Technical proficiency, use and understanding of materials
- Creativity – 10 points - Willingness to take risks and push past the conventional/expected response
- Criteria – 10 points - Your adherence to the assignment, level of completion/fulfillment of your idea
- Effort – 10 points - Dedication, participation in class discussions, critiques, daily preparedness
- Additional Materials* – 10 points - High quality images of completed project (shot in RH 106 lighting tent) and a brief written reflection. To be submitted on Canvas before the start of the class which follows our critique day.

 

* Proj1 Additional Materials Specifications*

DUE: Thurs, Sept 15th by 11:59pm

  • Images - 5 points

    • Portfolio quality images of your Wire Wordplay piece. Include views of the front, side, and overhead (and whatever other angles you want). Photograph your piece in the lighting tent cube at the back of classroom 106. Shoot with your iPhone-type camera, or a better camera if you'd like.

    • Upload and submit them here as JPEG or PDF files--iphone cameras shoot HEIC files which do not show up when submitted on canvas. 

 

  • Brief Written Reflection - 5 points

    • 250 to 400 words. Reflect on the process of learning a new material, of developing and editing your idea and plan, of putting your plan into action to bring your idea to fruition. Were there any noteworthy takeaway's from critique (positive, negative, surprising, confusing feedback)? Was critique helpful? What advice would you give yourself about working with wire, or about the project? Etc.