Word Form Project

OPTION B: Wordforms 

  •  Begin with a single word.

  • Choose a word that has metaphoric possibilities.

  • Create the word in three dimensions:

Using the letters of the word itself, create an object or group of objects that express your ideas about the emotional, social or metaphoric meaning of the word. You may abstract or manipulate the shapes and forms of the letters to better express your ideas.

Don’t Forget Surface

The surface of this object or group of objects should be designed to enhance or elaborate on your meaning. You may use text, pattern or image to further communicate your ideas.

This piece should be primarily built using slabs.

The final object or group of objects should be at least 15” in height or width.

Objectives: 

  • to become proficient in building with slabs

  • to learn to build at a larger scale

  • to learn how to conceptualize three-dimensional forms

  • to successfully communicate metaphoric visual information through three-dimensional form

  • To learn how to create pattern and images using low-fire decorating materials (slip, glaze stains and glaze)

PROCESS for Both PROJECTS:

Idea Development 

  1. Decide on WORD

  2. Collect resource images and create an image file (digital or analog)

  3. Do drawings of at least 3 possible sculptures based on your THEME. Include multiple views of each idea. 

  4. Talk with Sara about your ideas, and choose one idea. October 24th and 26th

  5. Build a small, solid maquette of your sculpture AND do a 15" drawing to exact scale, of your piece. Draw at least 2 views of the object. 

  6. For the slab project, make paper templates for cutting out slabs.

Making

  1. Dry out your bag(s) of clay if necessary

  2. roll out slabs or extrude coils. Make enough to build your entire 15" project.

  3. Dry slabs to early leather hard consistency, then wrap them tightly.

  4. Wrap coils tightly in two layers of plastic immediately after extruding them.

  5. Begin building parts of your project for assembly.

  6. Assemble parts when they are leather hard.

  7. After assembly, refine form and surface at the leather hard stage.