Linear Sculpture

Sculpture

A three-dimensional formThere are several ways to create sculptures.

Here are some design concepts and examples.

Positive vs. Negative Space Positive = Occupied space, material

used to make the sculpture Negative = Unoccupied space, gaps

between or in the sculpture

Actual Line The physical line created by wire, string,

wood, etc. (Positive Space)

Implied Line The appearance of a line created by

the arrangement of structural forms and negative spaces (gaps).

Psychic Line/Visual Line The visual path the

eye follows.

Let’s Review Using this underwater sculpture by Jason de

Caires, identify the basic concepts of design.› Identify the positive space.› What negative spaces do you see?

What implied shape is created by the heads of this sculpture?

Identify two visual paths shown in this example.

What is a linear sculpture?

Keeping in mind the basics of line design, your assignment will be

to create a linear sculpture.

Let’s take a look at the basic sculpture methods so you can

identify the difference.

Relief Relief is a sculpture attached to a base or wall

› Bas: low elevation change from the base or surface› High: more separation/elevation change from the

base

Casting Pouring plaster, clay, molten metal, wax, etc. into

a mold A cast can also be made from wrapping plaster,

Paper Mache, for example, around a structure and creating a shell of the object.

Subtractive Cutting, carving, scraping away

material to create a form.

Linear Using linear structure (lines) to create a

three-dimensional form.

Review Identify each of the following sculpture

methods.

Relief› Attached to a base

Cast› Poured into a mold or shell of an object

Subtractive› Cut, carve or scrape away

Linear› Lines create form

Assignment Create a linear sculpture using wire. Sketch your design ideas in your sketchbook. Each person will receive approximately 15ft

of wire. (If you do not use it all, put the remaining wire on the back counter for other students to use.)

Bend, mold, shape and design your sculpture. Be mindful of line design concepts.

Final design can be mounted on a board, mounted on a rock, spray painted, etc.

Be creative!

Student Examples