PROJECT 1: Expressive 3D Forms

Objective: Using only the materials listed below, make four, small scale sculptures. The
                  content and meaning of each form will reflect your interpretation from the following
                  list (select four words - one for each sculpture): calm, sad, hopeful, angry,
                  ambiguous, determined, old, dubious, chaotic, stoic, voyeurism, memorial,
                  dangerous.


Materials: Balsa wood, mask tape, clear tape, straight pins, wood glue.  You can cut balsa
                  wood with a utility knife (not Exacto)




Sculpture 1.

This sculpture embodies the word "determined."


I designed this sculpture to appear as a staircase leading to an invisible wall. This piece symbolizes our struggle and perspectives as humans. Every one at some point or another faces a blockage in their life. What makes us different from one another is how we perceive the situation. I made this sculpture around the idea of how I perceive challenges. Robert Frost once said, "the only way out is through" and that is how I deal with my problems. My wall is made of clear tape because I am a problem solver. 

Sculpture 2.

This sculpture represents the word "calm."


I designed this sculpture as a circle of unity. There is a circle with blocks equally positioned on each point of the edge of the circle with pieces of rolled paper connected to one higher block. Four columns of five blocks each hold the circle up. This design holds a lot of meanings to me. The first resembles a compass, and each block represents people located on different parts of the world. And no matter where we are or are differences in race, wealth, or gender, we are all still humans. Being a species of the same kind unites us, which makes me feel grounded. The second meaning has to do with religious affiliation. The blocks would then resemble the different types of religions and practices. The paper connects all of our religions to a higher being. Even though every religions higher being is not the same, we all believe in something. That is the big picture: We may be people from different backgrounds or places, but we all still believe in something. 

Sculpture 3.

This sculpture personifies the word "dangerous."


I designed this sculpture as a wave breaking with sharp pointed pieces of wood attacking as the wave breaks. This design exemplifies the dangers of the ocean. I am absolutely fascinated by the sea, but terrified of it as well. People often forget that the ocean is not our territory. My jagged wave contrasts with the common stereotype that the ocean is peaceful and calm. People die from the ocean all the time, and this piece brings awareness to the population's lack of respect for the ocean and the creatures in the ocean.

Sculpture 4.

This sculpture expresses the word "sad."


I designed this sculpture as a representation of my family. The piece of wood is flat against the surface and has five different ditches. For years it was just me, my mom, my dad, and my half-sister. Everything was balanced and going good. Then when my sister went off to college, there was no longer balance in my family. My parents started fighting all the time, leaving me alone. This lasted for 10 years. Everyday was horrible; no one was happy. The cut out pieces of wood resemble how my parents were constantly trying to put the other down, cutting deep enough without breaking all the way through. This piece serves to exhibit the verbal attacks of my parents, and how they always tried to act like everything was peachy to others.