Davis
Sculpture 1
Assignment 2

Constraints

Artists often work with constraints, whether natural or artificial. When everything is available, the sheer number of possibilities can overcome the artist and cloud the creative process. By constraining materials, form or processes, surprising use of the limited resources is fostered.

In this assignment, you are given a single 2×4 with which to make an artwork. Your work can take any form you choose, the only caveat is that you use the entire piece of wood. This includes any dust or cuttings that accumulate when you are working the wood. You can use any technique we have available in the studio, including, but not limited to:

Cutting, carving, grinding, splitting, nailing, gluing, stapling, burning, etc.

You can use some other materials, such as glue, nails, and paint, but the wood should be the primary material in the work. We will cover cutting and joining techniques in the class demo.

The form and concept you choose for your work is yours to develop, however, your work will be inspired by the work of another artist you will research in the library. Begin by researching a number of artists working three-dimensionally. Examine sculptors working post 1970. As part of your research try to see a variety of work in person if you can. Select an artist that you are interested in doing further research on and submit name to Instructor for approval. You may suggest more than one and make your final selection after consultation.
You may email me this choice, or short list, as soon as possible!

As you are looking at the artists work, as yourself some questions:

Why does this artist use the materials he or she chooses?
What overriding concept unites this artist’s work?
How does the artist manipulate their materials, and does this manipulation affect the concepts in the work?
What are some of the common themes in the work?
How does the work “function”?

The answers to these questions should influence and inspire the work you are making. Even if your work looks nothing like the work of your chosen artist, some of the underlying concepts should tie the works together.

Remember! Look at how the art its use contrast and emphasis to create interest and meaning.

You will present a short 5-10 min.) presentation on the artist’s work when you present your work for critique. You will use digital images. I will provide detailed instructions for the presentations soon.

 

Here is a list of artists to get your research started. This is not an exhaustive list. You can find another artist you are interested in. Your research should start in the library with books and art magazines, then move to the web.

Tom Friedman
Los Carpenteros
Rachael Whiteread
Fred Tomaselli
Tom Sachs
Do-Ho Suh
Joana Vasconcelos
Tara Donovan
Dennis Oppenheim
Chris Burden
Anne Hamilton
Rebecca Horn
Fischli and Wiess
Tim Hawkinson
Louise Bourgeois
Tony Cragg
Anthony Caro
Mark di Suvero
Andy Goldsworthy
Anish Kapoor
Yayoi Kusama
Robert Lazzarini
Richard Long
Sol LeWitt
Ron Mueck
Isamu Noguchi
David Nash
Louise Nevelson
Kiki Smith
Tony Smith
Kenneth Snelson
Richard Serra