Four Cubes
In this project you will make 4 distinct cubes. Each cube will be a different material, structure and concept. You should consider each of these categories for each cube, and no category should be repeated. Question how each of these things relate and influence each other; where are the overlaps? Which combination of structure and concept cause tension? How can material + structure= concept? Where do cubes exist already and how can I use them?
Some possibilities include:
Materials: paper, Styrofoam, wood, string, wire, sound, light, trash, found objects, etc.
Structure: open, closed, planar, linear, volumetric etc.
Concepts: collapsing, expanding, narrative, dangerous, quiet, transformative etc.
Elements of design: line, space, form, light, color, time, texture
Your cubes can be “real” or implied, but don’t repeat the same strategy across multiple cubes.
The keys to this assignment include material experimentation and variety in category. Make sure to collect materials promptly, as in-class time will not be used to gather materials. The finished cubes can be any size. They may also be site specific, installation, hanging, static, temporary or any combination of these. Materials can be found at Lowe’s, thrift stores, junkyard, dumpsters, and in nature. Be creative with your source of materials, and sculptural interest will follow. Stay away from “artsy” materials, unexpected solutions are a better goal.
Some suggestions:
Construct a 12” x 12” x 12” implied cube using only cardboard and hot glue. There should be no cardboard plane that is parallel with any of the 6 implied planes of the cube. Use tab and slot construction or edge-to-face gluing to build your cube, and the final product should be free standing and self-supporting. Give yourself a goal: What is the minimum amount of cardboard needed to complete the objective? The largest amount possible?
Cast Cube- Find or construct an implied cube mold. What hints will the impressions left by the mold give to the viewer about how it’s made?
Can you use light, sound, or some other non-physical material to “make” a cube? What about performance? What would a psychic cube “look” like?
Some student examples:
