Toothpick Challenge
Concepts:
Dynamically Engaging the space with repetition using toothpicks. If you wish to work larger banana sticks or skewers could be used
Negative and Positive space are important to consider.
Elements of Art to Consider:
Line In sculpture, line can define the solid mass- it serves as the outline. We perceive the "edges" of the surface as lines. In fact, these edges are planes, and this term should be used to refer to sculptural forms.
Space The sculptor must consider the positive space as well as the negative space (the area around and within the structure) when planning a sculpture.
Movement is the sense of motion created by the angles or planes to further the sculptural idea. It may be categorized as implied movement, optical movement, actual movement, and sequence. A strong sense of movement can be created in a sculpture through the use of diagonal edges or planes. Opposing, asymmetrical paths of movement will challenge the viewers sense of balance and can be used to dramatically affect the sculpture. Viewer movement, even if it only involves the eyes, is a necessary part of experiencing art.
Dynamically Engaging the space with repetition using toothpicks. If you wish to work larger banana sticks or skewers could be used
Negative and Positive space are important to consider.
Elements of Art to Consider:
Line In sculpture, line can define the solid mass- it serves as the outline. We perceive the "edges" of the surface as lines. In fact, these edges are planes, and this term should be used to refer to sculptural forms.
Space The sculptor must consider the positive space as well as the negative space (the area around and within the structure) when planning a sculpture.
Movement is the sense of motion created by the angles or planes to further the sculptural idea. It may be categorized as implied movement, optical movement, actual movement, and sequence. A strong sense of movement can be created in a sculpture through the use of diagonal edges or planes. Opposing, asymmetrical paths of movement will challenge the viewers sense of balance and can be used to dramatically affect the sculpture. Viewer movement, even if it only involves the eyes, is a necessary part of experiencing art.
Lesson from: Cyndi Koppelman-Incredible Art Department
Assignment
- Students will be given approximately 100 toothpicks (pre-counted in a zip lock bag)
- Students will begin by gluing two, three or four toothpicks together creating a unit. The unit can be a geometric shape such as a square or triangle or as simple as two toothpicks glued side by side. Make some thumbnail sketches of sculpture plan using unit.
- The student will then create as many units as possible using all the toothpicks. It should be noted that construction of the units should be done quickly. The wood glue will take approximately 30 minutes to dry.
- Once all units have been created students will begin to create a three dimensional form using all the units. The form created must show movement, repetition, negative space, and line.
- The base for the sculpture will be Styrofoam. Plaster wrap will be added to the Styrofoam to make the base sturdier and to keep the Styrofoam from disintegrating when spray-painted.
- Once the sculpture is created and the Styrofoam base has been plaster wrapped with entire sculpture will be spray-painted all black, white or red. More than one coat may be needed to completely cover the sculpture.
- Critique finished work. Discuss what is successful with each work.