Linear Wire Sculpture
Submitted by: Kevan Nitzberg, Anoka
High School, Minnesota
UNIT: Sculpture - Linear - Wire- Calder - Portrait
Lesson Plan: Expressive Linear Sculpture
Grade level: High School (adaptable to middles school)
Background:
From Kevan: Here is an introductory lesson that I use with my sculpture students to start them off for the term. It has proven to be very helpful in moving from 2D work to 3D work. Many of the works from this lesson have repeatedly received recognition in the Scholastic Awards Competition.
Description:
Creation of a series of wire sculptures that
illustrate a variety of different subject matter focuses and motion:
1- Figure(s) at rest
2- Figure(s) in motion
3- Bust
Materials:
18 gauge wire
1 - raw wire
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Expressive Linear Sculptures (Right)
Student Objectives:
1 - Students will develop skill in utilizing line in a 3 dimensional
context, experimenting with:
a - outline
b - contour line
c - gesture line
2 - Students will gain experience utilizing simple wire attachment
techniques of twisting
and crimping
3 - Students will explore a variety of techniques for mounting sculpture
to the base
Related Learning Components:
1 - See Sokari David Camp
Nigerian artist
2 - Examine previous student work
3 - Discuss use of line in works viewed
a - alteration of "form" as works are viewed from different
angles, causing the
relationship of the lines being used to change
b - visual movement in sculptures
c - suggestion of expressive nature of subject through line use
Motivation / Anticipatory Set:
1 - Watch Mobile By Alexander Calder [VHS]
Building in Washington D.C.
a - includes early wire constructions made by Calder including his "Circus" figures.
See also Alexander Calder [VHS]
2 - Power Point of wire sculptures of various artists works
3 - Actual previous student exemplars
4 - Demonstrations by instructor (at various points points in the progression of the
assignment)
Activity:
1 - Discussion of differences / similarities between creation / processes / materials involved in 2D and 3D artwork
2 - Have students work with pen and ink / ball point pen, to create line drawings using outline, contour and gesture techniques to represent full and partial figurative subjects - emphasis to be placed on illustration of form and emotion using line
3 - Show students exemplars of linear sculptures (Anticipatory Set)
4 - Have students work on series of sculptures - drawings to be used as practice for visualization of sculpture subjects /utilization of wire
A - students may work on the 3 sculpture assignments in any order that they choose, but
discussion of essential differences between expectations involved in assignments
(Description), needs to take place before, during and after completion of works
Tools / Materials for Sculptures:
1 - wire (Description)
2 - paint (Description)
3 - wood for bases (should be finished by sanding and then staining /
sealing or painting)
4 - assorted pliers: needle nose, railroad, slip joint, cutting
5- drill and drill bits
6- glue
Vocabulary:
1 - linear
2 - contour
3 - gesture
4 - outline
5 - gauge
6 - crimping
7 - form
8 - shape
9 - visual movement
10 - bust
11 - figure
12 - expressive line
Expressive Gestural Figures
Evaluation:
1 - Group Critique
a - oral and written
b- written evaluation utilizing following rubric -
4 Superior: Work shows an excellent grasp of all of the concepts explored in this project
Range of sculptures created shows a comprehensive understanding of the figure and the expression of emotion through the use of line.
The level of craftsmanship attended to in the creation and finishing of the work is exemplary.
3 Proficient: Work shows a good grasp of all of the major concepts explored in this project
Range of sculpture created shows a good understanding of the figure and the expression of emotion through the use of line.
A careful level of craftsmanship is evident in the creation and finishing of the sculptures.
2 Emerging : Work shows some some understanding of the major concepts explored in this project
Sculptures created for this project meet the criteria of the various assignments for the most part and suggest an attempt to depict emotion through the use of line.
Some care has been taken in the creation and finishing of the sculptures although there is inconsistency evident in the level of care throughout the range of work completed.
1 Novice: Work shows only occasional understanding of some of the major concepts explored in this project
Sculptures created for this project do not necessarily meet the criteria of the various assignments and either do not or only slightly suggest an emotional component through the use of the line.
Little or no care is evident in the craftsmanship of the projects which may or may not have been totally completed.
Resources
Naomi Grossman - New York artist. Wire sculptures, interesting box assemblages with words and wire. Photographs with a mature theme (preview before showing students).
Elizabeth Berrien - Wire Sculpture - See Teaching pages and Workshops.
Alternate Lesson: Wire armature with color accents
Students create a wire framework as in lesson above. Accent parts of the sculpture with Tissue paper
Corinne Okada - California artist. Wire sculpture accented with mixed media collage. Assorted recycled papers, handmade papers, silks and more on wire armature. See Kimonos, insects (nature) and more.
