This is an introductory lesson for high school sculpture. They work with cardboard, creating internal support structures, and impregnated plaster gauze. Student work in the round and address every visible side of the letter.
This lesson could also be used for middle school and modified for late elementary.
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THE PLAN
5 sessions; 80 minutes per session
Swbat demonstrate an understanding of sculpture in-the-round through the creation of a 3D letter sculpture in which all visible areas have been addressed.
Swbat define essential vocabulary such as form, shape, dimension, armature, balance, and movement.
Swbat effectively demonstrate knowledge of sculpture materials through experimentation and correct application of media.
Thin cardboard (I save cereal boxes, soda boxes, cracker boxes, etc)
Small cups (make sure they don't have a wax coating!)
Masking tape
Player gauze
Acrylic paint
Assorted mixed media such as fabric, buttons, feathers, or anything else you would like to add to the outside of the form.
1. Pick a letter that is your first/last initial or a letter that means something to you (initial of someone else, place or thing)
2. Draw 3 sketches which incorporate a theme to go along with the letter. Make sure all areas are addressed, think about stability of the letter, and that there is movement in the design.
3. Pick one of the sketch ideas to begin. Draw the letter (I do allow students to pick out fonts and print, but make sure there is enough width to fit the internal support structure (cups).
4. Cut out letter and trace it so you now have two.
5. Tape cups (can hot glue too, but I don't like the permanence of that) to one of the letter cut outs. Tape the other letter in top. Measure and cut out rectangular strips for the sides of the letter. Tape all edges with masking tape. At this time, make sure it can stand on its own. If it doesn't, you will need to balance it out before you go further.
6. Cover entire surface area in plaster wrap. Try to put in on smoothly, and not overlap too much, otherwise you'll end up with a lumpy mess. You can sand it down when it's dry or add plaster to the surface to smooth it.
7. When plaster is COMPLETELY dry, paint with gesso or an acrylic paint primer.
8. Add elements/ designs that incorporate your chosen theme.
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