Introduction to Sculpture

• Sculpture is three-dimensional artwork.
• It is created by shaping/combining hard/plastic material, sound, text, or light.
• Common materials: stone (rock or marble), metal, glass, or wood.
• The term "sculpture" comes from the Latin word "sculpere," meaning to cut or remove pieces with a stone.
• Examples of sculpture: Statue of David and U.P Oblation.

Types of Sculpture

• Free-standing sculpture is surrounded on all sides by space, except the base.
• Another term for free-standing sculpture is "sculpture in the round."
• Free-standing sculptures are meant to be viewed from any angle.
• Relief sculpture is still attached to a background.
• Types of relief: bas-relief, alto-relievo, and sunken-relief.
• Site-specific art is artwork created to exist in a certain place.
• Kinetic sculpture involves aspects of physical motion.
• A statue is a representational sculpture depicting a specific entity, like a person, event, animal, or object.
• A bust is a representation of a person from the chest up.
• An equestrian statue typically shows a significant person on horseback.
• Stacked art is a form of sculpture formed by assembling and 'stacking' objects.
• Architectural sculpture is the term for the use of sculpture by an architect or sculptor in the design of a building, bridge, mausoleum, or other such project.
• Light sculpture is an intermedia and time-based art form.
• Sculpture or any kind of art object produces light.
• Light is manipulated to create a sculptural form, as opposed to a temporal form or mass.
• Sound sculpture is related to sound art and sound installation.
• Sound sculpture is an intermedia and time-based art form.
• Sculpture produces sound, or sound is manipulated to create a sculptural form, as opposed to a temporal form or mass.
• Jewelry includes objects of personal adornment made of precious metals, gems, or imitation materials.

Sculpture - Free Standing versus Relief

• Sculpture may be free-standing - sometimes called "sculpture in the round," even for square shapes.
• Free-standing sculptures often sit on a pedestal, allowing viewers to walk around them.
• Relief sculpture involves raised forms projecting from a background surface.
• Low relief features figures emerging closer to the surface.
• High relief features figures almost completely detached from the surface or ground.

Processes & Techniques

• Processes in sculpting vary, depending on the materials used.
• Cast sculpture involves a material like bronze, beginning as a clay form cast in a mold.
• Carved sculpture involves materials like wood or stone.
• Additive process: Material is added to build up the form (e.g., clay).
• Subtractive process: Material is removed to create the form (e.g., marble or stone carving).

Function

• Sculpture functions as an integral part of many ceremonies and events.
• Sculpture provides a visual reference for emotional experiences.
• Tombstones are a form of sculpture commemorating death.

Materials in Sculpture

• Plastic
• Aluminum
• Bronze
• Rock
• Wood
• Metal

Elements of Sculpture

• Form
• Color
• Line
• Volume
• Perspective
• Texture
• Style