Art class

While I was in college, I decided to take some art classes to broaden my horizons as a costume designer. Here are some of the written reports I had to turn in as part of the class.

Valerie Vanderkolk
Project 1 Written Response (building a geometric wall sculpture out of card board)
STA 114
Professor ----------
February 25, 2009

1) The purpose of this project was to build a structure from a model instead of building the structure right out of the final materials. The model was to be “sketched out” through taping together cubes, pyramids, and tetrahedrons to create a dynamic structure. There are many different ways to work through the process of designing a 3 dimensional structure. One way to sketch out the design is on paper, however, this process is limiting because the sketches are only 2D instead of 3D like the final piece will be. One way of solving this problem is to build a scale model of the structure to work out any composition issues before it is built to full scale. Additionally, this project helped me use some of the card board boxes that I had been saving for some unknown purpose until this project was assigned.

2) When the project was first introduced, I was intrigued by the tetrahedron shape as it is the triangle version of a cube. The model used more tetrahedrons than cubes and pyramids combined. Color is always very important and using a white bubble gauze and nearly white netting to surface the piece was intended to create the greatest amount of color contrast (that is possible with a single color) with the shadows created on the piece.

3) This piece is presented to the viewer above the average eye level mounted on the wall. The piece was specifically designed with this presentation style in mind. The subtle pink color of the netting allowed a slight distinction between the piece and the wall it was displayed on.

4) The piece and I didn’t really talk much, but I’m sure if asked, it would describe how much it appreciates the use of the units into modules and modules into an overall dynamic structure.

5) The piece was successful in its subtle use of color and the reuse of cardboard. The netting on the surfacing helped create a softer, more delicate feel to the piece despite the strong lines of the form.

6) The piece was unsuccessful with the netting on the surfacing helping to create a softer, more delicate feel to the piece despite the strong lines of the form. I have not decided whether or not I like the choice I made.

7) What I would do differently is take more time to carefully consider what material to surface the piece with as that is the element which will make or break the piece. I do not know how to feel about this piece.

8) If I were to alter the work I would probably create multiple forms and surface them with different materials to see how surfaces can drastically change the mood and tone of the piece.

9) What I learned through the execution of this project is that 1) some people will pay for materials that others are giving away for free, 2) Walt probably has the best job in the entire art department, and 3) making models in ½ scale are much easier than making models in 1/4” = 1’ scale.

10) When I was in high school, I dated this guy who hated the sound of cardboard rubbing against itself. Taking the card board out to the dumpster was always an anxiety ridden experience for him, so I dedicate this project to him.