AP 3D Breadth Assignment Prompts:
these assignments are designed to demonstrate a variety of technical skills in the Breadth section of your portfolio. You will need to complete at least 8 of these pieces during the Fall Semester.
Remember that all 3D pieces must focus on engaging space, both positive and negative. 3D pieces are meant to be viewed from all sides, unless wall mounted.
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
2. 100+ things
You will collect AT LEAST 100 of a specific item. Your objective is to create a rhythmic construction using at least 100 pieces of the same small common object, emphasizing movement that engages the space. Consider how the form utilizes positive and negative space. Consider how Mass is created in the form.
What can you find to use? What will make a remarkable sculpture? How does it fill the space? What makes it dynamic? When you look at it from different angles does if fill the negative space well in 3 directions? Is there enough Positive space to create interest and form? Do you need and armature? How will you attach them together? You may need more than 100 objects to complete the work.
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
3. Plaster Figures
Referencing the sculptures of Giacometti, design a sculpture of a figure, (human/animal/ insect) that emphasizes a distorted proportion, elongated limbs of features. The armature of your pieces can be constructed using a variety of materials, including wire, wood, plastic, Styrofoam, etc. The armature will be covered with plaster wrap and painted using acrylic paints and spray paints.
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
4. String Forms
Create a solid structure or form that will utilize connections by both sculptural lines and strings. The solid elements will be constructed from bass wood. The strings may be yarn, wire, strips of fabric, etc. Experiment with ways of distorting the path of the “string” to create visual interest. Be sure that your work considers all dimensions, do not work flat, it needs to move in space. You are working with the idea of movement and time. How does the work change as it moves throughout the space? Remember that continuity is created through repetition and balance, interest is created by variety, asymmetry, and disruption
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
5. Reed and Paper Abstractions
Using the reed and paper technique you will create an abstract sculpture that emphasizes the principles of movement and balance. Consider scale and how your sculpture will be viewed. Suspended pieces are an option with this assignment.
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
6. Rodeo
You will design a composition for a narrative artwork using the HLSR themes. When you have chosen your subject matter you will create an armature to support your oil-clay sculpture. Focus on the narrative quality of your subject and your use of the art medium.
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
7. Dinner Setting
You will design a complete place setting for a dining table using a theme of your choice. The required elements (Plate, bowl, knife, fork, spoon, and cup) will be made of ceramic. Pieces can be wheel thrown or hand built. Focus on craftsmanship and detail. All pieces should relate to your chosen theme and engage the viewer.
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
8. Wooden Boxes
You will construct a wooden box in the size and shape of your choosing. Within the box you will create a dynamic viewing experience that leads the viewer through the space. Decide on a subject matter for your piece and create the elements that you wish to include using a variety of materials. Found objects can be used in thoughtful compositions. Consider the exterior of your box as well as the interior. How will it be viewed?
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
9. Carving in the Round
Using a sphere of clay you will create a “sketch” of your sculpture. Choose a subject that interests you and has a narrative. Be sure to use all sides of the sphere in your composition. (reference John Biggers Mother and Child sculpture at the MFAH) Try to maintain the spherical nature of the sculpture and draw the viewer in, close. When your “sketch” is complete you will create a larger version for your final piece, 12 in in diameter.
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3 EXAMPLE 4
Optional: May be substituted for one of the above assignments
10. Soft Jewelry/ Wearable Art
Design a wearable art piece using sewn and stuffed “soft sculpture” elements. Knitting, crochet, weaving techniques can also be employed. Consider the space created by a person’s body, specifically their neck, shoulders, chest, and head. Or, arms, hands and fingers. What kind of experience do you want the wearer to have? What kind of experience do you want the viewer to have? Choose colors and materials that support these choices.
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
these assignments are designed to demonstrate a variety of technical skills in the Breadth section of your portfolio. You will need to complete at least 8 of these pieces during the Fall Semester.
Remember that all 3D pieces must focus on engaging space, both positive and negative. 3D pieces are meant to be viewed from all sides, unless wall mounted.
- Foam Planes
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
2. 100+ things
You will collect AT LEAST 100 of a specific item. Your objective is to create a rhythmic construction using at least 100 pieces of the same small common object, emphasizing movement that engages the space. Consider how the form utilizes positive and negative space. Consider how Mass is created in the form.
What can you find to use? What will make a remarkable sculpture? How does it fill the space? What makes it dynamic? When you look at it from different angles does if fill the negative space well in 3 directions? Is there enough Positive space to create interest and form? Do you need and armature? How will you attach them together? You may need more than 100 objects to complete the work.
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
3. Plaster Figures
Referencing the sculptures of Giacometti, design a sculpture of a figure, (human/animal/ insect) that emphasizes a distorted proportion, elongated limbs of features. The armature of your pieces can be constructed using a variety of materials, including wire, wood, plastic, Styrofoam, etc. The armature will be covered with plaster wrap and painted using acrylic paints and spray paints.
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
4. String Forms
Create a solid structure or form that will utilize connections by both sculptural lines and strings. The solid elements will be constructed from bass wood. The strings may be yarn, wire, strips of fabric, etc. Experiment with ways of distorting the path of the “string” to create visual interest. Be sure that your work considers all dimensions, do not work flat, it needs to move in space. You are working with the idea of movement and time. How does the work change as it moves throughout the space? Remember that continuity is created through repetition and balance, interest is created by variety, asymmetry, and disruption
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
5. Reed and Paper Abstractions
Using the reed and paper technique you will create an abstract sculpture that emphasizes the principles of movement and balance. Consider scale and how your sculpture will be viewed. Suspended pieces are an option with this assignment.
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
6. Rodeo
You will design a composition for a narrative artwork using the HLSR themes. When you have chosen your subject matter you will create an armature to support your oil-clay sculpture. Focus on the narrative quality of your subject and your use of the art medium.
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
7. Dinner Setting
You will design a complete place setting for a dining table using a theme of your choice. The required elements (Plate, bowl, knife, fork, spoon, and cup) will be made of ceramic. Pieces can be wheel thrown or hand built. Focus on craftsmanship and detail. All pieces should relate to your chosen theme and engage the viewer.
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
8. Wooden Boxes
You will construct a wooden box in the size and shape of your choosing. Within the box you will create a dynamic viewing experience that leads the viewer through the space. Decide on a subject matter for your piece and create the elements that you wish to include using a variety of materials. Found objects can be used in thoughtful compositions. Consider the exterior of your box as well as the interior. How will it be viewed?
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3
9. Carving in the Round
Using a sphere of clay you will create a “sketch” of your sculpture. Choose a subject that interests you and has a narrative. Be sure to use all sides of the sphere in your composition. (reference John Biggers Mother and Child sculpture at the MFAH) Try to maintain the spherical nature of the sculpture and draw the viewer in, close. When your “sketch” is complete you will create a larger version for your final piece, 12 in in diameter.
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3 EXAMPLE 4
Optional: May be substituted for one of the above assignments
10. Soft Jewelry/ Wearable Art
Design a wearable art piece using sewn and stuffed “soft sculpture” elements. Knitting, crochet, weaving techniques can also be employed. Consider the space created by a person’s body, specifically their neck, shoulders, chest, and head. Or, arms, hands and fingers. What kind of experience do you want the wearer to have? What kind of experience do you want the viewer to have? Choose colors and materials that support these choices.
EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2 EXAMPLE 3