Abstract Sculpture Below are some names for sculptures that are not realistic in nature
Nonrepresentational Sculpture
Abstract Sculpture
Nonobjective Sculpture
Biomorphic Sculpture
Formalist Sculpture
Conceptual Sculpture
Process Sculpture
Minimal Sculpture
Post-Minimal Sculpture
Installation Sculpture
Abstract sculpture uses nature not as subject matter to be represented but as a source of formal ideas. For sculptors who work in this way, the forms that are observed in nature serve as a starting point for a kind of creative play, the end products of which may bear little or no resemblance to their original source.
Nonobjective sculpture is a more completely nonrepresentational form that does not even have a starting point in nature. It arises from a constructive manipulation of the sculptor's generalized, abstract ideas of spatial relations, volume, line, colour, texture, and so on. The approach of the nonobjective sculptor has been likened to that of the composer of music, who manipulates the elements of his art in a similar manner." - Britannica.com
"Biomorphic is a term most commonly associated with abstract art to describe a form that is irregular or organic, often derived from shapes found in nature. Biomorphic forms are frequently found in Surrealist art, most notably in the paintings of Yves Tanguy and the sculpture ofArp and HenryMoore." - The Thames & Hudson Dictionary of Art Term http://www.damonart.com/artist-definitions.html
Below are two examples of abstract sculptures. The names (Mother and Child & Tsunami) give clues to the viewer about the the inspiration for each form. Neither is a realistic interpretation of what they represent.
Mother and Child (1934)
Tate Gallery, London.
By Barbara Hepworth.
http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/history-of-art/biomorphic-abstraction.htm
TSUNAMI III. 2005. painted bronze. 12” x 15” x 11”
http://www.artesmagazine.com/2014/08/in-conversation-with-contemporary-sculptor-cornelia-kubler-kavanagh/
View the images below. What do you think may have been the inspiration for these sculptures created by Charles Westgarth? Can you think of some elements from nature that may be the basis for these pieces? http://d6.degreeart.com/users/charles-westgarth
Generating Ideas For this project, you will find something in nature to use as an inspiration for an abstract sculpture. Many folk artist and styles are based in nature and the environment that surrounds the artist. Remember, you are not trying to create a realistic shape. You only need to suggest or hint at your inspirational form. Because you are stretching hose across the wire, you will naturally get a smooth organic shape. These will not have a lot of small, complex details. The painted design on your sculpture will also be inspired by patterns found in nature. You can use a combination from several different sources. Animals, plant life, ocean life, etc. are all great places to find inspiration for your shape and patterns. Drag 3 inspirational images for the shape and 3 inspirational images for the pattern on to a pages document and save as a PDF. Turn into Schoology.
Visual Development After researching inspirational pieces, choose one to be the base for your final sculpture. If possible, find several images online so you can view your inspiration from several different sides. Begin to look for major shapes and lines within your image. Simplify it down to basic components. Eliminate fine details. Remember, you will not be able to get the hose to dip in and out of some spaces. As it stretches, it will move across the tops of the wire. You may be able to force some detail by placing a drop of hot glue on the wire and pressing the hose onto the glue. Even this may not hold because there is a lot of tension when the hose are stretched. Draw 2 or 3 basic design ideas for your final sculpture based on your inspiration. Turn into Schoology.
Begin planning your designs. Your patterns will also be inspired by nature. There are many interesting patterns and designs found through out the world. Make a reference page for yourself by dragging some of your favorite patterns on to a pages document. Use this reference sheet when you add designs to your final sculpture.
Start by bending and cutting the wire. For stability you may need 2 base points to insert into the wood depending on your design.
Using a hammer and a small nail, create a hole in your wood block. It should be fairly deep so that the sculpture doesn't fall over.
Place the wire end(s) into the hole(s). You should try for a tight fit. Add a drop of hot glue to help hold it in place.
Tightly stretch the hose over both the wire and the base. Attach the hose to the bottom of the base with the stapler. Hot glue may be used if needed as a secondary attaching method.
Prime the hose with a bisect of Gesso (a mixture of plaster and glue used to prime canvas for painting. The hose will soak up the plaster so it may take a little work to get the hose totally covered.
Draw on your designs using your design reference sheet for ideas. Several designs may be used in combination.
Upgrade Your Art Below are some extra things you can add to your sculpture to take it to the next level. 1. Stitch in some designs with a needle and thread (or cross-stitch floss).
Refinement Check for any areas that show poor craftsmanship. Is the paint solid and clean? Does the design flow as you turn the sculpture? Remember that all the sides will be viewed. Ask 2 other people if they see anything that needs to be fixed or changed.