Human Body Required

[In Process]

Materials: white crape paper, calculator paper, tracing paper, staples, wire. Process: I began by cutting strips of calculator paper and fastening them to the models arm with staples. Then I tied strips of white crape paper in between each of the eight previously fastened strips (In process photo). I measured out and cut tracing paper and  fastened it over one shoulder and then at the opposite  hip. I repeated this with the other side as well. Then I coiled and stretched wire and looped the ends so that they could also be attached to the models arms. These tangled in transit, so instead a portion of the tangle was twisted together and bent to hook onto the models dress, and two other loops were formed for her to hold in her hands.  Statement: When I heard about this project, I immediately had this image of strips of paper hanging for someones' arms. My sculpture is based off of this idea. I specifically wanted to use line to create a new and graceful way to portray the body without totally masking it. The sculpture evolved as I began to create it on the model herself. I love to work like this, having a basic idea or image for a project, and then altering and changing and coming up with new ideas as I work. It allows me to be flexible and create true art. Because I tend to be a perfectionist, this process really allows me to relax and be more freely creative. I am extremely happy with how the sculpture turned out. I believe that the photographs of the model really express the co-working of the human body and the sculpture. The sculpture accents the body and creates this beautiful and graceful flowing element. The different positions I asked the model to take also show of all the different aspects of the sculpture. The sculpture and the model compliment each other, which was the original intention I had when I began. 

It's About Time ~ Changing State

Original 2nd Carving

Stage 1: Subtraction ~ Using an exacto knife, I cut the turtles shell into three different sections although they were still attached. I also cut a line through the center of the turtles belly.

Stage 2: Addition ~ I dropped blue ink into the cut I created during the previous stage. 

          

Stage 3: Subtraction ~ I pour half a bottle of hydrogen peroxide over the soap carving. This caused the soap to begin to dissolve and become sticky, and also caused the ink to fade.

Stage 4: Addition ~ I added silver glitter to the sea turtle, and it stuck because of the effect that the hydrogen peroxide had on the soap.

Stage 5: Addition ~ I smeared gel fixative on the the top of the turtle and allowed it to dry.

Stage 6: Subtraction ~ I used an exacto knife to cut the turtle into sections 

Stage 7: Subtraction ~ I placed the pieces of soap into a mug, and poured sparkling water over it and allowed it to sit for about 30 seconds. This caused the soap to dissolve further. 

Stage 8: Subtraction ~ I put the pieces of soap into the microwave for 30 seconds. This caused the sculpture to breakdown, specifically the gel fixative. 

Stage 9: Subtraction ~ I crushed and mashed the sculpture further. 

Stage 10: Addition ~ Finally, I wrapped the pieces of soap carving in clear packing tape, creating something unrecognizable from the original soap carving. 

It's About Time ~ Soap Carving

[in process]

Materials: Olive oil soap. Process: I used a utility knife to cut away large pieces of the bar of soap into a rough figure of a sea turtle. I then switched over to a butter knife and used smaller motions. After I was satisfied with the soap figure, I used a toothpick to cut in some of the smaller details. I repeated the process with the other bar of olive oil soap. Statement:  The second bar of soap was more difficult for me to carve, and I believe that effected the out come of the figure. I chose the first carving to use as the soap figure because it was closer to the model plastic figure, although the shell of the second carving more closely resembled the shell of the model figure

These Shoes Are Not Made For Walking

[in process]

[in process]

[in process]

Materials: Masking tape. Process: I formed the soles out of masking tape by creating a wide solid piece of tape by sticking strips of  layered tape to itself. I then traced the bottom of the model shoes to use as a pattern. I used scrap tape to fill the soles and make them sturdy (in process photo 1). Then I cut apart one of the model shoes and traced the pattern onto layers of tape and cut them out (in processes photo 2). The I attached the top portion of the shoe to the sole methodically using masking tape (in process photo 3). I punched holes and created slender flat shoelaces out of thin tape and laced and tied the shoes strings.  Finally I added stitching details using an Exacto knife. Statement: This process was easier than I had expected. However if was incredibly time consuming. Something I found helpful was that instead of creating one whole shoe and then going back and creating the other, I ended up creating pieces of each shoe together. For example I created both soles at the same time. This allowed me to improve as I went along, and also help keep the shoes similar to each other. I found this less frustrating. The most difficult part of the process for me was to attach the top of the shoe to the sole. Use of other materials may have been helpful, but eventually I was able to make the masking tape work for me. 

Memento

[in process]

[in process]

Materials: foam stress ball, mirror, scented wax. Process: I broke shards of a mirror apart then cut a foam stress ball in half and inserted the mirror shards into the flat portion of the half sphere (in process photo 1). I then melted the yellow scented wax in the microwave until completely liquefied. I poured the hot wax into a mug, and carefully set the half sphere into the wax and gently applied pressure until wax cooled and hardened. Then I placed the mug into the freezer for a few minutes, and then pulled the form out of the mug (in process photo 2). I melted more wax, and repeated the same process with the other half of the stress ball.  I took the leftover wax and melted it and then poured it over the shards of glass. Finally, I placed the half sphere with the mirror shards onto the wax of the other half. Explanation: There was I time in my life when my family went through a very difficult time. One of my little sisters was very sick for a number of years, and we were desperately trying to find a cure for her. Throughout this time, because I was the oldest child, I felt like I had to take care of things and help the household to run smoothly. I internalized my stress and angst and broke apart inside. The stress ball represents this internalized emotion. I was not processing, I was stuffing it away and distancing myself from dealing with the problem, and this is portrayed by the torn apart stress ball. It is not being used as it was intention, much like the wasted potential I felt I had at the time. The shards of glass are a metaphor of my life during this time period. I felt as if everything was broken, and I couldn't find myself among the pieces. The hot wax symbolizes the ordeal and how it brought my family together. The hot, melted wax is painful to apply, but after it cools and hardens, it bring support and stability. While my family went through this difficult time, it was painful and uncomfortable. But as time passed, the pain eased, and my family became closer and stronger because of our common experiences. 

Elements and Principles in 3D Form

[in process]

This sculpture represents the element of space. Materials: card stock and clear packing tape. Process: I used water to wet three sheets of card stock, and then proceeded to twist and fold them over my hand until they created rounded mounds. I completely covered each form in clear packing tape. I then took two pieces of card stock paper and pinched and folded them in from the middle (in process photo). I then arrange the pieces of together to form the sculpture the images exhibit.  Explanation: This sculpture captures and portrays the element of space. The paper and packing tape form the positive space, and the space in between materials and object makes up the negative space.  

 This sculpture portrays repetition. Materials: card stock paper and masking tape. Process: I stuck strips of making tape horizontally, vertically and diagonally onto a flat piece of card stock paper. I then cut parallel slits vertically down the paper (in process photo). After cutting the slits, I twisted and squashed the paper until I was satisfied with the form, and adhered the paper into place. Explanation: This sculpture portrays the element of repetition. The continual vertical slits exhibit repetition and the bending of the paper also created a repetition of positive and negative space.

[In process]

                         

This sculpture portrays texture. Materials: Card stock paper and wood glue.  Process: I first cut out a long strip of paper from the card stock. I proceeded to fold the strip back and forth in a small accordion fold. I then poured wood glue into the bottom of a plastic cup, and dropped the accordion paper into the wood glue. I pressed the paper down into the glue, and allowed the glue to dry for several days. When the glue was dry, I cut apart the plastic cup and separated the sculpture from the bottom. Explanation: This sculpture portrays the element of texture. The visual effect of the accordion folded paper creates a great sense of texture. The physical texture of the protruding edge of the paper as well as the smoothness of the hardened wood glue also exemplify the element of texture.