Summer Work for 3D Portfolio
3D work must demonstrate an understanding of depth, space, volume and surface. 3D works must be viewable from many sides and have no back (though some works may be hung or have a base, they should mainly be free-standing).
Famous 3D Artists
Complete at least 4 over the summer
1. Using either Bristol board or foam core, dowel rods, mat board cardboard, or any combination of the above; create an architectural model for a house (domestic architecture), a city skyscraper, or a museum of modern art to be built in the year 2075. (This should be the exterior structure, not an interior cutaway.)
2. Using Sculpy of different colors, generate full-figure caricatures of your family.
3. Using Sculpy, generate a series of three mini self-portrait bust, or, a portrait of a friend or family member that progresses in expression or posture.
4. From a block of foam, wood or plaster (at least 7 inches square), generate a handheld organic sculpture that is inviting to the touch. Tools necessary to manipulate these materials include a rasp (a very rough file), possibly a hammer and chisel for the wood, a variety of sandpaper grits, and fine steel wool to finish it off. You may choose to oil the wood sculpture as a protective finishing coat.
5. Creating a Soft Sculpture Figure: Make a life-size character. Select a theme to portray. Gather materials you will need: Nylon hosiery, Fiberfill, flesh-tone thread, needle, scissors, scrap materials, and special accessories to finish the character. Start by filling the hosiery with Fiberfill. Pinch, gather, and sew the surface to create anatomical features: eyes, nose, ears, mouth, etc. Use same technique to create wrinkles, puckered faces, and finer anatomical details. Use acrylic paint for painting lips, details. Sew or glue on buttons, beads, or taxidermy eyes; add accessories such as eyeglasses, hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, hat, clothing, gloves, shoes, etc. (Hands can be made by stuffing gloves with Fiberfill.)
6. Transform an Ordinary Shoe into a Symbolic Monument: Get an old shoe or boot from the basement, attic, or local flea market. Embellish the shoe with elements to portray a theme; for example, add papiermache wings, roller skates, miniature toys, ladders, lights, taxidermy eyes, sails, transistors, plumbing fixtures, coins, papier-mâché appendages, etc. Decorate the surface with bits of mosaic, glitter, yarn, mirror, paint, etc. Mount on a base and affix a nameplate to it.
7. Generate a sculpture that represents an animal or human figure in The Cubist style. The figure should be composed entirely of simple geometric shapes. This project is based on the art movement “cubism”; a good example of this style can be seen in Jacques Lipchitz’s “Sailor with Guitar” or Picasso’s “Guitar”(Google these images). These sculptures are made entirely of circles/spheres, squares, rectangles, triangles, pyramids, cylinders and many complex combinations of these shapes. You may work in either cardboard boxes and hot glue or clay as the medium for this project. This figure should be a minimal of 12 inches to a maximum of 3 feet high.
8. Use more than 300 pieces of one type of common household object (ex: screws, nails, pencils etc.) to create a sculpture that emphasizes pattern and rhythm. Before starting, the objects may be painted if preferred.
9. Create a three-dimensional sculpture from found objects.
10. Creating an Aesthetic Object from an Abandoned Derelict: Find an interesting object from the garage, attic, flea market, auction, or second-hand store. Transform the object by covering its entire surface with textural materials: mosaic, pebbles, glass, mirrors, feathers, flocking, yarn, paper, sand, photos, rope, coins, marble or granite chips, smaller objects, etc. Do this by using white glue: Spread glue on the surface, then sprinkle fine-particled materials such as sand, marble dust, or sawdust on it. (Use tile cement or liquid nails to attach heavier materials.)
11. Create a Three-Dimensional Sculpture that Produces Sound Effects: Collect materials and objects that produce different sounds. Construct a three-dimensional sculpture with them. The structure may involve spectator participation, so it can be “played” like a musical instrument; react to environmental conditions on its own (having elements that capture wind, rain, etc.) and translate them into sounds through appropriate devices; or be a kinetic sculpture programmed with switches, timers, or other devices.
12. Using any debris from your life (clothes, papers, food containers, cosmetics, reading material), assemble the materials into a life-size self-portrait bust, actual or metaphorical, in relief or in the round. You can use any means available (tape, glue, string, staples, screws, etc.) for attaching the material.
13. Using only natural materials (twigs, grasses, pods, stones, leaves) and twine or string, create a container for an object that has special meaning for you. The container must be at least 10 inches in one of its dimensions.
14. Make a temporary environmental installation addressing any of the following: time, viewpoint, pathways, celestial events, social issues. Document with many photographs from all different angles (this is so it is captured in time and can be used for digital submission, you need many images to pick from)
15. Generate a mechanical Body Part. Create a detailed representation of a body part of your choosing using only tinfoil (must be appropriate). You must then alter the sculpture in order to make the body part look mechanical (bolts, wires, etc) again using only tinfoil.
16. Multiples: Students will use more than 300 pieces of one type of common household object (ex: screws, toothpicks, cotton swabs, etc.) to create a sculpture that emphasizes pattern and rhythm. Before starting, the objects may be painted if preferred. •
17. Wrinkled Bust: Students will use clay to create a bust of an older member of their family (preferably Grandparent age). All elements of detail such as wrinkles and age spots should be captured. A great way to start this project would be to create a series of sketches from many different angles. (Must be at least 10” in height)
18. Back to the Future: Using either Bristol board or foam core, dowel rods, mat board/cardboard, or any combination of the above; create an architectural model for a house (domestic architecture), a city skyscraper, or a museum of modern art to be built in the year 2075. (This should be the exterior structure, not an interior cut-away.) You may want to reference the work of Frank Gehry, Robert Venturi, Frank Lloyd Wright, or Philip Johnson.
19. Creating a Soft Sculpture Figure: Make a life-size character. Select a theme to portray. Gather materials you’ll need: Nylon hosiery, Fiberfill, flesh-tone thread, needle, scissors, scrap materials, and special accessories to finish the character. Start by filling the hosiery with Fiberfill. Pinch, gather, and sew the surface to create anatomical features: eyes, nose, ears, mouth, etc. Use the same technique to create wrinkles, puckered faces, and finer anatomical details. Use acrylic paint for painting lips, details. Sew or glue on buttons, beads, or taxidermy eyes; add accessories such as eyeglasses, hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, hat, clothing, gloves, shoes, etc. (Hands can be made by stuffing gloves with Fiberfill.)
20. Transform an Ordinary hat into a Symbolic Monument: Get an old hat from the basement, attic, or local flea market. Select a theme from the following list, or make up your own subject: Ode to Carl Jung, Ode to Lemuel Gulliver, Ode to Napoleon Bonaparte, Ode to Icarus, Ode to Albert Einstein, Ode to John Dillinger, Ode to Mohammed Ali, Ode to Rene Magritte, Ode to Pablo Picasso, Ode to Roy Lichenstein, Ode to Salvador Dali, Ode to Marilyn Monroe, Ode to Houdini, Ode to Toulouse Lautrec. Embellish the hat with elements to portray the theme; for example, add papier-mache wings, roller skates, miniature toys, ladders, lights, taxidermy eyes, sails, transistors, plumbing fixtures, coins, papier-mâché appendages, etc. Decorate the surface with bits of mosaic, glitter, yarn, mirror, paint, etc. Mount on a base and affix a nameplate to it.
21. Creating an Aesthetic Object from an Abandoned Derelict: Find an interesting object from the garage, attic, flea market, auction, or second-hand store. Transform the object by covering its entire surface with textural materials: mosaic, pebbles, glass, mirrors, feathers, flocking, yarn, paper, sand, photos, rope, coins, marble or granite chips, smaller objects, etc. Do this by using white glue: Spread glue on the surface, then sprinkle fine-particled materials such as sand, marble dust, or sawdust on it. (Use tile cement to attach heavier materials.)
22. Redoing an Old Masterwork: Select a sculpture or well-known image from art history for interpretation. Redo the work three-dimensionally: update it, change colors, media, characters; or, recreate a two dimensional Old Masters, three-dimensionally. Creating a Surreal Portrait: Get a Styrofoam wig head from a department store or fashion a head from wadded up newspaper that has been taped to form the approximate shape of a head. Transform it: Add cloth, leather, buttons, rope, mechanical gadgets, bottle caps, wool, hat, paint, etc.
23. Natural Container: Using only natural materials (twigs, grasses, pods, stones, leaves) and twine or string, create a container for an object that has special meaning for you. The container must be at least 10 inches in one of its dimensions.
24. Environmental Installation: Make a temporary environmental installation addressing any of the following: time, viewpoint, pathways, celestial events, social issues. Document in photographs and drawings. Look up Earthwork Artist Robert Smithson. 2D/3D Painting: Students will take their favorite 2D painting that they’ve done and transform it into a 3D piece. Any materials can be used to build up the depth within the piece, but it still must look fairly flat when viewing the piece head on.
2. Using Sculpy of different colors, generate full-figure caricatures of your family.
3. Using Sculpy, generate a series of three mini self-portrait bust, or, a portrait of a friend or family member that progresses in expression or posture.
4. From a block of foam, wood or plaster (at least 7 inches square), generate a handheld organic sculpture that is inviting to the touch. Tools necessary to manipulate these materials include a rasp (a very rough file), possibly a hammer and chisel for the wood, a variety of sandpaper grits, and fine steel wool to finish it off. You may choose to oil the wood sculpture as a protective finishing coat.
5. Creating a Soft Sculpture Figure: Make a life-size character. Select a theme to portray. Gather materials you will need: Nylon hosiery, Fiberfill, flesh-tone thread, needle, scissors, scrap materials, and special accessories to finish the character. Start by filling the hosiery with Fiberfill. Pinch, gather, and sew the surface to create anatomical features: eyes, nose, ears, mouth, etc. Use same technique to create wrinkles, puckered faces, and finer anatomical details. Use acrylic paint for painting lips, details. Sew or glue on buttons, beads, or taxidermy eyes; add accessories such as eyeglasses, hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, hat, clothing, gloves, shoes, etc. (Hands can be made by stuffing gloves with Fiberfill.)
6. Transform an Ordinary Shoe into a Symbolic Monument: Get an old shoe or boot from the basement, attic, or local flea market. Embellish the shoe with elements to portray a theme; for example, add papiermache wings, roller skates, miniature toys, ladders, lights, taxidermy eyes, sails, transistors, plumbing fixtures, coins, papier-mâché appendages, etc. Decorate the surface with bits of mosaic, glitter, yarn, mirror, paint, etc. Mount on a base and affix a nameplate to it.
7. Generate a sculpture that represents an animal or human figure in The Cubist style. The figure should be composed entirely of simple geometric shapes. This project is based on the art movement “cubism”; a good example of this style can be seen in Jacques Lipchitz’s “Sailor with Guitar” or Picasso’s “Guitar”(Google these images). These sculptures are made entirely of circles/spheres, squares, rectangles, triangles, pyramids, cylinders and many complex combinations of these shapes. You may work in either cardboard boxes and hot glue or clay as the medium for this project. This figure should be a minimal of 12 inches to a maximum of 3 feet high.
8. Use more than 300 pieces of one type of common household object (ex: screws, nails, pencils etc.) to create a sculpture that emphasizes pattern and rhythm. Before starting, the objects may be painted if preferred.
9. Create a three-dimensional sculpture from found objects.
10. Creating an Aesthetic Object from an Abandoned Derelict: Find an interesting object from the garage, attic, flea market, auction, or second-hand store. Transform the object by covering its entire surface with textural materials: mosaic, pebbles, glass, mirrors, feathers, flocking, yarn, paper, sand, photos, rope, coins, marble or granite chips, smaller objects, etc. Do this by using white glue: Spread glue on the surface, then sprinkle fine-particled materials such as sand, marble dust, or sawdust on it. (Use tile cement or liquid nails to attach heavier materials.)
11. Create a Three-Dimensional Sculpture that Produces Sound Effects: Collect materials and objects that produce different sounds. Construct a three-dimensional sculpture with them. The structure may involve spectator participation, so it can be “played” like a musical instrument; react to environmental conditions on its own (having elements that capture wind, rain, etc.) and translate them into sounds through appropriate devices; or be a kinetic sculpture programmed with switches, timers, or other devices.
12. Using any debris from your life (clothes, papers, food containers, cosmetics, reading material), assemble the materials into a life-size self-portrait bust, actual or metaphorical, in relief or in the round. You can use any means available (tape, glue, string, staples, screws, etc.) for attaching the material.
13. Using only natural materials (twigs, grasses, pods, stones, leaves) and twine or string, create a container for an object that has special meaning for you. The container must be at least 10 inches in one of its dimensions.
14. Make a temporary environmental installation addressing any of the following: time, viewpoint, pathways, celestial events, social issues. Document with many photographs from all different angles (this is so it is captured in time and can be used for digital submission, you need many images to pick from)
15. Generate a mechanical Body Part. Create a detailed representation of a body part of your choosing using only tinfoil (must be appropriate). You must then alter the sculpture in order to make the body part look mechanical (bolts, wires, etc) again using only tinfoil.
16. Multiples: Students will use more than 300 pieces of one type of common household object (ex: screws, toothpicks, cotton swabs, etc.) to create a sculpture that emphasizes pattern and rhythm. Before starting, the objects may be painted if preferred. •
17. Wrinkled Bust: Students will use clay to create a bust of an older member of their family (preferably Grandparent age). All elements of detail such as wrinkles and age spots should be captured. A great way to start this project would be to create a series of sketches from many different angles. (Must be at least 10” in height)
18. Back to the Future: Using either Bristol board or foam core, dowel rods, mat board/cardboard, or any combination of the above; create an architectural model for a house (domestic architecture), a city skyscraper, or a museum of modern art to be built in the year 2075. (This should be the exterior structure, not an interior cut-away.) You may want to reference the work of Frank Gehry, Robert Venturi, Frank Lloyd Wright, or Philip Johnson.
19. Creating a Soft Sculpture Figure: Make a life-size character. Select a theme to portray. Gather materials you’ll need: Nylon hosiery, Fiberfill, flesh-tone thread, needle, scissors, scrap materials, and special accessories to finish the character. Start by filling the hosiery with Fiberfill. Pinch, gather, and sew the surface to create anatomical features: eyes, nose, ears, mouth, etc. Use the same technique to create wrinkles, puckered faces, and finer anatomical details. Use acrylic paint for painting lips, details. Sew or glue on buttons, beads, or taxidermy eyes; add accessories such as eyeglasses, hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, hat, clothing, gloves, shoes, etc. (Hands can be made by stuffing gloves with Fiberfill.)
20. Transform an Ordinary hat into a Symbolic Monument: Get an old hat from the basement, attic, or local flea market. Select a theme from the following list, or make up your own subject: Ode to Carl Jung, Ode to Lemuel Gulliver, Ode to Napoleon Bonaparte, Ode to Icarus, Ode to Albert Einstein, Ode to John Dillinger, Ode to Mohammed Ali, Ode to Rene Magritte, Ode to Pablo Picasso, Ode to Roy Lichenstein, Ode to Salvador Dali, Ode to Marilyn Monroe, Ode to Houdini, Ode to Toulouse Lautrec. Embellish the hat with elements to portray the theme; for example, add papier-mache wings, roller skates, miniature toys, ladders, lights, taxidermy eyes, sails, transistors, plumbing fixtures, coins, papier-mâché appendages, etc. Decorate the surface with bits of mosaic, glitter, yarn, mirror, paint, etc. Mount on a base and affix a nameplate to it.
21. Creating an Aesthetic Object from an Abandoned Derelict: Find an interesting object from the garage, attic, flea market, auction, or second-hand store. Transform the object by covering its entire surface with textural materials: mosaic, pebbles, glass, mirrors, feathers, flocking, yarn, paper, sand, photos, rope, coins, marble or granite chips, smaller objects, etc. Do this by using white glue: Spread glue on the surface, then sprinkle fine-particled materials such as sand, marble dust, or sawdust on it. (Use tile cement to attach heavier materials.)
22. Redoing an Old Masterwork: Select a sculpture or well-known image from art history for interpretation. Redo the work three-dimensionally: update it, change colors, media, characters; or, recreate a two dimensional Old Masters, three-dimensionally. Creating a Surreal Portrait: Get a Styrofoam wig head from a department store or fashion a head from wadded up newspaper that has been taped to form the approximate shape of a head. Transform it: Add cloth, leather, buttons, rope, mechanical gadgets, bottle caps, wool, hat, paint, etc.
23. Natural Container: Using only natural materials (twigs, grasses, pods, stones, leaves) and twine or string, create a container for an object that has special meaning for you. The container must be at least 10 inches in one of its dimensions.
24. Environmental Installation: Make a temporary environmental installation addressing any of the following: time, viewpoint, pathways, celestial events, social issues. Document in photographs and drawings. Look up Earthwork Artist Robert Smithson. 2D/3D Painting: Students will take their favorite 2D painting that they’ve done and transform it into a 3D piece. Any materials can be used to build up the depth within the piece, but it still must look fairly flat when viewing the piece head on.
Treasure Box
Collect a shoebox (or more) of interesting objects and junk. Broken objects, wooden architectural forms (bedposts, table legs, shelf supports etc.) mechanical parts, natural objects, house-hold items, anything that interests you in terms of shape, volume, texture, color, meaning, or social significance. Objects that are modular or occur in multiples can be especially useful. Bring to school the second day of class
Helpful Hints:
1. Draw directly from life instead of using reference photos, whenever possible. If you must use a photo, take your own photo!
2. Use quality materials for your art. Good materials make it easier to create good work. Consider plaster, Paper Mache, sculpty and air dry clay instead of traditional clay. Research ideas for corrugated cardboard, wire sculptures, found objects and book assemblage to see examples of how these materials can be used.
3. Use standard sizes. Stay within the 18” x 24” size, so that these pieces could be used for the quality section of your portfolio.
4. Use a sketchbook to plan your artwork. Make several thumbnails, jot down notes, glue in reference images, and do color studies when needed.
5. Use a variety of media, even combining them for mixed media.
6. DO NOT SIGN YOUR NAME TO THE FRONT OF YOUR WORK or place any identifying marks on the front as per AP Guidelines. Be sure to write your name on the back or bottom.
7. Visit the AP Central website for the portfolio you are submitting often to see sample portfolios and to become familiar with requirements.
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/studiodrawing http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/studio2d http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/studio3d
8. Look at good art! Visit the local art centers, galleries, art museums, and art festivals. Take your sketch book with you, and render the work as well as your response to it. It is a good thing to jot down your thinking process in your sketch book as well as draw in it.
9. Read about art! Read art magazines, such as The Artist’s Magazine and International Artist. You will find these in local libraries. Check out books about famous artists in the library while you are there. Study the images in them.
10. Search the Internet for artists dealing with the same subject as you. Study their work, life history, and influences.
2. Use quality materials for your art. Good materials make it easier to create good work. Consider plaster, Paper Mache, sculpty and air dry clay instead of traditional clay. Research ideas for corrugated cardboard, wire sculptures, found objects and book assemblage to see examples of how these materials can be used.
3. Use standard sizes. Stay within the 18” x 24” size, so that these pieces could be used for the quality section of your portfolio.
4. Use a sketchbook to plan your artwork. Make several thumbnails, jot down notes, glue in reference images, and do color studies when needed.
5. Use a variety of media, even combining them for mixed media.
6. DO NOT SIGN YOUR NAME TO THE FRONT OF YOUR WORK or place any identifying marks on the front as per AP Guidelines. Be sure to write your name on the back or bottom.
7. Visit the AP Central website for the portfolio you are submitting often to see sample portfolios and to become familiar with requirements.
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/studiodrawing http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/studio2d http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/studio3d
8. Look at good art! Visit the local art centers, galleries, art museums, and art festivals. Take your sketch book with you, and render the work as well as your response to it. It is a good thing to jot down your thinking process in your sketch book as well as draw in it.
9. Read about art! Read art magazines, such as The Artist’s Magazine and International Artist. You will find these in local libraries. Check out books about famous artists in the library while you are there. Study the images in them.
10. Search the Internet for artists dealing with the same subject as you. Study their work, life history, and influences.
