Abstract Sculpture

This Power-Point presentation contains 110 image-packed slides which will guide you and your students toward the completion of your very own abstract sculpture. This all-inclusive presentation illustrates what abstract sculpture is and the countless possibilities of what one might look like. It showcases a variety of artists who create them and shows their process from sketching to mini-model to installation of the finished work. Included in the presentation are plenty of examples of professional and student sculptures, a number of defined terms, well-chosen examples of sculptures which demonstrate various elements and principles of design, a materials list, grading rubric, lesson plan, student goals, sculpture techniques and more. I’ve tried variations of this project with first grade students all the way through collegiate level students and they all seem to enjoy the freedom and creativity associated with solving this type of sculptural problem. I trust your students will enjoy this one as much as mine do.

Enjoy! – Bo (The Art Guru)

BELOW IS A MORE SPECIFIC BREAKDOWN OF WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PRESENTATION:
Slides 1 and 2: defines abstract art and what sculpture is and its various forms.

Slides 3-20: look at a number of public art abstract sculptures. The sculptures exhibit a variety of possibilities including both organic and geometric forms, simple and complex sculptures, symmetrical and unbalanced, and a variety of colors and textures.

Slides 21-46: look closely at the work of three abstract sculpture artists: Richard Serra, Chakaia Booker, and Alexander Calder. Their artwork and artistic concerns are addressed.

Slides 47-55: show examples of well-known works of art as well as their humble beginnings as small models. You’ll see work by Picasso, Calder, and even the St. Louis Arch, Chicago’s “Bean” and 911 Memorial on both the large and small scale.

Slides 56-73: explore the process of creating your own sculpture from sketching to finished product. Numerous professional examples of small abstract models are shown.

Slides 74-91: provide an in depth look at artist Ken Thompson and how he turned his small model into a finished work of public art.

Slides 92-103: show student examples of abstract sculptures. They were photographed at different angles to provide views in the round.

Slides 104-110 provide all of the elements and principles to be focused on, the student goals for the project, basic paper sculpture techniques, and a materials list and grading sheet for the teacher.