Abstract Subtractive Plaster

Sculpture

Modern Art Movement artistic works produced roughly from the

1860s to the 1970s usually associated with art in which the

traditions of the past have been thrown aside in a spirit of experimentation

experimented with new ways of seeing, and with fresh ideas about the nature of materials and functions of art

tendency toward abstraction is characteristic of much modern art

Abstract SculptureArtists

Constantin BrancusiHenry Moore

Barbara Hepworth

Constantin Brâncuşi Romanian 1876 – 1957 Internationally renowned

sculptor whose work blends simplicity and sophistication

led the way for numerous modernist sculptors

Brancusi’s Studio

and Tools

The Sleeping Muse, 1910

Three Penguins 1911-12

The Kiss 1916

Bird in Space 1923 Marble

Bird in Space 1932-1940

Polished brass

A Muse 1918

Henry Moore English 1898 – 1987 influenced by:

Michelangelo, Gothic art, Pre-Columbian art, and Toltec-Mayan art

felt a sense that art should return to its pre-cultural and pre-rational origins

specializes in abstractions and organic shapes

Henry Moore’s Studio

Seated Woman 1959

Reclining Figure: Arch Leg, 1970

Gosslar Warrior, 1974

Henry Moore's Large Two Forms, 1966

Oval With Points 1970

Internal External Form

1981-82

Knife Edge Two Piece 1965

Three Piece Reclining Figure: Draped, 1975

Barbara Hepworth English 1903-1975 abstract form, not

representational in origin worked both in wood and

stone described the

excitement of discovering the nature of carving as a source of inspiration in her work

Barbara Hepworth’s Studio

Monolith Empyrean at the Kenwood House

River Form

Pendour

Activity Using a subtractive plaster carving

process, you will create a 3D abstract sculpture with open areas and texture.

Research abstract sculptors, record your research in your sketchbook.

Mix and mold your plaster block. Begin planning and carving your

plaster.

Mixing & Carving Plaster

Form, Mass, Plane & Texture

Mixing Plaster1.Fill container about ½ way up with warm water2.Sift plaster powder in slowly. Continue until there is

a "little mountain" that rises in the middle. Sprinkle in a few more teaspoons around the sides.

3. * Stir the mixture slowly with the stick without lifting it from the carton to keep as many air bubbles out as possible. Check the stick several times to see if any lumps appear at the end of it. Stop when the stick shows only a smooth, stirred mixture.

4.Tap the container on the outside from the bottom upward many times to release air bubbles. You can see them popping.

5. * Set containers aside to harden.

• Must be open areas you can see through• Interesting from all view points• Texture added

Remember the Requirements

CARVINGSafety First:

please wear safety glasses & face masks

• Using the artwork you researched as inspiration, sketch your design onto your plaster block. Be sure your design carries around the entire block.

• Using a fettling knife start carving to open the piece so that you may see through it.

• Round off some of the edges a little at a time…

• Remember: once the shape is cut, that piece is gone forever… you can’t add it back in later, work slowly

Make shapes come forward (by cutting away whatever is around it)

or recede (by cutting it back)

While the initial work is continuing, the block is kept wrapped in very damp paper towels, and placed in a plastic bag until it is needed again.

TEXTURE ADDS DETAILS TO SCULPTURE

Can become part of the entire surface of the sculpture

or be especially limited to particular areas.

Tips Keep the block wrapped in very damp paper

towels and a plastic bag between classes. Soak plaster in warm water to soften and

ease carving process. Work from general to specific when

sculpting – keep the form strong by having it generalized.

Sculpt and carve the plaster EVENLY throughout the process. If you have finished a fine detail area then work on an unfinished section you run the risk of breaking fragile areas.