Introduction to Sculpture Instructor: Alicia Eggert, eggert@alfred.

edu
TA: Jonas Lindberg, JDL8@alfred.edu
Class Blog: introtosculpture2010.blogspot.com
ART255-01 M+T 1:20-4:10 Binns Merrill SB01

Manufactured Landscapes
To create a sculptural work of art is to bring an object into the world that would not otherwise exist. The aim of this
assignment is to recognize the artist’s dual role as both a producer of commodities and a consumer of materials
and resources. Where do the materials and objects we use come from, how are they made, and what is the
environmental impact of their production and consumption? How is an everyday object directly related to the earth
and its landscape?

We will begin this assignment with a 3-D modeling and rapid prototyping workshop with Carlo Sammarco. We will use
Rhino and the school’s CNC machine to create reliefs of topographic structures derived from both Digital Elevation
Maps and/or high contrast JPG images. The goal of the workshop is to demonstrate how this technology can be
used to digitally visualize and manipulate and then physically realize three-dimensional forms. You will need to bring a
jump drive to class with you every day in order to save data formulated within Rhino that will later determine your
project’s physical manifestation.

After completing the three-week workshop, you will be introduced to basic woodworking and welding techniques. You
will be able to decide whether your final project incorporates wood, steel or both media into a sculptural object or
installation. Lumber, plywood, and 1/4” round stock or 2” flat stock steel will be provided in limited quantities.
Critiques will be held on Thursday, March 4th and Friday, March 5 . th
 "What we need to question is bricks, concrete, glass, our table manners, our
utensils, our tools, the way we spend our time, our rhythms. To question that which
seems to have ceased forever to astonish us. We live, true, we breathe, true; we
walk, we go downstairs, we sit at a table in order to eat, we lie down on a bed on
order to sleep. How? Where? When? Why?”
Time/Dedication/Research – 20%
First, you must choose an everyday, manmade object that
interests you in form or subject matter. Study your object
and answer the following questions: What materials is it
made of? Where was it manufactured? How are its
materials made or harvested? What natural resources are
used in its production, and where are they found?
Next, choose a geographical location in the United States
that relates to an answer to one of the questions above. For
example, if your object is made of wood, research an area
where trees are logged or milled; or if your object is made
of plastic, research the location of a factory associated with
plastic production. You can even research a location where
energy may have been produced for the manufacturing
process (for instance, areas around coal mines or power
plants).
A high-quality and high-contrast JPG image of your object,
along with a Google satellite image of your location, must be
brought to class on a jump drive on the first day of the
workshop: Friday, January, 22 . A blog post containing
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these images, along with a one-paragraph description of
each image and a one-paragraph summary of their
relationship, must be posted on the class blog by Thursday,
January 28 .th
In addition, you will be asked to conduct further research
and create small models of your form throughout the
workshop. Deadlines for this research will be announced as
the assignment progresses.
Craftsmanship – 30%
The craft of your final object or installation will be a very
important part of this project. You must show that you have
practiced the basic welding or woodworking techniques
taught in class to a sufficient degree before attempting to
construct the final product. Welds must be clean, wood
joints should be tight and free of excess glue, and cut
surfaces should be sanded smooth unless a rough surface is
important to your concept.
- Georges Perec
Concept – 20%
Conceptual reasoning is always an important part of the
creative process. Your ideas, whether they are based on a
formal investigation or political opinion, should be driven by
the research you conduct about the relationship between
your object and location. You will be asked to explain why you
made certain decisions, so be prepared to justify them.
However, this first assignment places slightly more
emphasis on becoming proficient in one or both mediums
(but not necessarily an expert!).
Presentation – 20%
Final projects must be installed in the Sculpture Gallery, Cell
Space or Sculpture Box on the day prior to critique
(Wednesday, March 3 ). You must decide if your final object
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or installation will be designed to rest on the floor, hang on
the wall or be mounted to the ceiling. White pedestals are
not allowed for this assignment. You must consider which of
the three spaces would be most appropriate for your project
based on its specific features.
All work must be adequately lit with the track lighting
available or with clamp lights. Typed (not hand written!) title
cards should be hung on an adjacent wall, referring to the
work’s title and materials.
Documentation – 10%
You will be required to post documentation of your research
on the class blog at several stages throughout this
assignment. One to three images of your final project, along
with a title, dimensions and material list, must be posted
after the final critique. Your final documentation should be
labeled both with your name and also “Manufactured
Landscapes”, so it can be easily accessed.