WOOD/FORM/COLOR

Objective:  This portion of the project is an introduction to learning the tools and techniques surrounding wood construction. You will become familiar with proper woodshop etiquette and safety, while gaining a level of comfort and knowledge of equipment and tool use.  The assignment will build on your experience and vocabulary of three-dimensional design from the previous assignments and readings.  You will gain a proficiency over the tools and materials as you work through the given design problem.

Assignment:  Design and construct a 3-dimensional sculpture (wood as primary material) by repeating a modular unit.  The finished design should present a unified composition, whereby the individual parts, in unison, create a stronger visual or conceptual impact than they are able to produce as singular components. The entire project should be painted.  Choose a color palate that corresponds to your over all aesthetic or concept.

Guidelines and Considerations: 

• The sculpture must be “in the round”.  It may be mounted to a wall, just avoid relief.
• The sculpture should be no smaller than 30”. 
• The design should incorporate at least two different types of joinery.
• The wood must be finished or treated in some way: paint, stain, sealer, shellac, wax, etc.
• You may use more than one modular form in the composition.
• You may alter the modular form(s) as you repeat them.  Consider variations in size, shape, or idea for a sense of gradation.

Vocabulary: 

All of the tools demonstrated:                                               

Band saw                                                                       

Radial Arm Saw                                                           

Jig Saw                                                                       

Palm/ Disc/ Belt Sanders                                               

Panel Saw                                                                       

Hand Drill/ Drill Press                                               

Jointer                       

Scroll Saw                                                                       

                       

Joinery:

butt joint

edge joint

miter joint

lap joint

doweled joint

mortis and tenon

dado

dovetail

fasteners (screws, nails, bolts)

Other:

Lamination

Cross-Cut

Plywood vs. Dimensional

Maquette / Model / Pattern

Orthographic projection

Module / Modular

Gradation

Kerf

Representational- meant to depict (re-present) a recognizable object, and strays little from what that object objectively looks like.

Abstraction-  A subjective interpretation of an object whereby the original subject is relatively distinguishable, but intentionally altered for aesthetic or conceptual reasons.

Minimalist Abstraction-  depicting an object subjectively by “stripping” it down to its essential or primary form(s).

Non-Objective-  A form of abstraction that strays the farthest away from presenting any recognizable object.  This type of representation often focuses on representing non-physical things such as ideas, or feelings.  This style is often referred to as “formalism” because artists rely heavily on the elements of form and principles of organization to compose the work, instead of re-presenting an object(s).

                                                           

Materials: 

Any wood that is not on the “Do not use these woods” example in the woodshop.

Common woods: Plywood (no Plytanium!!) (approx. ¼”, ½ ”, ¾”)

Dimensional Lumber:  1x4’s, 2x4’s, 2x6’s, dowel rods

Note: the dimension (common name) of these woods is not true.  Use a tape measure to find exact dimensions.

Nicer woods: Poplar, Oak, Cedar, Birch, etc.  (These can be found in the “millworks” section at Lowe’s and come in a variety of dimensions.  Other suppliers: Watauga Building Supply, New River Building Supply, Adam’s Building Supply).

Fasteners: screws, nails, bolts, dowels

Glue (supplied)

stains and/or paints

cardboard or mattboard for maquette

other maquette materials: wire, hot glue, tape, dowels, etc.