From Kevan: Here is an introductory lesson that I use with my sculpture students to start them off for the term. It has proven to be very helpful in moving from 2D work to 3D work. Many of the works from this lesson have repeatedly received recognition in the Scholastic Awards Competition.

   
 Portrait "busts"  - see site for figures  (click image for larger view) Whimsical - magical animals

I Expressive Linear Sculptures

A - Description: Creation of a series of wire sculptures that illustrate a variety of different subject matter focuses and motion:
1- Figure(s) at rest
2- Figure(s) in motion
3- Bust

B - Materials: 18 gauge wire + telephone or other colored wire for emphasis (optional)
1 - raw wire may be painted using metallic acrylic paint and / or gesso

C - Student Objectives:
1 - Students will develop skill in utilizing line in a 3 dimensional context, experimenting with:
     a - outline
     b - contour line
     c - gesture line
2 - Students will gain experience utilizing simple wire attachment techniques of twisting 
      and crimping
3 - Students will explore a variety of techniques for mounting sculpture to the base

D - Related Learning Components:
1 - View works by Alexander Calder, Pablo Picasso, others - See Contemporary African 
      Wire  Sculptures - particularly South Africa and Kenya - also see Sokari David Camp   
      Nigerian artist
2 - Examine previous student work
3 - Discuss use of line in works viewed
     a - alteration of "form" as works are viewed from different angles, causing the 
          relationship of the  lines being used to change
     b - visual movement in sculptures
     c - suggestion of expressive nature of subject through line use

E - Motivation / Anticipatory Set:
1 - Watch video of Alexander Calder - creation of mobile for National Gallery's East 
      Building in Washington D.C.
      a - includes early wire constructions made by Calder including his "Circus" figures
2 - Power Point of wire sculptures of various artists works
3 - Actual previous student exemplars
4 - Demonstrations by instructor (at various points points in the progression of the 
     assignment)

F - Activity:
1 - Discussion of differences / similarities between creation / processes / materials involved in 2D and  3D artwork
2 - Have students work with pen and ink / ball point pen, to create line drawings using outline, contour   and gesture techniques to represent full and partial figurative subjects - emphasis to be placed on   illustration of form and emotion using line
3 - Show students exemplars of linear sculptures (Anticipatory Set)
4 - Have students work on series of sculptures - drawings to be used as practice for visualization of   sculpture subjects /utilization of wire
     a - students may work on the 3 sculpture assignments in any order that they choose, but 
          discussion  of essential differences between expectations involved in assignments 
         (Description), needs to  take place before, during and after completion of works

G - Tools / Materials for Sculptures:
1 - wire (Description)
2 - paint (Description)
3 - wood for bases (should be finished by sanding and then staining / sealing or painting)
4 - assorted pliers: needle nose, railroad, slip joint, cutting
5- drill and drill bits
6- glue

H - Vocabulary:
1 - linear
2 - contour
3 - gesture
4 - outline
5 - gauge
6 - crimping
7 - form
8 - shape
9 - visual movement
10 - bust
11 - figure
12 - expressive line

Expressive Gestural Figures

I - Evaluation:
1 - Group Critique
      a - oral and written
      b- written evaluation utilizing following rubric -

4 Superior: Work shows an excellent grasp of all of the concepts explored in this project

• Range of sculptures created shows a comprehensive understanding of the figure and the expression of emotion through the use of line.
• The level of craftsmanship attended to in the creation and finishing of the work is exemplary.

3 Proficient: Work shows a good grasp of all of the major concepts explored in this project

• Range of sculpture created shows a good understanding of the figure and the expression of
  emotion through the use of line.
• A careful level of craftsmanship is evident in the creation and finishing of the sculptures.

2 Emerging : Work shows some some understanding of the major concepts explored in this project

• Sculptures created for this project meet the criteria of the various assignments for the most part
  and suggest an attempt to depict emotion through the use of line.
• Some care has been taken in the creation and finishing of the sculptures although there is inconsistency evident in the level of care throughout the range of work completed.

1 Novice: Work shows only occasional understanding of some of the major concepts explored in this project

• Sculptures created for this project do not necessarily meet the criteria of the various assignments
  and either do not or only slightly suggest an emotional component through the use of the line.
• Little or no care is evident in the craftsmanship of the projects which may or may not have been totally completed.

Resources

Alexander Calder - links page

Naomi Grossman - New York artist. Wire sculptures, interesting box assemblages with words and wire. Photographs with a mature theme (preview before showing students).

Elizabeth Berrien - Wire Sculpture - See Teaching pages and Workshops.

Alternate Lesson: Wire armature with color accents

Students create a wire framework as in lesson above. Accent parts of the sculpture with tissue paper collage (and assorted papers). See the work of Corinne Okada for inspiration. 

Corinne Okada - California artist. Wire sculpture accented with  mixed media collage. Assorted recycled papers, handmade papers, silks and more on wire armature. See Kimonos, insects (nature) and more.

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