Wood and Metal – Structural Basics of Sculpture (10cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

Students focus on the technical principles of wood and metal construction and the potential of these materials in sculptural art. During the course, particular attention is paid to the structural properties of sculptures and the technologies involved in exhibiting works of art. During the course, students practice using wood and metal workshop tools through various exercises. Students also carry out a larger independent artistic project in which wood and metal work play a central role. Students actively participate in discussions, guidance, and feedback sessions on materials, tools, and occupational safety, and successfully complete the exercises.

Objective

The student can
- use wood and metal construction in their own expression
- reflect on and compare the suitability of different structures for their own artistic processes
- recognise and take into account the health and safety and environmental aspects of working with wood and metal
- use wood and metalworking in practice
- to consider the material and content properties of wood and metal and their potential in sculpture
- reflect on their expressive choices in an aesthetic and ethical manner
- develop three-dimensional expression relevant to their own artistic content
- deepen their knowledge of contemporary sculpture

Content

Students will focus on the technical principles of wood and metal construction and the possibilities of these materials in sculpture. During the course, particular attention will be paid to the structural properties of sculpture and the technologies involved in the presentation of works. During the course, the student will practice using the tools of the wood and metal workshop on the basis of various exercises. The student will also carry out a broader independent artistic work where wood and metal work play a central role. The student will actively participate in discussions, guidance and feedback on materials, tools and work safety and will pass the practical assignments.

Teaching methods

Lectures, workshop studies, independent work, discussions

Exam schedules

To be agreed separately if necessary

Completion alternatives

To be agreed separately

Student workload

During the course, a three-part sculpture will be created. The technical and expressive basis of the work will be formed by wood and metal construction techniques.

Wood: Create a three-part sculpture whose different parts reflect the diverse nature of wood as a material for cultural activity.
- The first part deals with the modular forms of wood. Sawn timber is available in many standardised forms. The pieces can be measured and cut precisely and joined together to form boxes, boards, sculptures, etc. Plywood, chipboard, and other highly processed wood industry materials can be very interesting in terms of their expressive power.
-The second part deals with the plastic properties of wood. Wood has always been used to create sculptural pieces using various tools. Ship figureheads and Stradivarius violins. Electric tools can quickly produce different shapes, while hand tools are slower and produce a different visual effect. You can use a chainsaw, a carving knife, a chisel and a mallet, a rough concrete surface, decay fungi, etc. Different types of wood can be shaped in different ways.
-The third part focuses on the nature of wood as an organic entity. Wood is matter with an active and volitional nature. It has a life cycle and the ability to communicate with its fellow species and form communities. Seeds germinate, grow into trees, shed leaves and branches, and eventually return to the cycle of matter.

Metal: Make metal accessories for your wooden sculptures, such as pedestals, racks, hanging hooks, etc.
-The significance of metal as a material that enables structures and ways of presentation is the main focus of the course. Sculptures are displayed in space: they can be hung on walls, placed on pedestals, suspended from the ceiling, propped up in corners, laid on the floor, held in the hand, or waved in the air. This often means that an additional element must be designed and implemented alongside or as part of the sculpture to enable a meaningful presentation. These additional elements often play a significant role in the overall work and contribute to the presentation of the work as much as the space in which they are encountered.

Evaluation methods and criteria

The assessment is based on the assignments completed, the management of the work process, and the positioning of one's own artistic work in the art field.

Failed (0)

Assignments are not completed or attendance is insufficient (50% or less)

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Assignments have not been submitted on time or are incomplete. The student has participated in teaching and joint meetings only minimally.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The assignments have been completed according to the instructions and participation in teaching has been sufficient = 3.
In addition to the above, students are able to position their artistic work in the art world and set goals for their work based on this understanding = 4

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

In addition to the above, the student has demonstrated commendable initiative in thoroughly embracing the objectives of the course.