Metal Project 1: The Body

For this project you will be using scrap steel to construct a sculpture that in some way explores the concept of Body. Body can be applied to many different things and should be considered thoroughly before deciding on a specific direction. To begin, make a list of words that you associate with the term body. How do you feel inside your body? You may start with nouns, or physically descriptive words, but also consider feelings and emotions.

How does metal as a material interact or create meaning within the context of the words you have written down.

How does metal feel?

What sorts of associations do you make with the material and how can you use those associations to mix with form and create new meaning in the work?

How has metal been used in the past in conjunction with the body?

You may intergrate other materials into the final work, but there should be a significant emphasis on steel as the main material.

The sculpture may be representational, abstract, or non-representational...If it is representational there should be something in the form that expands beyond direct representation to add a conceptual layer, energy, or feeling that can't be achieved by representation alone.

Consider scale: How does the scale that you have chosen to work work towards the concept?

In the end you each will find your own solution here, and there is no right answer. Interpret this assignment freely and creatively.

Artists to research:

Magdalena Abakanowicz | Richard Serra | Antony Gormley