Reed & wire are quick and easy materials to get started with 3D. See a demo on how to use these materials to construct a lively, dynamic sculpture.
- Watch the 6 min. version
- Watch the 82 min. version
Demo by Art Prof Clara Lieu & Mia Rozear. Thank you to Cobalt Counseling for sponsoring this video!!
Video Walkthrough
- For a 3D material, reed is extremely light weight, especially compared to 3D materials like clay.
- You don’t have to worry about your reed sculpture toppling over!
- You can work with the reed at a fairly large scale and not worry about structural issues like with other 3D materials.
- The reed has an inherent curve to it which creates really dynamic shapes.
- If you are new to the reed, it’s best to start out without a specific end result.
- Start by making some circles so that you can see how the reed functions, and learn how to wrap the wire.
- Reed is typically used by basket weavers, who usually soak the reed for more malleability.
- Soaking the reed is not necessary for this project, and in fact can create a mess which is a pain.
- Armature wire is the best fit for this project, if your wire is too thin, it won’t support the reed very well.
- Be sure to wrap the armature wire as tight as you can, if the wire is loose it will not be structurally strong.
- Wrap the wire so the wire is flush against the other wire.
- Use needle nose pliers to push down the ends of the armature wire which tend to stick out. (don’t use your fingers!)
- A wire cutter is great for trimming the reed, especially if you want to even out the lengths of pieces.
- The wire can become a decorative element if you want it to!
- Consider shapes that you can create with the wire that can then be attached to the reed.
- Wrapping the wire around a pencil and then removing it can create beautiful twists.
![3D: Reed & Wire Sculptures](https://artprofmedia.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/20230716181513/waiting-13-1.jpg)
Prof Lieu’s Tips
![Clara cartoon](https://artprofmedia.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/20230124222022/IMG_4091-2.png)
I’ve talked to a bunch of you recently about worrying about being “legit” as an artist, whether it’s in the process, selling, etc. any facet I think can create that reaction to ourselves as artists.
![banner Figure sculpture plastilene Clay](https://artprofmedia.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/20230313235647/IMG_8527.jpg)
You don’t have to struggle to be an artist! Think about everything you went through to get to a point where you have found your joy in your work, those were the struggles that got you to where you are.
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