This 3D design project uses chipboard and glue guns to construct a a lively, dynamic sculpture. The aim is to create an abstract representation of the artist’s personality.
The process begins with an brainstorming activity as a starting point for generating shapes and designs. These quick drawings of simple shapes are the building blocks of how to visually show an artist’s personality.
Cutting techniques with utility knives, shaping techniques with the chipboard, and construction methods with a hot glue gun are covered in depth.
Video Walkthrough
- Ask yourself: what makes a sculpture abstract?
- Chipboard is very flexible and easy to use because of it’s rigidity and strength.
- Brainstorm your personality traits by making a list of words that describe you.
- Take that list of personality traits and transform them into shapes that you associate with them.
- Consider what types of shapes align which what types of personalities.
- A round shape is “friendlier” than a shape which has very sharp points.
- Take those shapes and sketch them into a dynamic composition.
- Thick Chipboard is really strong and will provide lots of stability as you work.
- Thin Chipboard is great when you want to create curly shapes.
- Be safe with your tools by using a kevlar glove when cutting with your utility knife.
- Be sure to dispose of the utility knife blades safely.
- T-Squares will provide stability when you are cutting the chipboard.
- Cutting techniques
- Sometimes scissors are a lot faster than the utility knife, especially when it comes to small pieces.
- Scoring techniques make it a lot easier to retain the structural strength of the chipboard.
- Be safe with glue guns, put them on the small wire stand.
- Hot glue can be tough to do well because it gets messy really fast.
- Hot glue squeezes out a lot, so use less. You don’t need much for it to go far.
Art Supplies
Safety first!
Utility Knives are extremely sharp and it’s really easy to cut yourself by accident! Always wear a kevlar glove on your hand which is not holding the knife to prevent injuries.
Hot glue guns can get really hot! Be very careful not to drip any hot glue on yourself while working. Always prop the hot glue gun up so the tip is not touching any surface.
Student Responses
“This material allowed me to expand my creativity because of its flexibility and easiness of use.
The sculpture with swirls and silly looking represents the word ‘curious.’ For ‘curious,’ I decided to make it silly and kind of confusing. The intent was to make the audience guess or wonder which word it represented!
The 2 designs are completely different from one another and that is what I really like about them!”
“The piece with round, curled shapes was a piece that defined my personality as being mysterious. The other spiky piece represents my curious side.”
Prof Lieu’s Tips
Every artwork has it’s ups and downs, and I find more often than not, many people stop too soon when they aren’t getting the results they want.
That’s a completely natural reaction! None of us get results instantly and a lot of this process of ideation can only happen if we are willing to sit with the discomfort that comes with that.
I know it’s often not fun, but it really is worth pushing through those frustrations, especially in the sketching and brainstorming stage where you can run through a lot of ideas quickly without a lot of work.
Even if the artwork doesn’t end up working out well, that patience and persistence is a good skill to hone. You will need it in everything you do!
