What's the project?

Let’s build an abstract clay sculpture! We will begin creating a sculpture that engages with a light source. This can be in any shape or form. Think about how it will interact with light. 

Prompts

Prompt: Imagine you are creating a habitat! What inspires it? What is inside? How does it feel? How does light interact with it?

Examples:
  • A house / home for a tiny creature
  • An abstract city scape
  • An abstract sculpture based on a broader habitat (like the ocean or forest)

Tips:
  • Consider playing with size / scale variations 
  • Think about natural versus structural architecture 
  • Play with different textures (smoothing versus rough)
  • Keep in mind how your shapes will create shadows and interact with an LED light or flashlight

Images

Materials

  • LED Lights
    • ​You can also use a flashlight (or one from a phone)
  • Air-Dry Clay / PlayDoh
  • Sculpting Tools (Optional)
    • You can also use home kitchen utensils!

Links to light options: 
Links to PlayDoh / Air-Dry Clay
Links to Sculpting Tools

Clay techniques

To learn more about different clay techniques click here: 

steps


​Step 1: Sketch Time
  • Briefly sketch different ideas/options for 10-15 minutes 
  • You can use habitats in real life as references or inspiration 

Step 2: Play with the clay
  • Look at and learn different clay techniques 
  • How does the clay feel and form?

Step 3: Start to build your habitat!
  • Build a solid and sound structure
  • Create the desired texture you want
  • Keep in mind placement for lighting
    • ​create elements of your sculpture that will create interesting shadows or reflect light in different ways

Step 4: Add your lights! 
  • Play with the location of your light to cast different shadows and highlight different elements of your sculpture 
  • Don’t forget to take pictures and document your work!
    • ​You can have fun playing with different angles, zoom in / out, and get different views

Workshop action shots!

​SHARE YOUR WORK WITH US ON INSTAGRAM!