ART CONNECTS KIDS
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Sculpture

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
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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: 
  • Creatrek RGB Color Changing LED Tea Lights
  • Vont LED Tea Light Candles [24 Pack]

Links to PlayDoh / Air-Dry Clay
  • Case of PlayDoh
  • Single Packs of PlayDoh
  • Air Dry Crayola Clay 5 lbs
  • Air Dry Crayola Clay 2.5 lbs
  • Homemade Playdough

Links to Sculpting Tools
  • Nozomy Clay Tools,12PCS
  • Double-Ended Wire Sculpting Tool Set
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Clay techniques

To learn more about different clay techniques click here: 
CLAY TECHNIQUES

steps

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​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!

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This website and its content was created by undergraduate students in the Detroit Connections course at the University of Michigan Stamps School of Art and Design.

Detroit Connections is taught by faculty member Melanie Manos.  If you have questions please contact melmanos@umich.edu. 

Website support from Larrea Young (laryoung@umich.edu).

  • Home
  • Art Connects Kids
    • Sculpture >
      • How to Make Playdough
      • How to Papier-mâché
      • How to Make Human Figure with Bendy Wire
      • Share Your Work
    • Fibers Fun >
      • Quilted Blanket Project
      • Pom Pom Project
      • Wearables Project
    • Storytelling >
      • Build Your Character
      • How to Make a Story
      • How to Tell Your Story
    • Inspiration >
      • Become a Famous Painter
      • Collaging Your Feelings
      • Minimalist Landscapes
      • MIXED MEDIA COLLAGE
      • Watercolor Flowers
    • Crafts and Countries >
      • Australia
      • Mexico
      • Russia
      • India
      • China
  • YAAAA
    • Fibers >
      • Fibers Sculpture Project
      • Fibers Video Workshop
    • Sculpture >
      • Sculpture & Light Project
      • Lamp Making Video Workshop
    • Painting >
      • Sound & Painting Video Workshop
    • Animation
    • Illustration >
      • Illustration Project
      • Comic Through Song Video Workshop