Art Processes

Sculpture is the creation of three-dimensional forms. A form is an object defined by contour, height, depth, and width.

ADDITIVE SCULPTURE/CONSTRUCTION: 3-D work made by putting pieces of material together to build up a form.

ARMATURE: A linear skeleton which provides support for other materials.

ASSEMBLAGE: A work made from objects or pieces of objects originally intended for other purposes.

CASTING: Creating forms by pouring liquid material into a mold and allowing it to harden.

COMPRESSION: The forcing or crushing of material into a smaller, denser condition and its visual dynamics and implied psychological effects.

FABRICATION: The assembling of materials into forms by various construction techniques such as welding, bolting, lamination.

FOUND OBJECTS: Objects not originally intended as art objects, but which are used in a 3-D design for their formal or conceptual qualities.

IN THE ROUND: Any 3-D object which is self-supporting and designed to be viewed from all sides (free-standing sculpture).

INSTALLATION ART: Sculptural environments that are usually site-specific, composed of mixed media, temporary, and which question the traditional notions of art presentation.

MAQUETTE: A small-scale model for a larger sculpture.

MIXED MEDIA: Combinations of different materials to create a visually and physically coherent whole.

MODELING: Creating forms with pliable materials such as clay by using the hands and tools.








MODULE: A small unit which can be repeated to create a larger piece.

MOLDMAKING: Creating a hollow negative form around an existing positive form, for the purpose of casting.

PERFORMANCE ART: A live presentation, often including the artist, usually combining elements from a variety of art forms (film, video, theater and dance).

RELIEF: Sculpture where forms project out from a flat surface (high, low, & sunken variations).

SITE-SPECIFIC: Refers to art works designed and installed exclusively in a particular location.

SUBTRACTIVE SCULPTURE/CARVING: 3-D work made by removing excess material from a larger piece of material.