Theme Park Sculpture

 

Theme Park Sculpture 

Wood, Paint, Cardboard, Masking Tape, Red and Orange String

14 x 14 x 3 1/2 

 

Artist Statement

                       

                     The Theme Park Sculpture was inspired by Rachel's research about amusement parks in her Theme Park PowerPoint Presentation.  I was interested in creating an artwork that reflects the complex design and intentional layout of theme parks which controls and directs the movement of people walking through the parks.  I conveyed the fluidity of motion with string, repetition of shapes and patterns, depictions of water, and the general circular shape of everything (ex. the Ferris-wheel).  I was also inspired by birds-eye-view photographs of theme parks, and how everything on the ground seems connected when you are looking at it from above.

In-Process Image

 

 Research #1

    "Wayfinding is another crucial element in amusement park design. Interior designers and architects work together to create paths that lead individuals through the park to each desired location. The use of bold graphics, light, color, signs and unobstructed walkways are just a few design strategies that assist someone in knowing where they are in the park and directing them to the next part of the adventure." 

Rachel's PDF Theme Park Presentation PowerPoint

https://www.disd.edu/blog/theme-park-design/

Research #2

 

https:/imagineerland.blogspot.com/2016/02/theme-park-environmentals-urban-plan.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memento

 

Memento Sculpture

 Wood, White paint, Ash (Wood-burning) 

3 x 1 1/2

 

Artist Statement

       The Memento Sculpture reflects on a memory of my sister and I in "our spot."  Behind my childhood home, there was a perfectly tiny cherry blossom tree branch only our small bodies could climb onto, seated side-by-side.  One day, I remember vividly escaping yard work with my dad and splashing in the mud puddles behind our house.  My sister and I darted for the hidden tree nook and light pink and white cherry blossoms framed our mud-splattered faces.  Inspired by the mud and cherry blossoms, I included wood-burned spots on the sculpture in the shape of flowers.  I also carved the piece, from a rectangular block of wood, to imitate the smooth texture and tear-drop shape of flower petals.  The memory makes me think of pastel, light colors so I covered it in a thin wash of white paint.  The sculpture reminds me of being young and free.  I am transported back into that sacred space which now only exists in my memory as the tree was cut down.  

In-Process

 

Figurative Bust Sculptures

Sculpture #1.

Coral Reef 

Air dry clay, paint, ink, and wood base.

4 x 2 x 3

 

 

Sculpture #2. 

 

 

Bleached Coral

Air dry clay, white paint, and wood base.

4 x 2 x 3

 

      In-Process Images

 

Research #1.

 

 

 

https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/invertebrates/corals-and-coral-reefs 

 

Research #2.

  

 

 

https://www.bu.edu/articles/2023/coral-scientists-study-how-to-save-coral-reefs-climate-change/

 

Reflection Statement for Sculpture #1. 

 

    The Coral Reef sculpture is meant to captivate viewers with its bright colors, unique shapes, and realistic references to marine life.  It displays the beauty and biodiversity of healthy coral reefs, which are vital in sustaining life in marine ecosystems.  They function as centers of marine activity and habitats for marine creatures "with one quarter of all ocean species depending on reefs for food and shelter" (Smithsonian).  

    I focused on creating visual interest in this sculpture through eye-catching ink colors, textures, paint details, and an overall glossy affect created by Mod Podge.  Since this is a figurative bust, I included a clay fish peeking out from a sea anemone.  This piece allowed me to explore different artistic mediums like air dry clay and ink colors and learn how to use their natural qualities (texture and pigment) to my advantage. 

Reflection Statement for Sculpture #2.

    The sculpture entitled Bleached Reef is a clay representation of bleached coral.  Bleaching occurs when water temperatures rise to a height which causes stress on the coral.  In response to this stress, the coral releases an important algae necessary for food and survival, and turns white.  I was inspired by the all-white appearance of bleached coral in this sculpture because it symbolizes a depletion of life.  I utilized color to convey this lack of marine life and health. I also eliminated signs of life through removing any other living sea creature (in contrast to the Coral Reef sculpture).  I hope this sculpture will bring awareness to the coral reef bleaching crisis.

Cardboard Sculpture

 

 Cardboard Truck Sculpture

Cardboard, Wooden Axles, Duck Tape, Paint

38 x 21 x 14

 

In-Process Images

 

 

On Longing

 

"The body is the primary mode of perceiving scale."

-On Longing by Susan Stewart

 

     Using comparison is essential to determine the scale of an object.  This image depicts my collection of shark teeth displayed in the palm of my hand.  I placed them in my hand in order to showcase their small size and the difficulty of finding each tiny treasure on the beach. 

 

 

"The souvenir speaks to a context of origin through a language of longing."

-On Longing by Susan Stewart

 

     I always went back to visit my childhood home in Alabama during the fall and winter.  Every trip I would pick up a handful of fall leaves and press them in a book.  I saw these colorful souvenirs as parts of my old life that I could no longer access, especially living in a beach town in Florida.  Thus, they remind me of my past excitement watching the trees change color and experiencing all the seasons, and my now heightened interest and appreciation for it.

 

 

 

"The souvenir reduces the public, the monumental, and the three-dimensional into the miniature, that which can be enveloped by the body."

-On Longing by Susan Stewart

     In this image, I am wearing a butterfly bracelet my mom bought for me while we were shopping in an antique store downtown.  When I look down at my wrist, I am reminded of a beautiful day and the gift of having strong relationships with my family.  In a way, the bracelet is a souvenir of rare time spent with my mother and a reflection of her value to me.  Sometimes it stirs up feelings of longing or disappointment when I neglect to make time for those I love.  

 

"The souvenir is used most often to evoke a voluntary memory of childhood."

-On Longing by Susan Stewart

     The objects I find most helpful in remembering or feeling a sense of longing towards my childhood are old photographs.  In today's world, photos have turned into our souvenirs of the past.  My little brother stepped on this picture frame, containing a picture of my sister and I, which had been sitting on my night stand for years.  Now I think it seems more realistic.  It reflects the beauty and loss of childhood, frailty of life and relationships, good and bad memories, etc.  The broken frame evokes a stronger emotional response from me. 

"The place of origin must remain unavailable in order for desire to be generated."

-On Longing by Susan Stewart

     

     This is a photograph of a fragrant rose at the Biltmore mansion in Asheville, North Carolina.  I chose this photograph because it represents a beautiful, serene place unavailable to me.  I pressed a flower petal from the Biltmore rose garden and saved it as a souvenir.  The petal reminds me of a pleasant and desirable moment I will never experience again/the same way, so it holds a lot of value to me.  

     

 

 

 

 

Masking Tape Shoes

Masking Tape Shoes

Masking Tape

10" x 5" x 6"

 

 

Crisp-Ellert Artist Talks

 Artist Talk #1: Ilana Harris-Babou's Golden Thread 

  Artist Talk #2: In-class Visiting Artist