Christo and environmental sculpture Focus on form

Is this art ?

How about this ?

...or this ?

What is the purpose of art ?

Why wrapping ? Actually, very few of Christo’s works are wrapped, however he is best known for the wraps. The idea of environmental sculpture is to make a person look at the setting (or an object) in a new way (to notice something they not normally).

Why wrapping ? Actually, very few of Christo’s works are wrapped, however he is best known for the wraps. Wrapping is an attempt to focus attention on an objects shape and form. Wrapping can also tell story or create both conscious and unconscious associations.

Who cares ? How does this apply to the practical/real world ? Is there any possible application to your life? Actually, wrapping is an activity and phenomenon that we use on an almost daily basis. Name one? We are surrounded by wrapped objects and do not even realize it, let alone perceive it as a possible form of artistic or personal expression. If we are going to be surrounded, why not make it something interesting to look at. Consider...

Wrapped object

Wrapping ?

Wrapping and placement ?

Draping ?

How do you create a story ? Choose your form carefully. People associate different shapes with different things. Choose wrapping and binding materials with their associations in mind. Consider the pattern and design your binding will create.

The same object wrapped in different materials will evoke very different responses in the viewer.

Each project begins with a set of drawings.

Wrapped trees

Think about how your wrapping material reacts. Plastic will drape, crease and fold differently than…

…fabric – which will fall differently.

more environmental sculpture

Some ideas…

Your sculpture problem... Find an object that has an interesting form. Decide on a concept you wish to communicate to the audience. Think about what sort of wrapping materials will help create/communicate this concept. Create one good sketch, showing object wrapped and laced. Wrapping materials provided by the artist. Some material may be found in the art room, but it is limited.

Your sculpture problem... Remember to fill out your design analog worksheet and writing prompt – which has the grading rubric on the back.

Andy Goldsworthy

Easter Island

Stonehenge

Nazca plain

Crop Circles

Stan Herd crop art

Arthur Mole “ human portraits ”

Mount Rushmore

Crazy Horse Memorial