Project Nine: Nonrepresentational Metal Sculpture

 

Objective:

The student will become acquainted in the manipulation of metal to produce a sculpture as well as, experience using multiple metal working tools including: Cutter, Band Saw, Plasma Torch, Bender, Roller, Grinders and Wire Feed Welder. The student will be given a two foot by two foot 16 gauge metal plate and two foot of both ¼” Round bar and ¼” Square bar. The student will demonstrate their understanding of the tools and materials presented by creating a well-formed open object. This sculpture must be in the round and include all materials in some way. The object must be no larger than 3 feet in any dimension.

 

Directions:

Step 1: I will give a tutorial on using the above listed metal working tools and the possibilities inherent in their use. You will be required to take and pass an exam on all tools and safety procedures before you are allowed to work with these materials/tools.  After the tutorial I want you to sit down with your materials and do a number of loose sketches of possible nonrepresentational forms, from at least two perspectives. Make sure you are ALWAYS wearing your eye, face, ear, hand etc. protection. Safety is of the utmost importance for this project.

 

Step 2: Once we have discussed your plans for the object you will begin manipulating your materials in parts. For example, if you have a number of triangular metal shapes you will cut those using whatever device most appropriate. Then cut your bar to appropriate sizes etc. etc. Make sure to clean/grind any rough edges. Make sure not to make any edges sharp enough to cut yourself.

 

Step 3: Once you have the building blocks of your object created you will begin tacking your object together. Again, you may want to clean up edges and planes before your initial tack. Consider the best way to engineer your form. Will you create an armature or make the object itself free standing? Make sure this will not fall apart under its’ own weight. I want nice solid tacks and/or beads.

 

Step 4: Once you have created your form I want you to carefully clean up any roughness or rough tacks or beads with the multiple grinders we have. I want clean well-crafted form handed in with care and confidence.

 

SAFETY:

LONG HAIR ALWAYS TIED BACK AND TUCKED IN SHIRT, ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HOOD, NO OPEN TOED SHOES, NO EYE CONTACTS, ALWAYS WEAR YOUR GLOVES, LONG SLEEVED SHIRTS A MUST, NEVER WELD ON A SURFACE THAT'S BEEN CLEANED WITH ANY CHLORINATED HYDROCARBON LIKE BRAKE-CLEANER (THIS WILL KILL YOU), WEAR YOUR HEARING PROTECTION, NEVER TAKE A CAP OFF A TANK, NEVER USE ANY TOOL YOU ARE NOT FULLY TRAINED ON, POLICE EACH OTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FLASH BURN IS HORRIBLE!!!!!! NEVER MORE THAN 2 STUDENTS WORKING IN THE METAL SHOP AT THE SAME TIME

 

Materials:

16 gauge steel plate, ¼” steel round bar, ¼” steel square bar