CREATE YOUR OWN
“GREEN MAN”
What is a Green man?
• A Green Man is a sculpture or other representation
of a face surrounded by or made from leaves.
Branches or vines may sprout from the nose, mouth,
nostrils or other parts of the face and these
shoots may bear flowers or fruit. Commonly used as
a decorative element, Green Men are frequently
found on carvings in churches and other buildings
• The Green Man motif has many variations. Found in
many cultures around the world, springing up in
different places throughout the ages. Primarily it is
interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, or
"renaissance," representing the cycle of growth
each spring.
Lets look at some Green Men
sculptures!
Your task:
• For this assignment you will create a
wall plaque of a “green man” or “green
woman” of your design.
• The purpose of this activity is to:
– Practice sculpting the human face with an
expression.
– Design a unique wall plaque using a leaf
motif combined with a human face.
Steps:
1. Get a reference photo of a face showing an
expression.
2. Make some planning sketches combining the human
face with an expression and a “leaf” motif.
3. Chose your best design and create your design in
clay.
4. Start with a thick slab (3/4 – 1 inch) and subtract
and add clay as needed.
5. Create a method of hanging your plaque.
6. Carve your name and class on the back and turn in
with this score sheet to the drying cabinet.
Criteria for this assignment:
1. Sculpture is a detail representation of a
human face.
2. Face shows an obvious exaggerated
expression.
3. Plaque uses a “leaf motif” or the “green
man” format.
4. Design is creative and original
5. The project shows evidence of time and
effort and the workmanship is acceptable.