Art 2
Recycled Material Sculptures
Name________________________
Goal: Create a three-dimensional sculpture that either subverts or emphasizes some quality inherent to the trash you
are working with.
Objectives:
I.V.2.1 Generate innovative solutions to artistic problems.
I.V.3.2 Select media appropriate for communicating content.
I.CX.2.3 Apply collaborative skills to create art.
Essential Question: How can you transform trash into art?
Directions:
o
Choose recyclable materials. Make sure they are something you have access to and can get a large quantity of.
As a group, make a list of physical properties inherent to at least 3 materials.
Consider the following physical properties for each material (ideas for your sculpture form):



Color
Texture
Form


Plasticity: is it malleable? Is it rigid?
Weight: Think about both actual weight
and appearance, is there a difference?
Consider the following associations for each material (ideas for your sculpture concept):


What is this material/objects primary use?
Who uses it?
How is it made/where does it come from?


What affect does this material have on
other materials it comes into contact with?
Movement/transformation? Can it be
altered?
Make a list of symbolic or metaphorical possibilities you feel are inherent in each of these materials.
o
o
o
o
o
You must touch on all the items listed above for each material, but do not limit yourself to the suggestions.
After you have completed each of your lists, choose a material to work with. Use the information you have
compiled to begin determining the form your object will take. Think about the recycled artists’ work you have
seen. Consider different ways of manipulating your material to either subvert or enhance the qualities you have
listed above.
Consider the following when creating sketches for your project:
 Your list of physical properties
 Your list of associations
 Your relationship to the material/object
Designate a team leader to keep your group on track and to split responsibilities. All group members’ ideas
must be represented in the final sculpture.
Create three sketches: front view, side view, and back view of your sculpture. Get idea approved.
Gather materials and construct sculpture: consider what adhesive will work best to keep project sturdy.
Elmers glue, hot glue, glue sticks, papier-mâché, etc.
Name_____________________________________
Grading Criteria
Express:
All aspects of your
composition have
been considered
and integrated to
aid your expression.
Your artwork
communicates your
“big ideas”
effectively
Envision:
You develop your
initial ideas into a
finished artwork.
You found a unique
and personal visual
solution and
avoided obvious
cliches
Developing
Craft:
Your artwork shows
a developed skill
with the media
used.
Your artwork shows
attention to detain
and care and skill in
construction.
A
Studio work
goes well
beyond
expectations in
conveying
understanding
-Transformed
your material
from trash to a
piece of art by
subverting or
enhancing
qualities.
-You wrote 3-4
sentences in
your reflection.
-You worked
well as a group
to create a
cohesive
recycled
sculpture.
B
Studio work
shows a
thorough
understanding of
the concepts
C
Studio work
shows a
satisfactory
understanding of
the concepts
D
Studio work
shows very little
understanding of
the concepts
F
Studio work not
present or
completely
misses the mark
-Why?
-Why?
Why?
Why?
-You wrote 2-3
sentences in your
reflection.
-Why?
-You wrote 1-2
sentences in your
reflection.
-Why?
-You have
sentence
fragments.
-Why?
-Did not
complete
written
reflection.
-Why?
-Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
-Why?
-Why?
-Why?
-Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
-You created a
3-D sculpture
that is dynamic
and original.
--Your sculpture
assembly is
strong and
stands on its
own. Seams are
not visible.
-You made the
best use of class
time. You all
contributed
equally.
Reflection Questions: Answer in 3-4 complete sentences.
1. Create an artist statement about your work. What inspired you and how did you create your piece?
3. What was your original intent for the artwork? What ideas did each of you contribute to the final piece?
4. Engage and Persist: What obstacles did you run into as a group? How did you solve them?
B
-Your sculpture
is 3-D and can
be seen from
all angles.
-Your group
worked well
and completed
a sculpture
with equal
parts work.
C
-Your sculpture
is 3-D but
cannot be
viewed at all
angles.
-Your group
struggled to
help assemble
the project
equally.
D
-Your sculpture
is 2-D and can
only be viewed
from one side.
-You did not
assist your
group-mates
equally in the
creation of
your recycled
sculpture.
F
-Your project is
incomplete.
-Your sculpture
assembly is
sturdy.
-Your seams
and joints are
well hidden
with some
visible.
-Your sculpture
is a bit wobbly.
-It is easy to
identify where
you connected
your material.
-Your sculpture
does not stand
by itself.
-Areas where
material is
connected are
sloppy.
-Your sculpture
is not
assembled.
-Your material
is noticeable,
but still looks
like art.
-The properties
of your
material are
enhanced or
hidden to
create
sculpture.
Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences:
-It is evident
your sculpture
is made from
trash; does not
transition well
to art.
-Your material
does not seem
to go with your
sculpture
concept.
-Your sculpture
looks like a
heap of trash.
-There is no
relation
between the
qualities of the
material you
are using and
your sculpture.
-No sign of
sculpture; just
trash.
Following
Directions
Craftsmanship
Creativity
1.
A
-You created a
3-D sculpture
that is
interesting
from 360
degrees.
-You worked
well as a group
to create a
cohesive
recycled
sculpture.
-Your sculpture
assembly is
strong and
stands on its
own.
-Your seams
and joints
connecting
material are
seamless.
-You
transformed
your material
from trash to a
piece of art.
-You either
subverted or
enhanced the
quality of your
material.
What did you do really well as a group?
2. What did you struggle with?
3. How did you decide to manipulate your materials and decide on a sculpture plan?