Sculpture Inspired by Fletcher Benton: Freedom within a Square
Inspired by Fletcher Benton: The Alphabet
This lesson plan is inspired by Fletcher Benton’s “Folded Square Alphabet” series of sculptures. It uses a
two-dimensional square as the starting point for sculpture.
Objectives
 Students will understand the difference between two-dimensional and three-dimensional.
 Students will understand how geometry can be a creative starting point.
 Students will create a three-dimensional artwork from a two-dimensional piece of paper.
 Students will synthesize learning in a presentation to the class describing what they did and what
their sculptures represent.
From Two Dimensions to Three
1. Divide the students into three groups, and give each student an 8–inch square piece of paper.
2. Demonstrate making a three-dimensional paper cat of some sort from your piece of paper, without
using a pencil to draw. Use several paper techniques, such as slotting, tabbing, folding into a fan,
gluing.
3. You don’t need to be literal!
4. Point out the way positive and negative space creates elements of the sculpture.
5. Demonstrate looking at the sculpture from all sides, making sure to create visual interest from at
least three viewing perspectives. (In the Round)
6. The only rule is they must use every piece of paper from the original square. Encourage them to
look at their sculpture from all sides, and adjust shapes to make sure it is interesting from all
viewpoints. Be supportive of all attempts, and make sure to encourage original solutions.
7. Glue each sculpture onto a base sheet of cardboard. Display all the examples of each subject
together and discuss them.
8. If you have time for a longer project, have them sketch their options on squares. This will result in
more planned-looking sculptures. They also may need quite a bit of time to sketch and then
attempt the sculpture, and then start again.
9. Another variation would be for them to sketch their design first, then make cuts along some of the
lines and attempt to make a sculpture WITHOUT CUTTING ANY PIECES off of the square.
10. Reproduce each favorite sculpture in more permanent materials – cardboard.
Possible Approaches to the Discussion
What is similar about the sculptures? Are any of them the same? Compare them all. What shapes did
students use? What methods and paper techniques? Which ones have more detail? Which ones have less?
What was the hardest part about making the sculptures?
Furthermore: Additional Study
Students can choose which sculpture they prefer and then recreate it in cardboard. The sculpture might
need to be dismantled and the pieces traced for the cardboard version. So that the students can
remember how to put the pieces back together, have them devise a method so that they can make a
copy. Options include numbering the pieces and indicating with pencil where pieces attach, taking
photographs from several angles, etc.
Choose one color to paint the entire cardboard sculpture.
Folded Square Alphabet T (A.P.), 2007. Painted steel, 12 x 12 x 12 inches. Collection James J. Curtis.
Ceramics & Sculpture
DUE: Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Freedom with a Square: Alphabet
Student will explore and research the artist, Fletcher Benton and his works. Student will also explore the art of
paper sculpting through various techniques to create their own alphabet inspired structures.
Requirements:
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Must use provided railroad board square.
Must use ALL of the provided square ONLY. (May NOT add extra paper or materials)
Only additional additive may be glue. NO TAPE.
Vocabulary:
Additive, Subtractive, Constructions, In the Round, Freestanding, Decorative, Functional, Form, Surface
Quality, Texture, Positive Space, Negative Space, Space, Metalwork, Paper Sculptures, Slotting, Tabbing, Fan
Folding,
Freedom with a Square: Alphabet
1. Begin by choosing one of the following letters: A B E F G H K M N P R S W X Y Z
a. Letters may be written in print or cursive.
b. Letters must be UPPERCASE.
2. Using the copy/computer paper provided – create 5 different “sketches.” (Keep up with all of these, as
they will be graded.)
a. The copy paper needs to be cut into an 8x8” square before you begin constructing.
b. You may choose to draw onto the squares before cutting, etc. OR not.
c. ALL parts of the square must be used and NOTHING else.
3. From the 5 “sketches” – choose one to recreate in railroad board.
4. Create in the provided 12x12” railroad board square.
a. Again, all parts of the square must be used and no other media made be added.
**If time and materials are available, we will attempt to recreate again in metal (or cardboard).
RUBRIC
Composition
 Created 5 “Sketches” on computer paper 8x8”.
 Chose an approved letter.
 Letter is easily identifiable and in uppercase.
 Final piece was created with 12x12” railroad board square.
 5 Paper techniques used appropriately.
 All pieces are secure.
Craftsmanship
Is it neat? Neatly cut & glued.
No random tears, rips, folds, or wrinkles.
No random stray marks, smudges or glue spots.
Responsibility & Effort
Is it completed? Took time during class – did not rush.
Creativity & Originality
/ 75
/ 10
/ 25
/ 20
/ 50
/ 10
/ 25
TOTAL:
/ 25
/ 10
/ 250