Abstract sculpture is one of the most misunderstood art forms, in part because it’s so hard to define. The term abstract means “not real,” but that doesn’t mean it’s not based in reality.
Abstract sculptors are interested in expressing ideas and emotions through their work without having to adhere to the strict rules of representational art.
So what does this mean for you? Well, it means if you’ve ever thought about trying your hand at making an abstract sculpture, now’s the time!
In this article, we’ll explore what makes abstract sculptures unique and show how you can use them as a catalyst for self-expression.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Abstract sculpture is a style of sculpture that does not attempt to represent or depict any object or figure in the real world. |
| The history of abstract sculpture dates back to the early 20th century, and it was particularly prominent in the work of artists associated with the cubist, futurist, and surrealist movements. |
| Abstract sculptures can be made from a wide range of materials, including wood, stone, metal, clay, and various synthetic materials. |
| The choice of material often depends on the artist’s intent and the desired effect of the sculpture. |
| Famous examples of abstract sculpture include works by Constantin Brancusi, Alexander Calder, Barbara Hepworth, and Henry Moore, among others. |
Find Your Inspiration
When you’re looking for inspiration, it’s important to look at as many different types of art as possible. You don’t want to be limited by your own preferences.
Since I’m a sculptor, I’ll use sculpture as an example, but this advice applies to any type of non-representational art (which is just another way of saying abstract).
When looking at other sculptures, keep in mind what makes them work and what doesn’t. Look at their size, shape and form; notice how the materials interact with each other; pay attention to how light hits them or reflects off them; consider how they relate one another in terms of composition; examine their surface textures; wonder about the artist’s intention—was he trying to convey something specific?
The more you study other forms of non-representational sculpture from different cultures and periods throughout history (and even today), the more ideas will come into play when creating your own pieces!
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Know Your Tools
Getting started with abstract sculpture can seem daunting, but it’s not so hard once you know your tools. The first thing to do is make sure that you have the right materials and equipment at hand, which are:
- A wide range of different types of clay
- A variety of different tools for working with the clay, such as a rolling pin and sculpting tools like an extruder or wire cutter.
Tools and Equipment for Abstract Sculpture
| Tool/Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Modeling Clay | A pliable sculpting material that can be used to create maquettes or small-scale models of the larger sculpture. |
| Armature Wire | A frame or support structure that forms the base of the sculpture. |
| Chisels | Sharp hand tools used for carving and shaping the sculpture. |
| Sandpaper | Used for finishing and smoothing rough surfaces on the sculpture. |
| Sculpting Stand | A stand that holds the sculpture in place while you work on it. |
Develop Your System
To get the most out of abstract sculpture, you’ll need to develop a system that works for you. Developing a system isn’t just useful in art it’s useful in any area of life where there are tasks that have to be done consistently or regularly.
Creating your own personal system for making art can help keep things organized and make it easier for you to work on projects when inspiration strikes or when time is limited.
A great example of this is my own habit of making coffee every morning (a habit I’ve had since college). I’ve developed several simple steps that I follow every day:
- Pour water into the kettle and set it on the stovetop;
- Rinse out my French press with hot water;
- Grind beans into filter basket; 4) Add grounds to filter basket, pour hot water over top; 5) Let brew until desired strength (usually two minutes), then stir in milk and sugar as desired
Choose A Direction
Once you have a clear direction in mind, stick to it. Don’t worry about what other people are doing, or what they will think of your work. Don’t worry about what you think you should be doing, or what you think you want to do.
The beauty of abstract sculpture is that there is no right or wrong way to go about creating it; there are only choices and directions that can take the artist down different paths in their process.
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Consider The Elements Of Art
When you’re creating a piece of visual art, you have to consider the elements that make up your work. There are seven essential elements: line, form, space, texture, value and color.
In order to create pieces that stand out from the crowd of non-representational sculptures on the market today, you need to use each element in a way that makes your sculpture more interesting than the one before it.
Once you’ve mastered these techniques individually, use them together in your work to create a cohesive whole!
Create A Plan
When you begin a new piece, it’s important to have a plan. Planning helps you stay on track and be more productive in the long run. It also helps you avoid distractions that can get in the way of your progress.
During the planning phase, make sure that your idea is fully fleshed out and detailed before you actually start working with materials.
You should know exactly what materials are needed for each step and how much time each step will take from start to finish.
This will save time down the line when there are no distractions or mistakes made because of miscommunication about what needs done next or how much effort will be required from each person involved in creating this sculpture with them (including yourself).
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Define Your Goals | Determine your overall objective for the piece and what you hope to achieve. |
| Break Down Your Tasks | Divide the project into smaller, more manageable tasks that you can tackle one at a time. |
| Use a Planning Tool | Utilize planning tools such as Asana, Trello, or Google Calendar to help organize your tasks and keep your plan on track. |
| Set Deadlines | Establish realistic deadlines for each task to help you stay on schedule and avoid procrastination. |
| Review and Adjust Your Plan | Regularly review and adjust your plan as needed to ensure that you are making progress and staying on task. |
Set A Timer
If you’re anything like me, setting a timer can be the thing that keeps me focused on an art project.
I usually set it for about an hour, as this ensures that I don’t spend too much time on one piece and doesn’t allow me to wimp out at the end of my session. The trick is finding a good balance between being focused and still having fun with your art!
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Get Excited About The Results
Don’t worry about the outcome. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things, even if they don’t work right away. If you’re worried about what others think, forget it: Who cares? As long as you’re happy with what’s in your head, that should be all that matters!
Don’t let anyone else dictate how you should go about creating something beautiful—including me!
Just because I’m sharing some tips doesn’t mean there isn’t room for interpretation or individualization here; my style has evolved over time, and yours will too as you continue creating abstract art.
Don’t Stop To Think About It Too Much
If you’re still reading this article, then you’re probably an abstract sculptor (or at least thinking about trying one).
The good news is that there are no rules when it comes to creating non-representational art. In fact, the more rules you set for yourself, the more creatively stifled you’ll be. I recommend just diving in and letting your inner artist do what she does best!
But before we get into the actual process of making an abstract sculpture, let’s first talk about why people should make abstract sculptures in the first place.
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Don’t Let Perfectionism Get In The Way
When you’re working on a piece, don’t let perfectionism get in the way. If you can’t do it perfectly, don’t do it at all.
The best artists know that it’s not about how perfect something is; rather, it’s about how interesting and captivating your work is to look at.
No matter how hard you try to make everything precise, there will always be some sort of mistake or error that happens along the way.
That’s okay! Those little mistakes are what make abstract art so special because they give each piece its own unique identity and personality.
Tips to Avoid Letting Perfectionism Get in the Way
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Set Realistic Goals | Create achievable goals that challenge you, but are reasonable. |
| Practice Mindfulness | Engage in mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or yoga, to help reduce stress and anxiety. |
| Utilize Tools | Use tools like Todoist and Trello to help you plan and prioritize your tasks. |
| Remember the Big Picture | Keep the end goal in mind, and remember that minor imperfections are often insignificant in the grand scheme of things. |
| Celebrate Small Wins | Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. |
Experiment With Different Materials & Methods
If you’re interested in finding inspiration for your abstract sculpture, experiment with different materials and methods. For example:
- Try different techniques such as carving or engraving to create textures and patterns.
- Experiment with styles like pop art or cubism.
- Use a variety of mediums to create your own unique abstract sculpture by combining materials like clay with graphite or metal leaf.
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Conclusion
In the end, abstract art can be a rewarding and fun experience. The best part is that you don’t have to be talented or amazing at it to create something fascinating! You just need a little creativity and an open mind.
So go ahead: experiment with different materials & methods until you find one that fits your style perfectly.
Further reading
Here are some additional resources to learn more about abstract sculpture:
TBD 2: This blog post discusses the relationship between abstract art and our perceptions of the world.
Representational and Abstract Art: Alma Thomas: The Phillips Collection offers a lesson plan on the work of Alma Thomas, exploring the relationship between representational and abstract art.
Modern Abstract Art: Whence and Why?: In this article, Dr. Jon Dybdahl examines the origins and significance of modern abstract art.
FAQs
What is abstract sculpture?
Abstract sculpture is a style of sculpture that does not attempt to represent or depict any object or figure in the real world. Instead, it is characterized by simplified shapes, forms, and compositions that emphasize color, texture, and materiality.
What is the history of abstract sculpture?
The history of abstract sculpture dates back to the early 20th century, when artists began to experiment with non-representational forms. It was particularly prominent in the work of artists associated with the cubist, futurist, and surrealist movements.
How is abstract sculpture different from representational sculpture?
Representational sculptures are designed to closely resemble or depict real-world objects or figures, while abstract sculptures use simplified shapes and forms that do not directly represent anything in the real world.
What materials are used to create abstract sculpture?
Abstract sculptures can be made from a wide range of materials, including wood, stone, metal, clay, and various synthetic materials. The choice of material often depends on the artist’s intent and the desired effect of the sculpture.
What are some famous examples of abstract sculpture?
There are many famous examples of abstract sculptures, including works by artists like Constantin Brancusi, Alexander Calder, Barbara Hepworth, and Henry Moore. Some well-known examples include Brancusi’s “Bird in Space,” Calder’s “Mobiles,” and Moore’s “Reclining Figure.”
Hellen James is the creator of Unified Crafts and has been crafting since she was a kid accompanied by her mom to the craft store, where she was free to choose whatever ignited her imagination.
