Wire Sculpture with Alexander Calder

Art Link: 

What is Form

Compare and contrast Form to art we have created in the classroom

INTRODUCTION to lesson (Anticipatory set): 

Analyze the pillow artwork by Mathilde Roussel

Use Critique/discussion form to enhance conversation

Think-Pair-Share 

Group discussion about this work of art

OBJECTIVE: Using uncut Wire, create a piece of art inspired by Alexander Calder. Include Form Space and balance in the final work of art. 

Discuss with table form and space as pre-assessment

Discuss and practice drawing your final project on paper

Work closely with teacher before receiving wire

Students will understand new vocabulary as is relates to visual art: 

Form Space Balance Relief Sculpture 

Mobiles High Relief Middle Relief Ladder perspective

Low Relief Space shapes Free-standing sculpture

Linear perspective Mobile Kinetic Stabiles

CA STANDARDS: 

1.1 Identify and use the principles of design to discuss, analyze, and write about visual aspects in the environment and in works of art, including their own.

1.4 Analyze and describe how the composition of a work of art is affected by the use of a particular principle of design.

2.1 Solve a visual arts problem that involves the effective use of the elements of art and the principles of design.

2.2 Plan and create works of art that reflect complex ideas, such as distortion, color theory, arbitrary color, scale, expressive content, and real versus virtual. 

3.3 Identify and describe trends in the visual arts and discuss how the issues of time, place, and cultural influence are reflected in selected works of art.

4.5 Employ the conventions of art criticism in writing and speaking about works of art.

5.2 Compare and contrast works of art, probing beyond the obvious and identifying psychological content found in the symbols and images.

PURPOSE: complete a wire sculptue addressing elements and principles of art

INSTRUCTION: 

Students will discover review the elements of art, explore, form, space and balance, look at the artwork of Alexander Calder and create a wire sculpture piece as a final art project. 

MATERIALS: four feet of wire per student

Sketch paper

Pencils

DIRECT INSTRUCTION:

Power Point Presentation FORM

Pre-assessment: Sketchbook: 

How does this art effect you? 

Opening: Art Link: What is Form activity

Review: Elements of art 

Discussion: Form, Space, Balance

Space: Overlapping

Ladder perspective

Linear perspective

Form and Sculpture

Relief Sculpture

Free Standing Sculpture 

Space and sculpture

Review Principles of Art

Balance

Symmetry

Asymmetry

ART HISTORY: ALEXANDER CALDER

Expressionist

Began with wire circus

Invented Mobile

VIDEO: Calder’s Circus

Wire sculptures

Describe, Interpret, Analyze

Calder had plans in his sketchbook

Teacher Models: 

Form, Space and Balance throughout discussion 

Students take notes in their sketchbooks 

Teacher Monitors throughout discussion

Check for Understanding: 

Monitor room during Pre-assessment in sketchbook

Monitor throughout discussion to be sure notes are being taken 

FINAL PROJECT: Students will create a wire sculpture in the style of Alexander Calder

Sculptures must be in the shape of a box and have objects inside

Wire may not be cut, students will solve the problem of the wire in its 

full length

Students will draw and submit three plans for their wire before receiving 

Wire. They must consider measurements, interior content Form,   Space and Balance.