String Sculpture Model • Sculpture Week

Every year David and I take a block of time to collaborate on a large outdoor sculpture.  We are in the process of creating our own sculpture park in the woods, one sculpture at a time. Here are photos of the sculptures created in each of the last three years. We started the tradition in 2009.

2009- Trilogy

2010 - Flexibility

2011 - Lost Marbles

Traditionally we have taken one week in the summer but because I have retired from the day job I now have flexible scheduling as well. We decided to move Sculpture Week into the fall. It is such a beautiful time to be outdoors.

All year we discuss the possibilities. We collect ideas. We think about it. As time draws near we select a concept and research construction techniques. Sometimes a model is built to test out proportions or materials. That is where we are at in the process for 2012. David and I decided on creating a large scale string art construction this year. Today, I finished the scale model and it is a nifty sculpture in its own right.

It is constructed from PVC pipe (We tend to use that a lot!) and nylon string. For those of you that follow my blog regularly, you'll know that I have a strong learning toward natural elements. This post might be a surprise to you. I also have a strong affinity to geometry and art that incorporates math elements. String art falls into this category. I love how the structure of just straight lines creates visual curves.

Items under discussion are:

• Scale (How big can we go?)
• Technique (How to tension the cord)
• Color scheme (We want it to stand out in the forest.)
• Stabile or mobile (Do we suspend it so it can spin in the wind?)

My next post will show you some of the "How-To" steps in creating this scale model. Drop by again.

Update: I just posted the tutorial for this project here.

Previous links of interest:

• Photographic Study of Concrete Spheres
• Cement Balls Rolled Into Place • Part 4
• More on Ball Construction • Part 3
• Lessons in Ball Construction - Part 2
• Sculpture Week 2011 - Part 1
• Sculpture Week 2010
• Sculpture Week 2009

©2011 Ashbee Design, Marji Roy