2.1 3-D Materials & Processes

3-D media

3-D Design spans sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, jewelry, fiber arts, wood, installation, and architectural models — any medium creating three-dimensional form.

Core processes

Key processes: carving (subtracting material), modeling (building up soft material), casting (pouring into a mold), construction/assemblage (joining parts), and firing clay.

Material and idea

Choosing a material and process to fit your idea is part of your artistic decisions — clay, metal, wood, and found objects each carry different meanings and possibilities.

Key terms

3-D media

sculpture, ceramics, metal, fiber, wood, installation

Carving

subtracting material to reveal a form

Modeling

building up soft material (e.g., clay)

Casting

pouring material into a mold

Construction / assemblage

joining parts or found objects into a form

Try an AP-style question

Additive sculpture involves…

1. printing on paper
2. carving material away
3. building up material
4. photographing objects