Three Project Options

An interesting aspect of the HOMAGE TO FUNCTION project is that it can be approached from multiple directions. However, only one of these will be chosen at the time the project begins. In the Spring of 2023, we chose the second option.

1. One aspect of the project that would make it entirely unique in comparison to other class projects would be to have everyone work at the same scale, within a similar volume, and referencing a similar generalized form. In this case, the works could be presented as a group and displayed in a grid, just like the photographs of Hilla and Bernd Becher.
2. A more conventional approach would be to allow each student to make their own object – conceptualized within the project parameters – independently from the group. This would place more importance on the individual object as opposed to the set.
3. A third approach would be for each of you to create two pieces: one that is meant to be placed into the grid along with everyone else, set to a rigid dimensional standard, and another that is a standalone sculpture independent from the group.

Size Consideration: Hand Scale

Scale is very important because it dictates material choices and the time it takes to create a work of art. No matter which of the options we choose, the work must be no shorter than 12 inches and no taller than 24 inches. This places the size in the zone I refer to as hand scale. There are also jewelry (or miniature), human, monumental, architectural, and earthscape scales. The most accessible is hand scale because it is easier to work on and also to display, whereas both smaller and larger scales are more challenging. The larger the work is, the more resources, physical effort, structural considerations, danger, and time it takes to complete it. The smaller the work, the more specialized tools, fine motor skills, sharp vision, and precision detailing are required.