Styrofoam Block Sculpting

In a school where a limited budget prevents one from using more expensive materials (like plaster), other options are available for students to create subtractive sculptures and experiment with the techniques required to achieve a work that is successful in the third dimension. Floral foam is an inexpensive foam block that can be easily chiseled or sawed into to create new shapes and forms. This lesson places emphasis on positive and negative space along with form, line, shape, and texture.

Firstly, students will need to be equipped with basic carving tools like steel rasps/needles, Xacto knives, filers, sandpaper ect. along with a wooden base to secure their sculptures. Students will be guided on how to safely use these tools. 

Students will be introduced to the concept of subtractive sculpting through a powerpoint featuring famous sculptors (Michelangelo, Bellini, Isamu Noguchi, and Henry Moore), terms and vocabulary words to be quiz gamed later as a formative assessment, and images of previously completed student work. Students will think about form, shape, movement, and positive/negative space when considering their designs. 

Students should complete three thumb nail sketches of their design that must contain at least two areas of negative space (holes). Students may be allowed to incorporate other objects into their sculptures upon teacher approval (maybe wire/nails). The sculptures will be painted upon completion and students must write a summative paragraph detailing their artistic choices.