Sculpting

History

Sculpture is one of the earliest forms of visual art. Evidence of sculptural renderings made from stone and earth dates back to the Paleolithic period, when humans learned to comment on their world by recreating the physical appearance of important objects.

Many of the earliest sculptures discovered by archaeologists represent human figures and other animal forms. The female body is a common theme in ancient sculpture. Artisans from Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Phoenicia created a large number of sculptures, many of which were symbolic representations of natural phenomena.

Ancient Egyptians developed a unique variety of sculpture, which became integrated into their architecture. Around 2500 BCE, the Egyptians created the Great Sphinx of Giza, one of the largest sculptures in the world.

Ancient sculpture in Central and South America also reached a sophisticated level. Central American sculptors sometimes created naturalistic models of humans in a style very similar to that used in early Greek sculpture. Roman sculptors were inspired and instructed by Greek artisans, but placed more emphasis on realism.

Sculpture in Asia and India developed into a unique tradition relatively early in antiquity. By 3000 BCE, sculptors in India had developed a unique and stylized tradition. Many of the oldest Indian and Asian sculptures were used as architectural elements, especially in decorating buildings with religious significance.

In China, Buddhist sculpture influenced artistic traditions across Asia and the Middle East. The influence of Chinese sculpture followed the Silk Road trade routes into Europe. Chinese sculptors were incredibly prolific, providing art historians with a wealth of artifacts illustrating the successive periods in Chinese history.

During the twelfth century CE, African sculptors began to specialize in working with metal, at the same time developing unique techniques in wood carving. Many African sculptors concentrated on religious themes in their work. African sculpture was carried to other nations along trade routes, and exerted an influence on metal casting in Europe.

The influence of Roman sculptors is evident in the architecture of the Romanesque and Gothic periods in European art history. The Romanesque sculptors expanded on the Roman idea with the addition of distinct decorative elements including mythical creatures and biblical scenes.

The European Renaissance saw the emergence of portrait art and freestanding figures. Artists during this period created many of the world's most famous sculptures. Renaissance sculptors were also famous because they enjoyed success in a variety of artistic endeavors, including painting and the written arts.

European sculptors continued to invent new techniques that sometimes evolved into unique traditions. During the transition from classical to modern art, the neoclassical style was developed. Neoclassical artisans attempted to explore classical Greek and Roman artistic traditions using modern techniques and materials.

During the twentieth century, abstract sculpture came into its own as a distinct style. In abstract sculpture, artists utilize non-traditional methods, materials (including found objects), and imagery to convey abstract ideas. Many of the most "bizarre" forms of sculpture often fall into this category.

Modern sculptors may choose to emulate any of the thousands of techniques and traditions that form part of the long history of sculpture, or they may utilize completely unconventional methods and materials to redefine the artistic process for themselves.

Techniques

Sculpture involves a variety of techniques; however most of the specific techniques can be grouped into one of the following categories: Carving is the general technique used for sculpting wood, clay, and soft stone. The process involves removing material from a larger piece, using files, knives, hammers, picks, etc. The process of carving is generally defined by its reductive approach.

Modeling differs from carving in that it generally involves the addition of material rather than its removal. Modelers use pieces of material to contribute to the eventual form. Typical modeling materials include wax, plaster, clay, and concrete.

Casting involves using molds, made of wax or similar materials, to create metal sculptures. Casting is a specialized technique that requires advanced equipment and training.

Construction involves creating individual pieces from a variety of materials that are eventually combined into a complete sculpture. Construction is popular with modern abstract sculptors.

Sculpture for Fun vs. Profit

There are thousands of hobbyist sculptors around the world. Many take up sculpture out of a desire for relaxation and enjoyment. Some may also sell their works informally, and if a market develops for their art they may eventually be able to become a sculptor full time. However, like any artistic endeavor, it can be difficult to "break into" professional sculpting.

Professional sculptors (many of whom go through considerable academic training in fine arts or design) can use their artwork in a variety of ways. Some sculptors will create decorative elements for houses or buildings. Others create commissioned works tailored to customers' requests, and install their works in homes, institutions, or public spaces. Some sculptors display and/or sell their art through professional art galleries and dealers. Creating and selling sculpture can be very lucrative, but the costs of materials and labor can be prohibitive.

Learning More

Organizations

The National Sculpture Society (NSS) <www.nationalsculpture.org>.

International Sculpture Center (ISC) <www.sculpture.org>.

New England Sculptors Association (NESA) <www.nesculptors.com>.

Books

Barrie, Bruner F. A Sculptor's Guide to Tools and Materials. A.B.F.S. Publishing, 1998.

Causey, Andrew. Sculpture Since 1945. Oxford University Press, 1998.

Fowler, Harold North. A History of Sculpture. Kessinger Press, 2005.

Peck, Judith. Sculpture as Experience. Krause Publications, 2007.