COMD Class 5 | Cut Paper Compositions

September 16th, 2015

Materials needed THIS class (see Supply List for specifics):

  • 14×17″ Bristol
  • black drawing paper
  • scissors
  • exacto knife
  • glue
  • ruler/t-square
  • pencils
  • tape
  • sketchbook (always)
  • FINISHED Inked Sketches

Project Review

  1. Take a moment to read through ALL of the Project #1 guidelines.
  2. Reform your groups from last class and discuss the project goal and requirements.
  3. Make sure you are all in agreement as to what needs to be turned in next class.
  4. 1 ambassador from each group will explain the project guidelines to the class.

Critique

Students present finished Inked Sketches to the class for critique.

Demo

Phase 3: Develop – Cut Paper Compositions

Materials Needed: 1 sheet 14×17″ Bristol, black paper, scissors, exacto knife, cutting mat, glue, ruler/t-square, pencils, tape.

  1. Based on feedback from your inked sketches, choose the most successful obvious and ambiguous figure-ground compositions.
  2. Using your finished compositions as a guide, create 2 figure-ground relationships (1 obvious, 1 ambiguous) using black paper cutouts.
  3. With subtlety and economy, attempt to re-create and refine your compositions to communicate an emotion or concept, such as tension, loss, power, weakness, silence, energy, etc. Ideally the content (meaning) should relate back to your experience of finding these artifacts or the story you have imagined.
  4. These 2 compositions should be a culmination of the creative process so far. They should represent your most successful attempts at this design problem.
  5. On a sheet of 14×17″ Bristol Board, measure 2 rectangles with your ruler. There should be a 3″ margin on the bottom and 2″ margins on the top and sides. Between each rectangle there should be a 1″ margin.
  6. Using black drawing paper, scissors, exacto knife, ruler/t-square, glue, cut the black paper to desired shapes (figure) and arrange them on the bristol (ground). Refine and recut as necessary until you are satisfied that the whole composition functions in a unified way. It should be clear that both the ground and figure have been considered.
  7. Once you are satisfied with your compositions, using a hard (4H) pencil, lightly mark the contour/outline of each shape before you remove it.
  8. Then very carefully, using the gluing technique demonstrated in class, glue the shapes to the bristol.
  9. Package and protect your work using tracing paper.

Documentation and Feedback

  • Create a new blog post called Urban Artifacts: Phase 3.
  • Write a short description of this part of the project and how it relates to the previous phase.
  • Take photos of your finished cut paper compositions and add them to the post (make sure they are well-lit and in focus.)
  • Include the hours that you worked on this part of the project.
  • Don’t forget to comment on at least 3 other student’s posts.

Individual Meetings / Lab Time

  • Cut Paper Compositions and all parts of Project #1 are DUE next class. If you have questions or need extra help, now is the time to ask!
  • Work independently (and silently). Feel free to listen to music using headphones!

Homework

  1. ALL PARTS OF Project #1 are DUE. Bring everything to class for critique.
    • Read guidelines thoroughly and make sure you have completed everything.
    • Label your inked thumbnails and cut paper compositions ON THE BACK with your full name and the project number (ie: Project #1)
    • Protect your work with tracing paper and transport in a portfolio (refer to recent demo).
  2. Materials needed next class:
    • Sketchbook
    • Pencils (wide range from 4h to 4B)
    • Inking pens (range from thick to thin)
    • HUMUMENT BOOK!!! If you don’t have this book by next class, points will be deducted from your grade.

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