Stations and Obstructions Reflection

My favorite art piece that I made was the paper and wood mini sculpture.

(I will attach an image of my sculpture next class)

For this project I first analyzed the materials given and used the strongest material as the base of my sculpture. I determined that the balsa wood sticks were easiest to cut, glue, and use along with the balsa wood sticks being the most durable. During a previous technology class I attended in my former school last year, I learned that balsa wood was very lightweight and rather durable. I applied this knowledge to my current art project which helped me make the assessment that it would be the most durable. After assembling the base, my plan was to use pre-cut paper squares between the wood to add durability.

If I were to continue building on to my mini sculpture for a three month time period it would most likely be very large, strong, and intricate. I am confident that it would remain intact because although it would be large, it would also be very lightweight and would not topple over or be too heavy to stand.

If the station did not have limitations for the project, I would have used wood glue instead of hot glue. I feel like hot glue has temporary and weak hold, whereas wood glue is much stronger and is meant to last. I would also use cardboard instead of paper because cardboard is more durable and can hold more weight without ripping and it is still lightweight.

I do like restrictions in art. I think it makes the artist/creator “think outside of the box” more than they normally would, and I also feel like it pushes the artist to become more creative and crafty with their project. Interestingly, limits and challenges can create more expansive thinking for ways around the so called “obstacles”. When limits are involved it essentially forces you to think greater thoughts and expand your creative thinking process.