Above you will see an image of a recent project that I have completed. This piece was created as part of a Sculpture and Installation class offered at Lincoln Lutheran. This class gives us the opportunity to use a variety of means to get creative and make art with our hands (and our bodies). We also have the chance to explore videos, article, and images online to gain inspiration from various artists.
There were so many reasons as to why I enjoyed this sculpture (to the point that this has been my favorite project). To start, I loved being part of a group! I do not have the opportunity to physically create a sculpture or artwork with others very often, so this project served as a fun and unique experience. Secondly, I enjoyed making these body sculptures as a whole. Using Saran Wrap and packaging tape to create art has been an adventure unlike any project before. Lastly, I really enjoy the finished project. I love the story that each piece holds, as well as the fact that they are three-dimensional.
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Artist Statement
Throughout the past couple of weeks, I have had the opportunity to create a falling body sculpture in Sculpture and Installation class. This project encompasses the principle of form, as it provides a three-dimensional figure. Personally, my 3D piece is titled, “Bound.” The handcuffs represent this lack of freedom, which I will speak on more later.
This sculpture has been constructed from Saran Wrap and clear packing tape. We began by wrapping one’s body in the Saran Wrap, and then went over this wrapping with the clear tape (all while ensuring that no Saran Wrap was showing). We then used box cutters to remove the tape and Saran Wrap from the individual’s body, and then carefully taped the piece back together. We separated the body into three parts (the torso and arms, the legs, and the head) to make the project a little bit easier to connect.
My falling body project was inspired by Genesis and the fall into sin. After eating the apple and disobeying God, our world was never the same. This piece encompasses the fall into sin, and being bound by the chains of Satan. This directly connects to John 8:34, which reads, “Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.’” My project is an attempt to express such a feeling of helplessness and emptiness.
One of my biggest goals as an artist is to learn a new, creative skill and be willing to try something unique. These body sculptures have allowed me to use my hands and body in a different way, as well as opened my eyes to a new means of art. Through this project, I have learned the importance of being willing to experiment and try something new, which has ultimately helped me grow as an artist.
When looking back on the process of creating this artwork, I learned the importance of troubleshooting. In art (and in life), things may turn out a little bit different than you once expected, which requires you to respond in a certain manner. For instance, after piecing the torso back together, we found that it wasn’t sturdy enough. As a result, our group decided to reinforce this sculpture by adding tape inside the body. Likewise, this piece truly represents the importance of teamwork. Without Lily and Emily, I would have been unable to complete this body sculpture. These key learning points will certainly influence my future artwork and my outlook on each project.
