The project enables people to make sculpture from a basic set of forms a bit like lego blocks. The blocks have been designed so that there are a very wide range of possible combinations. This approach enables people who might not normally be involved in making sculpture to participate. One part of the project called "Put It Together" consists of community sculpture workshops that enable people to make a sculpture for their local area.
Module Design
As part of the design process, 3d modelling has been used to test out the combinatorial possibilities of the modules, rendered versions are shown below. The modules themselves have been designed to be relatively light and easy to assemble. The 2D nature of the design enables designing with pieces of paper making it possible to design sculptures in group based activities.
Module Dimensions
Demonstration Sculpture
Ross Miller has worked with Peter Mcilwain to produce demonstration modules as proof of concept and to gain experience in working with the system. The modules were made from cement fondu with fibreglass reinforcement using temporary moulds. For the proposed project with the Yarra Ranges full scale moulds will need to be made. Once made the system is very cost effective for public sculpture. Also included below are photos of the proposed venue Selby Community House in Minak Reserve, Selby.
Demonstration sculpture - half scale
Ross with demo sculpture outside his studio in Selby
Possible Installation site
Possible venue
Workshop Planning for "Put It Together"
Workshop
Each workshop is run over three days where each day is separated by a week to allow time for moulded components to dry. There are 3 activities that the sessions cover: design, moulding and assembly. The design session can be inclusive for all ages, genders and physical requirements as it only requires people to make designs with paper versions of the modules. The moulding and assembly requires physical handing of large objects and the number of people involved is limited the the available number of moulds. These activities will not be suitable for young children or people in wheelchairs.
Maximum number of participants: design session 20; moulding and assembly 8.
Sculpture Ritual
In the workshops or via online, everyone would be encouraged to make a yearly sculpture ritual which the project will support. A useful ritual might be to paint the sculpture, give it a name or have jumping over the sculpture event etc etc.
Production stages
Design session 1.5 hr - participants make designs with paper shapes of modules. After everyone has made a design the group decides on candidates for voting (candidates could be modelled in 3D). Voting done online.
Moulding session one - 2 hrs
Moulding session two - 2 hrs
Assembly session - 2 hrs
Schedule
Event one: Design and Moulding session one could be held on the same day
Event two (a week after event 1): Moulding session two
Event three (a week after event 2): Assembly
Pilot workshop
For arts admin people like Anna Reid, Emma Buckley, Toni Main, Gareth Hart, Jo Skellton
The idea would be to use the session to develop the workshop process to ensure that the full workshops would run smoothly by gaining feedback from people experienced in workshop development. Also it's an opportunity to test the moulds before all of them are made.
Outcome small temporary sculpture
Using testing moulds (limited number: square and triangles perhaps).