Task 02 - Subtraction

Initial Ideas / Approaches

​

• Conceptual Foundation - My intention for this work was to draw inspiration from the timeless elegance of Italian Renaissance sculptures while integrating contemporary imagery into the sculptural aesthetic. 

• This fusion aims to create a dialogue between historical and modern interpretations of the male form.

• Material and Technique - I chose to work with Hubblestone that was offered through the studio workshop, employing sculpting and carving tools to develop the piece through the act of subtraction.

• This approach resonates with my affinity for the male form and physique, a recurring theme within most of my work, and allows me to explore the interplay of physicality and aesthetic form.

• Personal Influence - My experience and travels throughout Europe in the last year, particularly my experiences in Italy, deeply influence this project and aesthetic choice.

• The rich history of sculpture I encountered during my visit inspired me to reflect on the legacy of the male form in art, motivating my desire to reinterpret this tradition.

​

   

How I Developed This into My Final Work

​

• Reference Image - I began the process by sourcing a suitable reference image, which I later sketched onto the surface of the Hebblestone.

• This preliminary step provided a clear roadmap for understanding the form within the stone, bridging the gap between vision and material.

• Carving Process - Using the sketch as a guide, I commenced chiseling away the larger stone fragments, eventually moving back and forth between carving tools to develop more detailed areas.

• This iterative process allowed me too gradually reveal the figurative form of the male physique, transforming the raw block of material into a refined sculptural expression.

​

​

What Went Well

​

• My prior experience working with Hebblestone from my primary school years equipped me with a foundational understanding of the material, positively influencing my decision to work with it. This familiarity facilitated a smoother creative process.

• Despite my limited experience in stone sculpting, my accumulated skills in three-dimensional visualisation contributed significantly to the work's success. This project affirmed my ability to navigate the challenges of sculptural creation.

​​

​

What Could Be Improved

​

• ​In future projects, I would invest in a wider array of tools and equipment specific for sculpting. My reliance on a single carving tool limited my ability to achieve even finer details and create nuanced forms, indicating the need for a more versatile toolkit.

• Additionally, the requirement for personal protective equipment (PPE) due to the powdery and unsafe nature of the material restricted my engagement with the sculpture in terms of both time and location.

• Establishing a dedicated and safe workshop space in the future would enhance the safety and comfort, allowing for more focused exploration.

​

Where could I Go From Here

​

• Expanding sculptural practice - This experience has ignited a desire to delve deeper into sculptural work within my practice, particularly with stone. I envision exploring more works that continue to challenge and expand my sculptural vocabulary.

• Lighting and display - I recognise the importance of considering lighting further in the display method to enhance the visibility and overall impact of the work. This step will be crucial in presenting the sculpture in the future in a way that emphasises its form and texture.

• Series development - I am intrigued by the possibility of this piece being expanded into a larger series of sculptures. Developing a cohesive body of work could allow for deeper exploration of themes related to the male form and its representation in contemporary contexts.

• Surface treatment - I would also like to experiment with methods such as plastering over the Hubblestone form to achieve a more refined exterior finish, or creating moles to cast new forms of alternative materials like wax, metal or concrete. This experimentation could open new avenues for expression and material exploration.

​