Presentation to accompany my process-based workshop at ARARTE Chiang Mai.

1. From 2D to 3D … and back again

2. From 2D to 3D … and back again
Background to the task / project:
Some strategies I use for developing breadth and
variety within my units of work. They focus on
the PROCESS of making, rather than the
PRODUCT.
These tasks need prior learning, so are ideal to
use midway through an extended project, for IB,
A-level or (I)GCSE students.
Before attempting tasks like these, students
need to have a good amount of experience with
a particular theme or project. They will have
collected, explored and used a range of source
material in their own drawings, paintings and
other artworks.

3. From 2D to 3D … and back again
PROCESS to PRODUCT : DECISION-MAKING
• Make students aware of the decision-
making process and their own choices
• Students discover how each action
feeds into the next
• Students focus on their responses to
challenges and dealing with the results
• Remove fear / do not acknowledge fear
• Remove time for drafting and design -
replace with process and progress
• Provide limitations, rules and surprises
to provoke a response
• Move beyond students’ familiar
methods of working and the usual
solutions

4. From 2D to 3D … and back again
PROCESS to PRODUCT : CARD CONSTRUCTIONS
things to consider:
• Prior learning / resources
• Start BIG: shapes need to be larger and bolder
than students will think they need
• NO drawing tools: students draw with scissors
and knife
• Cut-outs: openings through the sculpture.
• Base: 'lift' off the floor
• Use offcuts creatively
• Lack of symmetry to create energy
• ROTATE constantly
• Use scoring, pleating etc to create variety
• Save smaller details for last - or avoid
altogether

5. From 2D to 3D … and back again
PROCESS to PRODUCT : REFINING
• After construction, the students
refine the surface and structure of
their piece using gumstrip
• This adds strength and refinement
to the piece
• Painting – use a flat layer of silver
or gold acrylic and allow to dry
• Final layer is black acrylic, applied
wet then rubbed back with a wet
rag. This creates a metallic finish.

6. From 2D to 3D … and back again
Taking it back
to 2D …
continuing
the process.

7. From 2D to 3D … and back again
Large mixed-media pieces on corrugated card –
students start with a brush-and-ink drawing,
then develop with acrylics, collage, text,
newspaper, tape etc. Works very well over a full-
day session or workshop.