Abstract Form (Dino-Chair)

For this project, we had to create a zoomorphic form. In the initial stages of this plaster project, I began by sketching out my ideas, I had a lot of ideas but ultimately, I decide to go with the idea of creating a dino-chair. Sketching out my idea helped the concept to evolve organically on paper. Transitioning to the maquette phase, I sculpted a preliminary form using oil clay (which smelled terrible) refining the details before facing the challenge of translating it into a larger Dino-Chair.

Integrating burlap and chicken wire posed its own set of challenges, demanding precision and patience. Manipulating these materials tested my craftsmanship, yet the process imparted a tactile quality to the sculpture. The choice to use such unconventional materials became a point of both frustration and fascination.

The wow moment materialized as the plaster took form, transforming the abstract concept into a tangible, textured reality. Witnessing the transition from skeletal wire to the solidity rough texture of plaster was a gratifying revelation, marking a pivotal moment in the project. Most students despised this part of the project the most because of how plaster was drying up faster than they could work. I didn’t mind this part; I found an idea that if you leave your plaster a little runny it helps big when you dip in your burlap. By the time my plaster was dry, I had done most of my dino-chair and didn’t have to waste a lot of plaster.

While there were moments of frustration, the satisfaction of overcoming challenges and witnessing the evolution of the piece overshadowed any initial reservations. The interplay of textures, from the roughness of burlap to the smoothness of plaster, added depth and complexity to the work.

In the final piece, I aimed to evoke a sense of curiosity and engagement from the viewer. The position of materials and the dynamic form invite exploration, prompting the viewer to ask questions on why the artist put a longed neck on the Dino-Chair. Why the curved arm-resting handles? Ultimately, I hope the viewer senses the effort, experimentation, and passion invested in the creation, allowing for a personal connection and interpretation.