Vehicles to the Afterlife:: Studio Project

  

Inspired by Ghana Coffins, students will create a keepsake box. Students are to brainstorm objects that can represent a significant element of their life  that they would like to make into a keepsake box. Studio work will begin with thumbnail sketches where students will manipulate their desired item by coming up with a new way to represent the form while maintaining its recognizable qualities.  This means I have to be able to pick out what their item is without them telling me.  Manipulation can involve adding, subtracting or distorting the form.  Adding to a form, a student would complete the form in its entirety and add an additional element(s).  For example, if a student chose a book, they would create a hollow book out of cardboard and perhaps lay it on its side adding rocks to the base and a twig to the opposing side. The twig would serve as a handle for their compartment.  Subtracting from a piece would be only creating a portion of their desired form. They could create half of a coke bottle leaving the bottom jagged, as you would see on a broken glass bottle.  Distorting a form is taking a form and screwing its shape.  This could be a milk carton that has been squished and twisted.  Their 3D piece must also be functional containing a compartment to store desired object, keepsakes.  The size of their compartment is to their own discretion. Students must consider this within their sketch work.