Low and High Relief Sculpture for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 5
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Visual Art
Curriculum Theme: Sculpture
Previous Lesson: Wood Carving and Relief Sculpture, Tools and Functions
Topic: CARVING IN THE ROUND (SIMPLE AND LIFE FORMS)
Subject Matter: types of reliefs: low relief and high relief; objects that can be carved in the round: wooden shoes, paddles, ash tray, pestles, sancer, and walking stick; carving in the round: volume, plane, and mass; practical: make a simple relief carving on wood and produce a life form on wood

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Define low relief and high relief sculpture.
• Differentiate between low relief and high relief sculpture.
• Identify objects suitable for carving in the round.
• Explain the concepts of volume, plane, and mass in carving in the round.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the artistic value of relief and in-the-round carving.
• Show interest in learning carving techniques.
• Handle carving tools with care and responsibility.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate the process of making a simple relief carving on wood.
• Produce a life form carving on wood.
• Safely use carving tools like chisels and rasps.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable Visual Art textbook for SS 3
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Wood blocks (various sizes)
• Chisels (various types)
• Mallet
• Vice or clamps
• Riffles and rasps
• Sandpaper (coarse and fine)
• Sharpening stone and oil
• Examples of low and high relief sculptures (pictures or actual pieces)
• Examples of objects carved in the round (e.g., wooden shoes, pestles, walking stick)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important as it introduces students to fundamental sculptural techniques and concepts. Understanding relief and in-the-round carving helps students develop their artistic skills and appreciation for three-dimensional art. It also provides practical experience in manipulating materials to create artistic forms.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of art forms and some experience with drawing and design principles.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

CARVING IN THE ROUND (SIMPLE AND LIFE FORMS)

Introduction to Relief Sculpture

Relief sculpture is a sculptural technique where the sculpted elements remain attached to a solid background of the same material. The term relief is from the Latin verb relevo, to raise. To create a sculpture in relief is to give the impression that the sculpted material has been raised above the background plane.

Low Relief (Bas-Relief)

Low relief, also known as bas-relief, is a type of relief sculpture where the projection from the background is slight. The figures are raised only a little from the surface, and their depth is shallow. It is often used for coins, medals, and architectural decoration where the details are subtle and do not cast strong shadows.

Characteristics of Low Relief:

1. The figures project only slightly from the background.
2. Details are often flattened or compressed.
3. It relies more on outlines and contours rather than deep shadows.
4. Commonly found in ancient Egyptian art and Roman triumphal arches.

High Relief (Haut-Relief)

High relief, or haut-relief, is a type of relief sculpture where more than half of the sculpted form projects from the background. The figures are carved out deeply, often appearing almost detached from the surface. This technique allows for greater three-dimensionality and dramatic play of light and shadow.

Characteristics of High Relief:

1. More than half of the sculpted form projects from the background.
2. Figures often appear nearly fully three-dimensional.
3. Creates strong shadows and depth.
4. Commonly seen in Greek temple friezes and Renaissance sculptures.

Differences between Low and High Relief

1. Projection: Low relief projects slightly, while high relief projects significantly (more than half).
2. Depth: Low relief has shallow depth, whereas high relief has considerable depth.
3. Shadows: Low relief creates subtle shadows, while high relief creates dramatic shadows.
4. Three-dimensionality: Low relief is less three-dimensional, while high relief approaches full three-dimensionality.

Carving in the Round

Carving in the round, also known as free-standing sculpture, is a type of sculpture that is meant to be viewed from all sides. Unlike relief sculpture, it is not attached to a background and exists independently in space. Artists carve away material from a block to reveal the form within.

Concepts in Carving in the Round

Understanding these concepts is crucial for effective carving in the round:

1. Volume: This refers to the amount of space occupied by a three-dimensional object. In carving, it is about creating forms that have a sense of fullness and presence, considering how the object fills space.
2. Plane: A plane is a flat or relatively flat surface. In carving, artists think about the various planes that make up a form, how they intersect, and how light falls on them. Carving involves defining and refining these planes to give shape and structure to the sculpture.
3. Mass: Mass refers to the perceived weight and solidity of a form. A sculpture with significant mass feels heavy and substantial, even if it is not physically heavy. Carvers manipulate material to create forms that convey a sense of density and presence.

Objects Suitable for Carving in the Round

Many everyday objects and artistic forms can be carved in the round. Examples include:

1. Wooden shoes (clogs)
2. Paddles
3. Ash trays
4. Pestles (for grinding)
5. Sancer (incense burners)
6. Walking sticks
7. Figurines (human or animal forms)
8. Abstract forms

Practical Application: Wood Carving

Wood carving involves using tools to shape wood into desired forms. It requires patience, skill, and careful handling of tools.

Making a Simple Relief Carving on Wood

To make a simple relief carving:

1. Prepare the wood: Select a suitable piece of wood, flatten one side, and ensure it is securely clamped to a workbench.
2. Transfer design: Draw or transfer your chosen design onto the flattened wood surface.
3. Outline the design: Use a V-gouge or a small chisel and mallet to cut along the outline of your design, creating a shallow trench.
4. Remove background: Carefully remove the wood around your design, lowering the background area to make the design stand out. Start with shallow cuts and gradually deepen them.
5. Refine details: Use smaller chisels and gouges to add details and texture to your raised design.
6. Smooth and finish: Sand the carved areas with sandpaper, starting from coarse and moving to finer grits. Apply oil or varnish for protection and finish.

Producing a Life Form on Wood

Producing a life form (e.g., an animal or human figure) in the round requires careful planning and execution:

1. Select wood: Choose a block of wood appropriate for the size and complexity of your life form.
2. Sketch design: Draw the life form from multiple angles (front, side, top) on paper.
3. Transfer to wood: Transfer the main outlines of your design onto different faces of the wood block.
4. Rough out the form: Using larger chisels and a mallet, begin to remove large chunks of wood to get the basic silhouette and general shape of the life form. Think about the volume and mass.
5. Define planes: Gradually refine the form by defining the major planes and contours of the life form.
6. Add details: Use smaller chisels, gouges, and rasps to carve out specific features, textures, and anatomical details.
7. Smooth and finish: Use rasps, riffles, and sandpaper to smooth the surfaces. Apply a protective finish like oil or wax.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Recall

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall different types of art forms they have learned, specifically focusing on three-dimensional art. The teacher then introduces the topic of carving in the round and relief sculpture.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to carving

Step 2: Explanation of Relief Sculpture

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what relief sculpture is, using visual examples (pictures or actual pieces) of low relief and high relief. The teacher defines each type and highlights their characteristics and differences.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the examples, listen to explanations, and ask questions for clarification.

Learning Point: Types of relief sculpture

Step 3: Discussion on Carving in the Round Concepts

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces carving in the round and explains the key concepts of volume, plane, and mass, relating them to how a sculptor perceives and shapes a three-dimensional object. The teacher may use a simple block or object to illustrate these concepts.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the illustrations, and participate in the discussion by sharing their understanding.

Learning Point: Volume, plane, mass

Step 4: Identifying Objects for Carving in the Round

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Brainstorming/Listing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks students to list objects they think can be carved in the round. The teacher then provides additional examples such as wooden shoes, paddles, ash trays, pestles, sancer, and walking sticks, showing actual examples or pictures.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils brainstorm and list objects, then observe the teacher’s examples.

Learning Point: Carvable objects identified

Step 5: Demonstration of Simple Relief Carving

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modeling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates the basic steps of making a simple relief carving on a small piece of wood, emphasizing tool safety, proper grip, and cutting techniques. The teacher shows how to outline and remove background material.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully, noting the techniques and safety precautions.

Learning Point: Simple relief carving

Step 6: Demonstration of Life Form Carving

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guidance

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly demonstrates how to begin carving a life form in the round, showing how to rough out the form from a block and start defining major planes. The teacher reminds students of the importance of working from all angles.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the demonstration, understanding the initial steps for complex carving.

Learning Point: Life form carving basics

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What is the main difference between low relief and high relief sculpture?
2. Mention three objects that can be carved in the round.
3. Explain the term “volume” in the context of carving.
4. What safety precaution should be observed when carving?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding carving concepts

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes into their notebooks, focusing on definitions, characteristics, and key concepts of relief and in-the-round carving.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarization

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key learning points of the lesson, reiterating the differences between low and high relief, the importance of volume, plane, and mass in carving in the round, and the practical skills introduced. The teacher encourages students to practice their carving skills.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and prepare for the next lesson.

Learning Point: Lesson concepts reinforced

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Project

Instruction: Students are to:

1. Find and bring a small piece of soft wood (e.g., Obeche or Iroko offcut) to the next Visual Art class.
2. Sketch a simple design for a low relief carving on paper.
3. List five safety rules for using carving tools.

Lesson Keywords

• Relief Sculpture – Sculpted elements attached to a solid background.
• Low Relief (Bas-Relief) – Sculpture with slight projection from the background.
• High Relief (Haut-Relief) – Sculpture with more than half of the form projecting from the background.
• Carving in the Round – Free-standing sculpture viewed from all sides.
• Volume – The amount of space occupied by a three-dimensional object.
• Plane – A flat or relatively flat surface on a sculpture.
• Mass – The perceived weight and solidity of a sculptural form.
• Chisel – A tool with a characteristically shaped cutting edge (blade) on its end, for carving or cutting a hard material.
• Rasp – A coarse file with separate pointed teeth, used for shaping wood.

Differentiation

Support: Provide pre-drawn designs for students struggling with creativity. Offer extra guidance during practical sessions, focusing on basic tool handling and safety for those who are less confident. Pair students with more experienced peers for peer support.

Extension: Challenge advanced students to create a more complex relief design or to begin conceptualizing a more intricate life form carving. Encourage them to research different wood carving styles and techniques.

Suggested Lesson Videos

Search YouTube for: low and high relief sculpture ss3 visual art

Search YouTube for: carving in the round for beginners visual art