TABLE____ - Please return this to the resource table at the end of class.

Assignment: “Cut Paper Relief Sculpture”

A Bas Relief is a sculpture whose surface seems to be raised out of the background. Used in ancient Egypt, Greece and throughout history. Bas relief is a sculptural relief in which the background is carved away to make the image stand out only slightly from its background. High Relief is one that has been carved giving dimension to the front and at least half of the depth of the objects but is still connected to the background. For our cut paper relief, we will be simulating a bas relief by making the paper surface lift and recede from a contrasting color background.

FIRST STAGE is a “practice” of ways you could use to create your final paper relief. Showing this practice work will be part of the grade under “guideline” on the rubric, so be sure to save it to show at rubric.

  1. On basic draw paper and with the aid of a ruler, draw all six examples from the example pictured here:

  1. The dashed lines are where the paper should be folded; the solid lines are where the paper should be cut.
  2. Carefully cut on the solid lines and with the X-acto blade knife using a piece of cardboard under your paper to protect the table. Always cut away from yourself to avoid injury. (Remember do not cut the dashed lines.)
  3. Fold over the dotted lines carefully, forming the required creases.
  4. Fold each tab up or down to produce the relief effect (raised and receded).

SECOND STAGE: (Now that you have practiced the technique, it is time to create an original paper relief.

  1. Measure and mark 1” and 1/2” in from the outside edges of the large drawing paper (12x18). Connect these marks to form a double border-line all the way around the page. (This is necessary to form a solid structure to give your paper depth.)
  2. We will turn the paper over when you are finished to avoid the need to erase lots of pencil lines, so reverse anything that needs a particular direction such as lettering.
  3. Draw patterns that will have an edge to cut and an edge to fold. Use a ruler for all straight lines (dashed or cut) Consider how to give balance to your composition as you fill your page with designs to cut and raise.
  4. Check your work with instructor before going to the Third Stage.

THIRD STAGE:

  1. Carefully cut out your designs with the X-acto blade knife (use cardboard under your paper to protect the table. Always cut away from yourself to avoid injury.)
  2. Turn over the paper. Score, fold and crease onthe dashed lines. Fold about 1/4” away from first fold to create the relief surface above and below the original paper according to teacher demo.
  3. Score and fold the boarder at 1” and 1/2” and fold back to give a raised surface according to demo.
  4. Rubber cement the 1/2” border to a background paper (consider using a contrasting color to make more depth to the inside shadows).

Enjoy your creativity!

Mrs. Shea