SCULPTURE I: Scale and Modeling: the Ginger Root

The ability to scale objects from small to large is a critical skill for any artist. Scaling and Modeling are both very important tools in sculpture because it is often necessary to first create a small maquette or model. This allows us to experiment with form, and to get an idea of how things will go together. You can then use this model to make patterns and enlarge the form to full scale. The basic idea for any type of scaling involves determining a ratio based on a standard unit. For instance, record the longest dimension of the model using a ruler, and divide the desired length by this number. For this exercise our length will begin as 3" and our desired length is 24", so this is an 8x model and 1" on the ginger root equals 8" on the model.


Materials:

  • 1pc Ginger root, about 3" long
  • scrap cardboard
  • hot glue gun and glue
  • xacto knife


Directions:

  • Go to the produce section of a grocery store and find a 3" piece of gigner root( if yours is larger, cut it down so that it is 3" long)- should have a few nodes or branches, not just one straight piece.
  • do three sketches from three different sides- top, side, front...
  • this will be an 8x model, yielding a final object that is 24" long. This ratio works well with the prescribed length of 3" because 3" is 1/8 of 24". To scale the object we can take a measurement from the original ginger root and multiply that times 8. In other words, 1/8" measured on the ginger root equals 1" on the 8x model- 1" on the ginger root equals 8" on the model.
  • we are going to start by making a simple structural frame, one that is based on the top and side contour(outer edge) of the ginger root. Think of this as an x, y, z plane dissection. BUT FIRST make a few lines on your cardboard indicating the outer edge. For example, my piece is 3" x 2.5" so I need to draw lines indicating 24" x 20" (since 3 x 8 = 24 and 2.5 x 8 = 20). Then draw the contour shape within these marks.

  • Use the hot glue to assemble the pieces. You will have to come up with your own method of applying the glue- I recommend putting a few dabs of glue across the edge, stick it down, and then apply more glue into the seam from the outside. You have to work fast, and don't lay out so much glue that it cools on one side before you can stick it down. After you have the 2 basic planes assembled, begin to move across the ginger root and measure at various places. Again, make the measurements, draw lines indicating the scaled-up length, and then look at the ginger root and draw the contour you see. I recommend that you draw a whole slice, and then cut into four pieces.
  • Once you have built up all of the inner structure, the final step is to apply the skin to the model. Cut into strips and glue on- bend the carboard back and forth to soften it so it conforms to the curves. You will each develop your own technique for doing this, below is a past student example.