sculpture
The art of carving, casting, modeling or assembling materials into 3-dimensional figures or forms.
relief sculpture
Sculpture that is carved to ornament architecture or furniture, as opposed to freestanding sculpture
low relief (bas relief)
Sculpture in which three-dimensional forms project from the flat background of which they are a part. The degree of projection from the surrounding surface is slight.
high relief
Sculpture that projects from its background by at least half its natural depth.
freestanding sculpture
Sculpture that is carved or cast in the round, unconnected to a wall, and thereby capable of being viewed in its entirety by walking round it.
subtractive process
In sculpture, the removal of material, as in carving.
additive process
The process in which form is built up, shaped, and enlarged by the addition of materials, as distinguished from subtractive sculptural process, such as carving
carving
a sculpture created by carving (as wood or ivory or stone)
modeling
In 2-dimensional works of art, the creation of the illusion of depth through the use of light and shade (chiaroscuro). In sculpture, the process of shaping a pliable material such as clay or wax into a 3-dimensional form.
casting
a method of sculpture that involves pouring melted down metal or other liquid substance into a mold to harden
mold
A pattern or matrix for giving form to molten or plastic material; a frame on which something is molded.
lost-wax technique
A bronze-casting process in which an initial mold is made from a model ((usually clay) and filled with molten wax. A second fire-resistant mold is made from the wax and molten bronzer is cast in it.
kiln
An oven used for drying or firing ceramics
constructed sculpture
sculpture in which forms are built up from such materials as wood, paper, string, sheet metal, and wire
assemblage
sculpting technique in which the artist gathers and joins together a variety of different materials to make a sculpture. Also called constructing.
readymade
Found objects that are exhibited as works of art, frequently after being placed in a new context or with a new title.
mixed-media
The combination of two or more different media in a single work of art.
kinetic sculpture
Sculpture that actually moves
land art
Site-specific work that is created or marked by an artist within natural surroundings
earthwork
A work of art in which large amounts of earth or land are shaped into a sculpture.
ephemeral art
Works that have a temporary immediacy or are built with the recognition that they will disintegrate.
stelae
An engraved stone slab or pillar that serves as a grave marker.