Introduction to Modelling I - Meaning of modelling - Basic concepts of form building - Clay as a modelling material

Introduction to Modelling I

Modelling is a fundamental sculptural technique that involves building up and shaping a pliable material to create a three-dimensional (3D) form. Unlike carving, which is a subtractive process (cutting away), modelling is an additive process. This means the artist starts with little or nothing and gradually adds material—such as clay, wax, or plaster—until the desired shape is achieved. It is a flexible method that allows for constant adjustment and refinement.

Key Points

1. Basic Concepts of Form Building To create effective 3D art, an artist must understand how to build "form," which consists of height, width, and depth.

• Mass and Volume: Mass refers to the physical weight and bulk of the material, while volume is the space the form occupies or encloses (e.g., a hollow pot has volume).
• Armature: This is an internal support or "skeleton" (usually made of wire or wood) used to hold up the weight of the modelling material and prevent it from collapsing.
• Proportion: The relationship in size between different parts of the sculpture to ensure it looks realistic or balanced.
• Surface Texture: The final "skin" of the model, which can be smooth, rough, or patterned.

2. Clay as a Modelling Material Clay is the most common material used in modelling due to its abundance and unique physical properties. In Nigeria, it is widely sourced from riverbeds and termite mounds.

• Properties of Clay:
  • Plasticity: The ability of clay to be easily shaped and hold that shape without cracking.
  • Porosity: The ability of the clay to allow water to escape during the drying process.
  • Vitrification: The process where clay turns into a hard, stone-like substance when fired at high temperatures in a kiln.

3. Preparing the Clay Raw clay must be processed before use to ensure it is smooth and safe for firing.

• Sieving: Removing stones, roots, and impurities from the clay.
• Wedging and Kneading: This is the most critical step. The artist slams and presses the clay to remove air bubbles and ensure even moisture. If air bubbles remain, the sculpture may explode when heated in a kiln.

Brief Summary

Modelling is an additive sculptural technique that transforms shapeless materials like clay into structured three-dimensional forms. By mastering the concepts of mass, volume, and the use of armatures, artists can create complex structures. Because of its plasticity, clay remains the preferred medium for artists and industries alike, provided it is properly prepared through wedging to remove air and ensure durability.