Recycled cardboard, newspaper, and tape are the tools of the trade for New Buffalo High School students in the preliminary stages of sculpting exaggerated costume masks. The "Big Head" Sculpture unit kicks off the trimester with a hands-on group project geared toward creativity, problem solving, and teamwork as students tackle the challenge of building larger-than-life size sculptures in the theme of their choice.
This project was inspired by the work of Julie Taymor, legendary director and costume designer, best known for her inventive use of masks and puppets in the Broadway musical The Lion King for which she received two Tony Awards. From the costume concept drawings of animated characters from the original Disney movie to building masks for live actors dancing across the stage, Taymor had to work through a design process to create ideas, test prototypes, and refine the final products.
Much like the challenge of a costume designer, students are faced with transforming a 2D concept drawing into a wearable mask sculpted from cardboard. The process began with learning project vocabulary from the Elements and Principles of Art & Design that artists use to create balanced works of art along with applicable sculpting methods. I demonstrated how to get started with building the armature that will hold the weight of the sculpture construction by scoring cardboard so that it bends and connecting sections of the frame to fill with newspaper.
Students were also shown a clip from NBC's Making It! where artists worked in groups to build Halloween costume duos from recycled materials. Collaboration is an important life skill to practice and an essential part of the studio environment in our art room. There is a team mindset at their art tables where we build each other up, share ideas, and help out in the classroom community. I emphasized teamwork and working through the design process with my students instead of solely focusing on the end product of their group sculptures.
Students were given full autonomy to choose the theme of their masks with partners and work together to build the three-dimensional details. It was exciting to see them brainstorming ideas and sketching out their concepts.
While it can be difficult to get started, students were actively involved by experimenting with pieces of cardboard secured with tape and testing out the scale on their heads. We repurposed cardboard boxes donated from New Buffalo High's operations and maintenance department.
Each day the armatures become larger and more three-dimensional. As they complete their forms, we will be transitioning into the paper mache process to strengthen the construction for a smooth base to paint.
I am proud of my students for putting in the work and using their resources to bring these ideas to life. It will be a huge pay-off for them to see their sculptures progress to the final painted works of art!
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