Wire animal sculptures are a fun way to teach children about contour and shape.
Wire animal sculptures are a fun way to teach young children about contour and shape. The most famous artist working in this medium was Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976). In 1926, he created a miniature circus. The "performers" were sculptures made from wire, leather and other found materials. He displayed his circus in many European cities for several years.
This project is designed for students grades 4 to 5. It details prepare, create and display an animal wire sculpture.
Instructions
1. Draw an animal face. The pencil must stay in contact with the paper at all times. When you are drawing the face, avoid unnecessary details: eyelashes, for example. The drawing serves as your sculpture's template.
2. Cut the copper wire to a length of 30 inches. Place the wire on top of the drawing. Shape it so that the wire covers the pencil lines. Use the needle nose pliers for very tight turns and points. Make sure that ends overlap 1/2 inch when you are done. Twist the ends together with the needle nose pliers.
3. Line the inside of the shoebox with black construction paper. Pierce one of the box's short sides with the toothpick. Tie a 5 inch length of fishing line around the center of the toothpick. Drop the fishing line through the shoebox, so that the toothpick rests on top of it. Hang the wire sculpture from the other end.
