A Thesis Concerned with the Construction of Impromptu Sculptures Solving Problems of Equilibrium, Weight, and Movement

Author

Jim Blocker, University of Northern Iowa

Availability

Open Access Thesis

Keywords

Blocker, Jim--Exhibitions; Slides (Photography); Academic theses; Exhibition catalogs; Photographs;

Abstract

For me the attainment of awareness or understanding through sensory perception (or the act of possessing quick and immediate insight into the dynamics of form and space) is fundamental for spontanous [sic] ideas. To achieve and/or express these feelings and ideas in sculpture requires an automatic and intuitive response. My sculpture is constructed directly and simply using found stock piled materials (wood, rope, glass, steel and sticks). No preplaning or sketching is used. In selecting materials, I have responded to them instinctively, relating shapes, colors, sizes and other personal interests on an intrinsic basis. My intuition exhibits itself spontaneously as though it were a physical impulse not changed by rational thought. Producing sculpture intuitively, enables me to avoid certain qualities of stability and permanence that I am not concerned with. Impermanence, fragility, movement, balance, and counter balance are the essential character of this work. I find it exciting incorporating simple materials into spontanous [sic] constructions that allow me to deal directly with the essence of the idea, without consideration of traditional standards of finish. By working on more than one sculpture at a time or completing one sculpture and immediately starting others with the same qualities of equilibrium, weight, and movement, the work has developed a continuity of idea and feeling. The kind and quantity of materials affects both the development of individual pieces and the relationships between the pieces. Sometimes the concept in a particular sculpture is strong enough to justify further development in a series of sculptures. It is important to me when producing a series of sculptures deriving from one concept that within the exploration involved there should exist some kind of transitional element, a feeling or idea from the first piece to the last. My thesis exhibition is a showing of my most successful works using this intuitive process. I feel the development and construction of my thesis work is a valid exposition of my research concerning impromptu thinking and feeling. My sculptures depend greatly on intuitive responses which progressively develop as I improvise different alternatives. In order to explore impromptu qualities, my thoughts, feelings, materials and/or attitudes stay as spontanous [sic] or intuitive as possible.

Year of Submission

1979

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Department of Art

First Advisor

Don Finegan

Second Advisor

Reed Estabrook

Third Advisor

Jerrold Pritcher

Comments

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Date Original

1979

Object Description

1 PDF file (6 leaves)

Copyright

©1979 Jim Blocker

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Blocker, Jim, "A Thesis Concerned with the Construction of Impromptu Sculptures Solving Problems of Equilibrium, Weight, and Movement" (1979). Dissertations and Theses @ UNI. 2078.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/etd/2078