Understanding the Types and Functions of Sculptures
So far, based on the previous understanding and explanation, it can be concluded that sculptures have a wide range of media and techniques. Various factors can contribute to the creation of a work of sculpture. The forms of sculptures are also diverse. What are the types?
Types of Sculptures
In general, sculptures can be distinguished by their form or shape into two types:
Types of Sculptures Based on Form/Shape
Figurative (realistic/representative) sculptures. These are sculptures that imitate natural forms, such as humans, animals, and plants. These sculptures are realistic in their representation and not merely abstract or illusory. Examples: statues of heroes, statues of tigers, etc.
Non-figurative (imaginative/non-representative) sculptures. These are sculptures that do not imitate nature, but are detached from the forms found in nature. These sculptures are not realistic and abstract in nature, such as abstract geometric sculptures, statues of pointed cylinders symbolizing bamboo spears, etc.
Functions of Sculpture
Some of the functions of sculpture are as follows:
Decorative Sculptures. Functions to beautify a room or exterior environment.
Monument Statues: Created to commemorate the services of a particular figure or group, such as a national hero or to commemorate a historical event.
Craft Statues: These are statues designed to meet market needs, so they are sought after for purchase based on various general, non-specific needs.
Architectural Statues: Created to support or complement a building's construction, making it more integrated and harmonious with the existing architectural design.
Fine Art Statues: Fine art statues are created solely for aesthetic purposes and can be highly experimental in form (art is not always beautiful).
Religious Statues: For some religions and beliefs, statues have religious elements and meanings and are used as a means of worship.
Sculpture Materials and Tools
The materials used to create sculptures are very diverse, but in general, they can be divided into three types:
Sculpture Materials
Soft Materials: Soft materials that have mass or volume can be used to create sculptures, such as clay, wax, clay, or even special or alternative materials such as soap, etc.
Medium Materials. Materials that are neither soft nor hard, for example: kapok wood, mahogany, hibiscus wood, and other less hard woods.
Hard Materials. Hard materials can be stone or harder wood, for example: marble, granite, andesite, teak, ironwood, rosewood.
Casting Materials. Casting materials are liquid, powder, or non-solid materials that can harden over time or through further processing. Casting materials include: cement, sand, gypsum, metal, gold, tin, chemicals: resin, fiber, etc.
Sculpting Tools
The equipment needed to create a sculpture depends greatly on the materials and techniques used. Common tools for sculpting include the following:
Chisel. Used for medium-hard materials to carve or reduce hard materials to form the desired object. Chisels are made of sharp, hard metal and are available in various blades. They are used by hammering the chisel into the sculpture material.
Butsir. A butsir is a type of knife/spatula for carving soft materials. Butsir are usually made of wood or have blunt metal tips. Some butsir have wire tips to facilitate shaping of soft materials.
Welders. Obviously, to shape metal directly (without melting it), a welding tool is needed to arrange the metal according to our wishes.
Turntable. A round table that can rotate in all directions. Its function is to more easily see and control the shape of the sculpture from various directions without having to move around the sculpture.
Hammer. A hammer is used to strike the chisel.
Pliers. When creating a sculpture that requires a wire frame, this tool is essential for bending and straightening the wire according to the desired design.
Sculpture Techniques
Chiseling Technique. This is a technique for removing material by striking a hard object (a chisel) against the material being processed. In addition to a chisel, a hammer is also needed to strike the chisel against the material.
Butsir Technique. This is a technique that shapes soft materials by removing material using a butsir tool and adding material as needed. Butsir is commonly used to work with soft materials such as clay, wax, or modeling clay.
Welding Technique. This involves creating sculptures by combining materials to achieve the desired shape. Welding techniques are used to join metals and assemble them into specific shapes.
Casting Technique: Creating artwork involves first making a mold, then pouring the mixture into the mold, creating the desired shape (according to the mold's shape).
Molding Technique: Similar to the casting technique, a mold is made first, but the material does not have to be cast or poured. Soft or medium-sized materials can be directly clamped using a bivalve mold, which has two symmetrical sides like a shell.
Conclusion
Sculpture is a 3D work of art created by shaping volumetric materials, which can be soft, medium-sized, or hard, using subtractive methods, which involve removing material such as carving and cutting, or additive methods, which involve adding material such as casting and molding.
Based on their form, sculptures can be divided into two types:
- Figurative, which imitates nature, such as human, animal, and plant forms.
- Non-figurative, which does not imitate nature and has abstract forms.
Sculptures have diverse functions, from religious and spiritual functions for certain religions and cultures to decoration and commodities for sale.
The various techniques and tools used depend largely on the materials used to create the sculpture. For example, chisels are used for carving techniques using medium or hard materials or spatulas are used to shape clay and other soft materials.
