Sculptor and Clay

by Oregon Ballet Theatre

You will make shapes with your body inspired by different sculptures in Portland. You will then make your own miniature clay sculpture and life size living sculpture using your body.

Learning Target

● I can make shapes using my body and clay that will match sculptures that I observe.

Materials

● Your Body

● Paper Clay (optional)

Instructions

1. Look at the three pictures of different sculptures in the Portland area. Notice if the sculptures are straight or curvy, big or small, open or closed.

2. Try to make a living sculpture or shape with your body that is like the sculpture in the picture. You may copy the demonstrator or make a shape of your own. See how long you can hold your living sculpture.

3-6. Optional Steps: If you have paper clay (or a similar material) make your own sculpture. Start with the clay in a ball. You could add a hole or twist. Does your sculpture have straight lines or curving lines? Can it stand up on its own?

4. Look at your sculpture. Now try to make your living sculpture the same shape as the clay.

5. Try turning your clay sculpture on its side or upside down. Make a new living sculpture.

6. Take your living sculpture on tour. Find a place where people will see your living sculpture (ex: on the sidewalk, in the kitchen). Be sure to hold really still. Notice how people react.

Reflection

Write in your journal or sketchbook
● Do you like making straight lines, curving lines, or both? Why?
● How does flipping your sculpture on its side or upside down change the way you look at your sculpture?
● How long could you hold your living sculpture for?
● What did people do or say when they saw your living sculpture?

Extra

● Look for public art in your neighborhood, notice its lines and shape.
● If your living sculpture were to come to life, how would it move?
● Visit https://www.obt.org/endless-joy (password: obt-joy) to connect with OBT and find more activities.
● Share photos and videos of your creations with OBT by tagging us on social media and using #obtdanceeducation
● TikTok: @oregonballettheatre, Instagram: @oregon.ballet.theatre, Facebook: @SchoolofOBT
● Dance with OBT School this summer! Programs available for ages 3 and up. Check out https://www.obt.org/endless-joy (password: obt-joy) for more info.