Subtractive Carving in Desert Foam

7/8 Grade Elective is learning about sculpture and different ways they are made. We are doing a project with subtractive carving. Each student chose an animal and drew the views (front, side and top) in their sketchbook and then transferred to the desert foam.  Here is the first step getting the outlying carved out. Next we will shape the features to be rounded.

We have safety precautions when using the steak knifes. Students must wear goggles while carving because of the dust from the foam.

One way to transfer the drawing is to cut it out and trace onto the block.

Carving animals in Sculpture class

Eighth graders finished their animal carvings of Egyptian theme.  Each student chose an animal that would be included in the tombs of the Pharoahs.

We talked about subtractive carving and drew three views of the animal on our foam brick.
Knives, rasps, and files were used to carve away the unwanted areas.
It was hard for the students until the shape began to take form of their animal.

Lastly, each person chose a rock to simulate the colors on their animal carving. The finished piece was to be like a rock carving such as the Egyptians would have done.