Module Descriptors
SCULPTURE FOR ANIMATION
ANIM40081
Key Facts
Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies
Level 4
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Daryl Marsh
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 24
Independent Study Hours: 126
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • CWK - A&D weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Additional Assessment Details
Course work will contain the following components:

Demonstrate a clear understanding of Anthropomorphism and its context to the visual arts in a PowerPoint presentation of a Sculptor who utilises Anthropomorphism [Learning Outcome 1]
Show evidence of sculpture which demonstrates close observation of volume and pose [Learning Outcome 2]
Show clear evidence of modelling development and ability to express animated gesture in physical materials [Learning Outcomes 2,3]
Investigate how the use of sculpture can streamline and enhance the process of digital modelling [Learning Outcomes 4]

There MUST be a complete submission of the following components for this module.

Powerpoint Presentation of a Sculptor (10%) (learning outcome 1)

Production of 2 three dimensional wire figures which describe both posture and balance
Production of 5 three dimensional wire and clay life model studies which describe both volume and weight (40%) (learning outcome 2)

Set of original design drawings for production of a sculpture of a dynamic clothed human figure and final sculpt
Set of original design drawings for production of a sculpture of an anthropomorphized figure and final sculpt
Set of reference pictures and original drawings for production of a sculpture of a caricatured celebrity head and final sculpt
3 Finished Sculptures mounted on a firm stand (50%) ( learning outcomes 3,4)





Module Indicative Content
This module explores 3D dimensional awareness in representing the figure from a special understanding of form.
There will be a series of workshops exploring the relationship of the human form in space, volumetric structure and how this may be applied to practice in animation production.
There will be a set of contextual lectures on Sculpting, Anthropomorphism in relationship to sculpture and animation, Character design, Caricaturing and the Role of Sculpting in the Animation Industry today.
You will receive Health and Safety training for the necessary 3D workshops.
You will be introduced to a range of sculpture and character modeling methods to support your development as an animator primarily in the field of 3D animation and Stop motion.
You will undertake exercises in character modeling, life sculpture and anatomical studies of human muscle structure and skeletons.
You will explore human volume in a variety of 3D physical media, and demonstrate an understanding of weight, in a range of dynamic actions.
Using the principles learned from observational study you will create 2 standing characters in modelling clay and a character head specifically for computer digitising.
Module Learning Strategies
Studio learning takes place in timetabled sessions with academic staff who introduce key contextual and practice based lectures focused on the
- Development of sculpture for animation in a range of materials.
Through these initial lectures you will gain an understanding of the core concepts, theory regarding the
- Importance of the human figure in animation production.
Independent study will form the majority of time spent "answering the brief" through evidence of character research, preparation drawings, studio strategy and application of methods and processes necessary for completion of an appropriate response to the assignments.
Seminars and group Critiques support your studio practice through formative evaluation and will take place at critical points of the semester to review working progress.
Summative assessment takes place at the end of the module where portfolios will be presented for final assessment
There will be two designated tutorials set up to enable students to discuss their work individually with key members of delivery staff.
Module Resources
Drawing studio
Ceramics Studios
3D Workshops
Module Texts
Tom Brierton Stop-Motion Puppet Sculpting: A Manual of Foam Injection, Build-Up and Finishing Techniques (Paperback) by Publisher: McFarland & Company (July 2004)
Tom Brierton Stop-Motion Armature Machining: A Construction Manual (Paperback) Publisher: McFarland & Company (March 5, 2002)
Stephanie Reese Clay Sculpting for Digital Media (Paperback) by Publisher: Prentice Hall; 1 edition (June 9, 2000)
Susannah Shaw Stop Motion, Craft Skills for Model Animation, Focal Press 2004
Ray Harryhausen: An Animated Life by Ray Harryhausen, Tony Dalton Publisher: Watson-Guptill Pubns; (March 1, 2004)