Uncommon Folk: Glossary

Assembling: The process of gathering and combining different materials to create a three-dimensional work of art, such as a sculpture. Assembling is an additive process.

Assemblage: A 3-D work comprised of “found” objects that the artist has arranged in a particular way.

Carving: The process of cutting or chipping into a mass of stone, wood, or other material to create a shape. Carving is a subtractive process, whereby material is systematically removed from the outside in.

Casting: Creating a sculpture from a material that is melted down—usually a metal such as bronze—which is then poured into a mold. The mold is allowed to cool, thereby hardening the metal. Casting is an additive process.

Folk Art: An art form that originates among the common people of a nation or region and which usually reflects their traditional culture. The objects, whether functional or festive, are often produced and decorated with techniques passed from one generation to the next.

Modeling: The use of soft or malleable material (such as clay) to create a sculpture. Material is added and built up (sometimes over an armature) and shaped to create a form. Modeling is an additive process.

Point of View: The angle from which the viewer sees an object or a scene.

Portrait: A likeness of a person or animal, especially one showing the face. Portraits, however, can be abstracted, showing aspects of a person or reflecting his/her personality.

Sitter: The person who sat, or served as a model, for a portrait.          

Symbols: Words or objects used to represent an idea or convey deeper meaning.