abstract (verb): 1. to simplify, emphasize or distort qualities of perceptual reality. 2. (noun) the reduction of an image or object to an essential aspect of its form or concept.
accent: an area of particular interest or importance.
activated space: the area controlled by a physical object, including its physical volume or mass and the surrounding or enclosed space.
additive sculpture: a physical object constructed from separate parts which have been connected using glues, joints, stitching, welds and so on.
armature: a linear skeleton which provides support for other materials.
assemblage: an additive method in which the artist or designer constructs the artwork using objects and images which were originally created for another purpose. Essentially, assemblage can be defined as three-dimensional collage.
asymmetrical balance: an equilibrium among visual elements which differ in size, number, weight, color, or texture. Asymmetrical balance is generally non-axial and very dynamic.
balance: a visual or physical equilibrium among interacting and/or opposing forces in a composition.
base: a horizontal support for a physical object, such as a marble block for mounting a bronze sculpture.
boundary: the dividing line between objects, images, or experiences.
characteristic texture: the inherent or familiar texture of a material. The gleaming reflective surface of a steel teapot, the transparent and reflective qualities of glass, and the gritty texture of clay are all characteristic textures.
connection: 1. a unifying relationship in a composition. 2. a physical joining, through joints, welds, stitching, and so forth.
content: the ideas embodied in an artwork
context: the situation in which an artwork is seen.
contrast: the degree of difference between objects, shapes, colors and so forth.
dominant: (or dominance) the most prominent visual element
emphasis: special attention given to some aspect of a composition, which gives it prominence.
emphasis: special attention given to some aspect of a composition, which gives it prominence.
form: 1. the physical manifestation of a design as opposed to the content, or the idea behind a design. 2. the organization or arrangement of visual elements to create a unified artwork. 3. a three dimensional object: for example, a square is a shape, a cube is a form.
formal elements: the components of a basic visual language. The formal elements for 3D design are point, line, plane, volume, mass, space, texture, color and time.
formal elements: the components of a basic visual language. The formal elements for 3D design are point, line, plane, volume, mass, space, texture, color and time.
freestanding sculpture: sculpture which is self-supporting and is designed to be viewed from all sides.
function: the purpose of a design or the objective which motivates the designer. For an industrial designer, the primary purpose of a design is often utilitarian. For example, he or she may be required to design a more fuel-efficient automobile. For a sculptor, the primary purpose of a design is aesthetic: he or she seeks to create an artwork that engages the viewer emotionally and philosophically. However, a sculpture, like an automobile, must be physically well-constructed, and a car, like a sculpture, must have aesthetic appeal.
gesture: the underlying sense of movement or the overall expressive qualities of an object.
gradation: any gradual transition from one color to another or from form to another.
harmony: a pleasing or soothing relationship among colors, shapes, or other design elements.
implied lines: lines that are suggested by the positions of shapes or objects within a design. With an implied line, the viewer mentally connects the points.
intensity: the purity, saturation, or chroma of a color. For example, fire engine red is a high intensity color, while brick red is a low intensity color.
installation: an artwork or a design which presents an ensemble of images and objects within a three-dimensional environment.
in the round: a three dimensional object which is self-supporting and is designed to be viewed from all sides, as in free-standing sculpture.
juxtaposition: adjacent placement of visual elements
Kinetic art: works designed to move or change through time.
line: 1. a point in motion, 2. a series of adjacent points, 3. a connection between points, 4. an implied connection between points. Line is one of the basic elements of design.
maquette: a small scale model, usually developed as an aid in planning.
mass: a solid three-dimensional form. A massive object can be as dense and heavy as a bar of gold or as light and porous as a sponge.
module: a small unit which can be repeated to create a larger piece.
modeling: an additive sculptural process by which a plastic material is formed into an artwork or design.
negative space: 1. any clearly defined area around a positive form. 2. a space created through the absence of an object rather than through the presence of an object.
non-objective or non-representational: designs and artworks that are strictly formal and have no external subject.
participatory sculpture: a three-dimensional artwork which is designed to physically engage the viewer.
pedestal: a vertical support for a sculptural object. Also know as a plinth.
performance art: a live presentation, often including the artist, usually combining elements from a variety of art forms, such a film, video, theater and dance.
plane: in three-dimensional design, an area with measurable width and height. Shapes that have been combined to create three-dimensional structures are called planes.
ready-made: a functional manufactured object that is displayed as a work of art.
primary contour: the outer edges of a physical object, such as the extremities of a carved sculpture.
proportion: a comparative relationship between the parts to a whole. For example, in figure drawing, the model's head is often compared to the overall height of the body.
radial symmetry: a form of balance that is created when shapes or volumes are mirrored both vertically and horizontally, with the center of the composition acting as a focal point.
relief: sculpture in which forms project out from a flat surface. The degree of projection ranges from low to high relief.
repetition: the use of the same visual element or visual effect a number of times in the same composition. Can be used to increase unity in a composition, produce a rhythmic movement, or emphasize the importance of a visual idea.
rhythm: the repetition of multiple parts in a composition to create a pattern of sound and silence, positive and negative, or other contrasting forces.
scale: a size relationship between two separate objects, such as the relationship between the size of the Statue of Liberty and a human visitor to the monument.
secondary contour: the inner edges of a physical object, such as the internal design and detailing of a carved sculpture.
section: in orthographic projection, a slice of an object or architectural structure which reveals with internal structure and detail.
site specific sculpture: an artwork expressly design for and installed in a specific location.
space: the area within, between, or around an area of substance.
spatial orientation: relationship of an object to the ground plane and other objects.
subtractive sculpture: any process by which an artist or designer removes materials from a larger mass, gradually revealing the form within
symbol: a form which represents something beyond its immediate meaning.
symmetrical balance: a form of balance that is created when shapes are mirrored on either side of an axis, as in a composition that is vertically divided down the center.
tension: the extension of an object through stretching or bending.
texture: the surface quality of a two dimensional shape or a three dimensional volume. Texture can be created visually, using multiple marks, physically, through surface variation, or through the inherent property of a specific material such as sand as opposed to polished glass.
texture: the surface quality of a two dimensional shape or a three dimensional volume. Texture can be created visually, using multiple marks, physically, through surface variation, or through the inherent property of a specific material such as sand as opposed to polished glass.
transition: the process of changing from one state or form to another. For example, the surface of a metal sculpture as it shifts from a smooth to a rough surface or the manner in which a computer drawing morphs from one form to another.
unity: the oneness or wholeness in a design which occurs when all parts work together to create a cohesive whole.
volume: In three-dimensional design, a volume is an enclosed area of three dimensional space. In two-dimensional design, basic volumes such as cubes, cones and spheres are created though the illusion of space. In time design, volume is one quality of music.
