Building Blocks

1. Show examples of self-portraits in photography and sculptures. Discuss the difference between two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks. Explain that the two will be combined to make a three-dimensional self-portrait using photographs and box forms.
2. Demonstrate taking pictures of body parts from six different angles (ex. back of hand, palm of hand, thumb side of hand, pinky side of hand, fingertips, wrist.) Have students think of body parts they can get six sides from: head, arms, legs, feet, torso, etc. Choose at least four to photograph.
3. Provide box templates in various sizes and forms (can be found online). Use tagboard to cut and build boxes. Measure sides of box and print views of body parts to fit sides accordingly.
4. Cut and glue photographs to box sides, using only one body parts' photographs per box and in order of viewpoint (ex. back of hand on the top of the box, palm of hte hand on the bottom of the box). Make at least four different boxes to complete the self-portrait.
5. Complete the sculpture by playing with the stacking of the boxes to create a sense of dimension and movement.
6. Assess the number of angles shot, exposure, craftsmanship of box/photo mounting, and arrangement of boxes for final product. Use group discussion to evaluate which sculptures are most intriguing, what could be done differently in future photo sculptures, and how the students react to the multiple perspectives of their self-portraits as opposed to a single two-dimensional portrait.