Armature in art refers to the foundational structure that gives form and support to a three-dimensional piece of work. It’s often used in sculpture and can be composed of a wide range of materials such as wire, wood, or metal. An armature can be compared to the skeleton in a body, providing a framework on which the “flesh,” or surface material, is built.
Common Materials Used in Armature Construction
| Material | Description | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Wire | Flexible, easy to shape, and comes in various gauges (thicknesses). Often used in small to medium-sized sculptures. | Ideal for providing structure to clay or wax models. |
| Wood | Rigid, sturdy, and can be shaped with tools. Often used in larger, heavier sculptures. | Perfect for supporting heavy materials like stone or metal. |
| Metal | Rigid and extremely sturdy. Often used in large, outdoor sculptures. | Ideal for large-scale works and outdoor installations. |
The Importance of Armature in Art
Support
Armatures provide the necessary support to the sculpture, helping it maintain its shape and structure. This is particularly important for materials like clay, which can sag under their own weight, preventing deformities and preserving the artist’s intended design.
Shape and Form
Armatures serve as a guide for the artist, allowing them to plan out the shape and form of their work before they start applying the surface material, enabling precise control over proportions and overall aesthetics.
Durability
Armatures add durability to the piece, ensuring it can withstand handling, transportation, and the test of time, guaranteeing the longevity of the artwork and safeguarding it against potential damages.
Size
Armatures allow artists to create larger pieces that would be impossible with the sculpting material alone, offering the structural support needed to realize ambitious and grandiose artistic visions.
Flexibility
An armature can be adjusted and readjusted as the work progresses, offering the artist more flexibility during the creation process, facilitating experimentation, and allowing for modifications or refinements to the sculpture’s pose or composition.
Building an Armature
The process of building an armature varies depending on the materials being used and the size and complexity of the sculpture. Below are the general steps followed in armature creation:
- Sketching: Start by sketching the sculpture to establish its dimensions and proportions. This sketch will guide the armature construction;
- Material Selection: Choose the material for the armature based on the requirements of the sculpture. Consider factors such as size, weight of the sculpting material, and whether the sculpture will be static or movable;
- Building the Framework: Construct the armature, starting with the main structural components. This often means building the ‘spine’ or the tallest part of the sculpture first;
- Adding Substructures: Add smaller substructures to the main framework. These substructures represent the smaller parts of the sculpture, such as limbs in a human figure;
- Adjustments: As you apply the sculpting material to the armature, you may need to make adjustments to the armature’s shape and size. This is a normal part of the process.
Examples of Armature in Art
Armatures are used extensively in different art forms, and a few examples include:
- Clay Modeling: Armatures are used to support clay when creating large or complex sculptures. The clay is applied over the armature, which keeps the sculpture from collapsing under its own weight, allowing artists to add intricate details and maintain stability;
- Stop Motion Animation: Armatures are the skeletons inside stop motion puppets. They’re made from wire and allow the puppet to hold its shape while being posed for each frame of animation, providing smooth movements and realistic gestures to bring characters to life;
- Large-Scale Sculpture: For large metal sculptures, an armature made from steel might be used to support the weight of the sculpture and to withstand outdoor conditions, ensuring the longevity and structural integrity of the artwork while adding an impressive visual impact to public spaces.
Notable Sculptures with Armature
| Sculpture | Artist | Material of Armature |
|---|---|---|
| The Statue of Liberty | Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi | Iron and Steel |
| The Little Mermaid | Edvard Eriksen | Metal |
| The Thinker | Auguste Rodin | Iron |
Conclusion
armature is an essential component in the creation of three-dimensional artwork. It provides the necessary support, influences the form and shape, ensures durability, allows for larger-scale work, and offers the artist flexibility during the process. Whether hidden beneath layers of clay or acting as a visible part of the artwork, armatures are an invaluable tool in the artist’s kit.
