New
New
Year 8

Exploring biomorphic sculptures using papier mâché

I can develop biomorphic sculptures through drawing and taking inspiration from nests and eggs.

New
New
Year 8

Exploring biomorphic sculptures using papier mâché

I can develop biomorphic sculptures through drawing and taking inspiration from nests and eggs.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A biomorphic sculpture is an art form inspired by organic shapes found in nature.
  2. Artists use various materials including clay, metal, wood, stone, thread, wire or found objects to create organic forms.
  3. We can sketch from nature and simplify the structure to create an idea for a sculpture.

Keywords

  • Biomorphic - shapes that look like forms found in nature, such as plants, animals, or the human body

  • Papier mâché - a material made from paper and glue or paste, used to create 3D models and sculptures

  • Joining - connecting two or more parts of a sculpture or structure using glue, tape, staples or other methods

Common misconception

Sculptures have to be heavy, strong objects which are fully free standing.

Some sculptures are delicate and light. Sculptural works can be presented in a range of ways including hung, free standing, stacked or in relief.


To help you plan your year 8 art and design lesson on: Exploring biomorphic sculptures using papier mâché, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Greater depth of context around artists as well as source imagery can be found in the Additional materials.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Drawing materials inculding pencils, charcoal and paper. Sculptural materials: balloon, PVA glue, tread, tissue papers, scissors. Optional: flowers, petals, grass, leaves.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the difference between shape and form?
Correct answer: Shape is flat, form is 3D.
Shape is 3D, form is flat.
Shape is texture, form is colour.
They mean the same thing.
Q2.
A sculpture is a piece of art that has and can be viewed from different angles.
Correct Answer: form, depth
Q3.
Match these words with their correct definitions.
Correct Answer:organic,natural, flowing, or irregular shapes

natural, flowing, or irregular shapes

Correct Answer:clay,soft material shaped and fired to harden

soft material shaped and fired to harden

Correct Answer:geometric,regular shapes like circles, squares, triangles

regular shapes like circles, squares, triangles

Correct Answer:papier mâché ,paper and glue used to build 3D forms

paper and glue used to build 3D forms

Q4.
What makes working with clay useful in sculpture?
Correct answer: It can be shaped and then hardened.
It’s digital and editable.
It dries instantly.
It stays soft forever.
Q5.
What is the most likely reason artists use papier mâché for sculpture?
It can only be used in painting.
It’s digital and easy to edit.
It’s heavy and expensive.
Correct answer: It’s light, cheap, and easy to shape.
Q6.
What does “moulding” mean in art and sculpture?
drawing from observation
painting with careful brushstrokes
Correct answer: pressing or shaping a material by hand or tools
sticking paper to a surface

5 Questions

Q1.
What does “biomorphic” mean in art?
made only from metal or wood
mechanical shapes and lines
Correct answer: shapes based on nature and living things
random abstract patterns
Q2.
Artists can sketch from and simplify the shapes to design biomorphic sculptures.
Correct Answer: nature, the natural world, plants, real life, the environment
Q3.
Match each keyword to its correct definition.
Correct Answer:biomorphic,looks like natural or living shapes

looks like natural or living shapes

Correct Answer:papier mâché ,paper and glue used for 3D sculptures

paper and glue used for 3D sculptures

Correct Answer:joining ,connecting parts with glue or tape

connecting parts with glue or tape

Q4.
Which is the most accurate statement to describe how can sculptural work be presented?
Sculptures are always displayed outside.
Sculptures are mostly glued in a sketchbook.
Correct answer: Sculptures are hung, stacked, relief or free standing.
Sculptures are only free standing on the floor.
Q5.
We can papier mâché forms together to create new shapes using techniques like sewing, gluing or taping.
Correct Answer: join, connect, attach, combine

Additional material

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