Exploring biomorphic sculptures using papier mâché
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can develop biomorphic sculptures through drawing and taking inspiration from nests and eggs.
Key learning points
- A biomorphic sculpture is an art form inspired by organic shapes found in nature.
- Artists use various materials including clay, metal, wood, stone, thread, wire or found objects to create organic forms.
- 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.
Teacher tip
Greater depth of context around artists as well as source imagery can be found in the Additional materials.
Equipment
Drawing materials inculding pencils, charcoal and paper. Sculptural materials: balloon, PVA glue, tread, tissue papers, scissors. Optional: flowers, petals, grass, leaves.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the difference between shape and form?
Q2.A sculpture is a piece of art that has and can be viewed from different angles.
Q3.Match these words with their correct definitions.
natural, flowing, or irregular shapes
soft material shaped and fired to harden
regular shapes like circles, squares, triangles
paper and glue used to build 3D forms
Q4.What makes working with clay useful in sculpture?
Q5.What is the most likely reason artists use papier mâché for sculpture?
Q6.What does “moulding” mean in art and sculpture?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What does “biomorphic” mean in art?
Q2.Artists can sketch from and simplify the shapes to design biomorphic sculptures.
Q3.Match each keyword to its correct definition.
looks like natural or living shapes
paper and glue used for 3D sculptures
connecting parts with glue or tape
Q4.Which is the most accurate statement to describe how can sculptural work be presented?
Q5.We can papier mâché forms together to create new shapes using techniques like sewing, gluing or taping.
To help you plan your 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...
To help you plan your 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.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 art and design lessons from the Being curious about 3D design unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.