What Are the Plastic Arts?

Any form of art created molding and sculpting in a variety of media is referred to as plastic arts. Materials ranging from modeling clay to iron can be used to create works of art. Some artists use recycled plastic to create sculptures or functional objects. Plastic art is three dimensional and usually involves intricate carving or chiseling. While visual art is usually one dimensional and created on canvas or paper using ink or paint, plastic art is three dimensional and usually involves intricate carving or chiseling.

Artists use cutters, putty knives, and other tools to create art or functional pieces out of ceramic clay. Cutting knives and wires are also necessary tools for most clay sculptors. For removing excess clay, a trim blade with a flat base and sharp point comes in handy. The artist will place a sculpted piece of clay inside a kiln, which is a type of oven that heats the material to a high temperature and removes the liquid.

Ceramic clay, terracotta, and marble aren’t used in all plastic arts. Origami is an ancient Japanese art form that involves folding paper into various shapes to create a design. Paper folding is a plastic arts form that can be done with a variety of sizes and colors of paper. Many people who practice origami use tools like tweezers and rulers to help them perfect their creations.

Other types of plastic art include woodworking and glassblowing. Many skilled artisans carve designs out of wood to make functional art like furniture. Glass blowing can include the creation of glass sculptures as well as glass bowls, vases, and jars.

Those who work in the plastic arts may find that taking special classes can help them improve their skills. There are also books and online tutorials that teach the fundamentals of arts such as glassblowing. This plastic arts form is perfected melting glass into a desired shape and then sculpting it. Special tools are frequently required to melt the sculpted glass and achieve the desired form. Glass can be used to make sculptures and figurines in addition to functional items like bowls and vases.

Woodworking, a type of plastic art, frequently involves the creation of wood sculptures. Woodworking also entails making useful items like furniture and shelving. Woodworking, like any other plastic art, takes time, patience, and skill to master.