Sculpture Glossary

anchor	A heavy object attached to a boat and cast overboard to keep the boat in place and from floating away.
angle	The place or direction from which an object is seen. A corner, as of a building; the two lines that come together to form the corner create an angle; distinct; clearly defined.
architecture	The art and science of designing buildings. Another word to describe specific styles of buildings. For example, modern architecture is the style of a group of buildings.
archway	A passageway under an arch.
asymmetrical	Not the same on both sides of an imaginary line that goes through the center of a composition or design. This does not mean that it is out of balance.
balanced	The arrangements of shape, color, form, texture and value compositions that are somewhat equally placed.
bronze	A metal, which is mostly composed of copper and tin used to create a work of art.
calligraphy	The art of fine and artistic writing.
circular	Shaped like a circle.
cluster	A group of objects gathered closely together.
complex	Complicated
construct	To build something.
contrast	To look at differences, mostly opposites.
cool colors	Cool colors are greens, blues and purples.
describe	To explain the appearance or quality of something.
effect	A result caused by a particular action.
form	The structure of an object.
geometric	Squares, circles, triangles, rectangles and ovals are examples of geometric shapes.
global	Worldwide
horizontal	The opposite of vertical. A vertical line goes up and down, a horizontal line goes across.
hurdles	Frame-like barriers to be overcome or jumped over.
impression	An effect, feeling or image that remains after an experience. For example, that painting made a wonderful impression on me.
inspirations	When someone’s mind is stimulated with emotion and feeling, it may lead to high levels of activity or creativity. For example, the flowers were an inspiration to the artist who created wonderful paintings.
juxtaposition	When two forms, shapes or objects are placed along side of each other.
linear	Resembles or looks like a line.
lyrical	Expression in a poetic, songlike style or form.
massive	A large imposing form that appears to be heavy in weight.
meander	To wander without a particular direction, somewhat aimlessly.
monumental	Impressively large and sturdy. For example, the St. Louis Arch is monumental.
pedestal	A base supporting a statue or other object.
powerful	Strong
scale	Proportion or measurement. Proportion is the relationship between specific parts in a work of art.
sculpture	Any work of art carried out in three dimensions One can walk around a piece of sculpture and see it from many points of view.
serene	Calm and serious
sextant	A navigational instrument used to measure the altitudes of celestial bodies (stars).
shapes	Definite, specific and 2-dimensional forms.
similar	Something that looks like something, but not exactly the same.
slender	Small and narrow compared to height or length.
stainless steel	A kind of steel that does not rust.
surface	The outer or outside boundary of an object.
symbol	Something that resembles or stands for something else.
symmetrical	Balanced proportions; correspondence in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of an imaginary line.
template	A pattern used to make sure measurements are accurate when making a part of metal, stone, fabric, etc.
tension	Uneasy suspense and/or strained relationships within a work of art or between people.
terrain	Landscape
texture	The appearance or feel of a surface. For example, the texture of the surface of the sculpture is smooth.
theme	The subject of a sculpture or painting.
tilt	To slant
triangular	Something that is made of a triangle (a three-sided shape) or triangles.
vertical	Something that is upright like a vertical line.
warm colors	Warm colors are reds, yellows and oranges.