ICOSAHEDRON: A POLYHEDRON TO LOVE

  This sculptural structure is a wonderful summary problem incorporating drawing, math, and construction skills, and it's applicability in art seems endless. OK, "What is an "eye-cos-ah-hee-drun"? In simple terms, it's a polyhedron (a many, identically sided, angled shape) with 20 sides. Twenty wonderful, explorable sides (areas) for just about any art theme! Here's a paper sample. Suggested materials for actual construction are railroad board, tagboard or any heavy drawing/inking paper.

IT BEGINS WITH A CIRCLE

  The example shown has a 3.25" diameter; sizes may be larger or smaller. Form an equilateral triangle with a protractor, measure off 3-120 degree angles and connect the points. Or, place the compass on the circumference, mark off the radius 6 times (black marks)& connect every other point (left). Repeat that procedure 19 more times! When cut out, the curved edges will be turned up (right).

GETTING STARTED

  A theme for the sculpture can explore many concepts. This design problem followed COLOR STUDY 1 and TEXTURE 2 and was a great way to put both together. The individual plans on the left considered a "holiday" theme requiring 4 specific design considerations and a variety of materials. Others might include various formations of shape, color blends, painting styles, design fundamentals, 2 or 3 dimensional textures, photography, computer art, various Art Techniques, creative lettering, etc. Materials to be used could be restricted or wide open. Surface design might be flat, three dimensional or both. Forming the individual icosahedron parts is the first process, designing the interior aspects as shown, is the second.

  Requirements here were a variety of materials overlapped in 3 layers; linear designs with any media; enhancement of the triangle with geometric shapes and calligraphic styles with 1 other media. The third part is putting it together. So, the circles are ready--let's see how that's done by going along to Part 2!

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