Types of Wire Sculptures

Types of Wire Sculptures

There are countless unique ideas on how to use wire in sculpture, but here are three of the most widely used designs.

This is one of the most common type of wire sculptures that artists make, as it is often the 'skeleton' for most figure/animal sculptures. Although it is often covered in an outer layer of clay or plaster, armatures can also be sculptures by themselves!

Armature

Many armatures involve creating a basic 'stick' figure out of wire and then building up thickness by wrapping the wire over itself in specific areas, much like adding a layer of plaster or clay. But some sculptors work to leave the inside of an armature sculpture empty to create a more interesting visual effect. And some do both!

​​A modeling clay & wire sculpture (we will not be doing this one)

​​A pair of thickened wire sculptures

​​An open or empty wire sculpture

​​A mix of both thickened wire and open space.

​Armature Examples

Multiple Choice

Which of the following wire sculptures will we NOT be creating in class?

• Thickened with wire

• Open in the center

• Both thickened and open

• Covered in clay/plaster

Contour or Continuous wire sculptures involve creating an object/person out of ONE single wire, looped and twisted around itself. This method focuses more on showing smaller, close up details instead of full figures.

Contour/Continuous

Because they rely on a single wire, many of these sculptures are attached to a small, heavy object as a base.

Continuous wire sculptures are great to show smaller details, such as facial features, without needing to getting them exact.

These type of sculptures are based off of a continuous or contour line drawing, where the artist does not lift their pencil from the page but continues to layer the lines and add details.

​Continuous/Contour Examples

Multiple Choice

How many wires are used in a continuous/contour sculpture?

• 0

• 1

• 2

• 3

Where most sculptures are considered static (unmoving) these are kinetic (movable), as they sway in the breeze and maintain balance.

Mobile

The most difficult part of building these sculptures is finding the perfect balance point for each section - usually it's best to start from the bottom (or smallest) part and move up.

One of the most famous mobile sculptors is Alexander "Sandy" Calder, who made many complex and fun mobile sculptures.

​Mobile Examples

Multiple Choice

Who is the artist associated with Mobile sculptures?

• Pablo Picasso

• Alexander "Sandy" Calder

• Andy Warhol

• Jackson Pollock

Blend the types of sculptures!

​​Contour & Mobile Sculpture

Add extra objects to your sculptures, such as string/yarn, beads, charms, or props!

​​Sea Glass Contour Sculpture

Use decorative wire to add an element of color to your sculpture!

​​Colorful, Layered Armature Sculpture

​​Open Armature Sculpture with Shoelaces

​Some other ideas...