Glossary Chapter 9 Additive process A process in which a sculpture is created by adding or assembling materials, as in modeling and constructing. Contrast with subtractive process. Armature In the sculpture method of modeling, a framework for supporting plastic material. Assemblage A work of art that consists of the assembling of essentially three-dimensional objects to create an image. Artists often manipulate these pre-existing objects in various ways and incorporate them with other media, such as painting or printmaking. Bas-relief Relief sculptures that project only slightly from their backgrounds. Contrast with high relief. (Bas means low in French.) Burnish To make shiny by rubbing or polishing. Carving In sculpture, the process of cutting away material, such as wood. Casting The process of creating a form by pouring a liquid material into a mold, allowing it to harden, and then removing the mold. Constructed sculpture A type of sculpture in which forms are built up from materials such as wood, paper and string, and sheet metal and wire. Direct-metal sculpture Metal sculpture that is assembled by techniques such as welding and riveting, as opposed to being cast. Earthwork A work of art in which large amounts of earth or land are shaped into a sculpture. Extrude To force metal through a die or small holes to give it shape. Forge To form or shape metal (that has usually been heated) with blows from a hammer, press, or other implement or machine. Free-standing sculpture Sculpture that is carved or cast in the round, unconnected to any architectural member, which can be viewed from any of the 360º of vantage points achieved by walking around it in a circle. Free-standing sculpture can also be designed for a niche, in whose placement one's points of view are limited. Gate In the lost-wax technique one of a number of wax rods connected to the mold. As molten bronze flows into the mold, gates allow air to escape. Glaze In painting, to coat a pained surface with a semi-transparent color that provides a glassy or glossy finish. In ceramics, to apply a liquid suspension of powdered material to the surface of a ware. After drying, the ware is fired at a temperature that causes the ingredients to melt together to form a hard, glossy coating. High-relief Relief sculpture that projects from its background by at least half its natural depth. Contrast with bas relief. Investiture The fire-resistant mold used in metal casting. Kiln An oven used for drying and firing ceramics. Kinetic sculpture Sculpture that actually moves (as opposed to providing the illusion of movement). Lost-wax technique A bronze-casting process in which an initial mold is made from a model (usually clay) and filled with molten wax. A second, fire-resistant mold is made from the wax, and molten bronze is cast in it. Mixed media The use of two or more media to create a single image. Modeling In two-dimensional works of art, the creation of the illusion of depth through the use of light and shade (chiaroscuro). In sculpture, the process of shaping a pliable material, such as clay or wax, into a three-dimensional form. Mold A pattern or matrix for giving form to something in a molten or plastic state; a frame on which something is modeled. Patina A fine crust or film that forms on bronze or copper because of oxidation. It usually provides a desirable greenish or greenish-blue tint to the metal. Rasp A rough file that has raised points instead of lines. Ready-made Found objects that are exhibited as works of art, frequently after being placed in a new context and being given a new title. Relief sculpture Sculpture that is carved as ornament for architecture or furniture, as opposed to free-standing sculpture. Also see bas relief and high-relief sculpture. Stamp To impress or imprint with a mark or design. Subtractive process A process in which a sculpture is created by the removal of material, as in carving. Contrast with additive process. Tensile strength The degree to which a material can withstand being stretched. Venus The Roman goddess of beauty; a prehistoric fertility figure such as the Venus of Willendorf.