Plastic arts may refer to any form of art that is created by molding and sculpting in a variety of media. Creations may be made with a wide range of materials, ranging from modeling clay to iron. Some artists also make sculptures or functional pieces from recycled plastic. While visual art is typically one dimensional and produced on canvas or paper using ink or paint, plastic art is three dimensional and usually involves intricate carving or chiseling.
When creating art or functional pieces from ceramic clay, artists use tools such as cutters putty knives. Cutting knives and wires are other essential items most clay sculptors own. A trim blade, which has a flat base and sharp point, is helpful for removing excess pieces of clay. After a sculpted piece of clay is formed, the artist will place it inside a kiln, which is a type of oven that heats the material at a high temperature, removing liquid from it.
Not all plastic arts are created with ceramic clay, terracotta, or marble. An ancient Japanese art form known as origami is created by folding paper into various shapes to create a design. Paper folding is a plastic arts form that can be practiced with papers of various sizes and colors. Many practice this art using various tools such as tweezers and rulers, which may help perfect the origami creation.
Woodworking and glassblowing are other branches of plastic art. Many skilled artisans sculpt designs from wood to create functional art such as furniture. Glass blowing may involve making glass sculptures or more commonly, glass bowls, vases, and jars.
Those who participate in plastic arts may find taking special courses can help perfect their craft. In addition, there are online tutorials and books that teach the fundamentals of arts like glassblowing. This plastic arts form is perfected by melting pieces of glass, then sculpting it to a desired shape. To melt the sculpted glass and achieve the desired form, special tools are often needed. In addition to functional items such as bowls and vases, sculptures and figurines may also be created from glass.
Another form of plastic art known as woodworking often involves creating wood sculptures. Woodworking also involves creating functional items such as furniture and shelving. Perfecting woodworking, or any plastic art, often takes time, patience, and skill.