Painting and sculpting, like many things in life, involve making decisions that shape the result. This is especially true in sculpture, where every cut and choice of material plays a role in how the piece turns out. 

Consider the sculpture below of a “River” by Aristide Maillol. This sculpture is a great example of balancing what needs to be left out and what needs to be emphasized in design. The artist considered each part, creating a figure that seems to be in constant motion.

The sculpture grabs attention with its sense of movement. It looks like it’s almost falling, suggesting it’s rolling onto its side. This choice adds energy and tension to the piece, as parts of the figure appear to defy gravity, hanging off the base.

This detail shows the artist's understanding of balance and movement. This decision creates a story that engages viewers, making them wonder what will happen next.

From this example, it’s clear that decision-making in sculpting and painting isn’t just about describing everything, but also about what’s left out. Maillol had to decide which details were important to show movement and which could be left out without losing the piece’s true essence. This careful balance is what makes ‌sculptures like this interesting and thought-provoking.

In the end, sculpture teaches valuable lessons in decision-making. By looking at the choices made to create a dynamic figure, we can appreciate the complexity and thoughtfulness required in the artistic process. Every decision, whether it’s about adding or removing elements, contributes to the impact of the sculpture.

Simon's expertise and passion for sculpture provide a unique opportunity to delve into the art of sculpting with hands-on guidance. Join Simon below: