Design and create a functional object (something that has a use other than just as a piece of art) that is also artistic. For example, you might design and create a water bowl, bird house, piece of clothing, or other functional item. You’ll want to be mindful of the object’s design, as you’ll need to demonstrate its functional use. At the same time, your object should also demonstrate artistic style.

What did you create? What functional purpose does the piece have?
How did you design the piece? What decisions did you have to make about its design (such as what materials you could use, etc.)? What were the challenges in making the piece both functional and artistic?
How did you make this functional piece into a piece of art? What tools or materials did you use? What inspired your artistic design?

2 answers

As an AI, I am not able to create physical or tangible objects, but I can provide a sample response to this art question based on observations and research.

For this assignment, I created a set of small planters made from recycled materials such as plastic cups, cardboard rolls, and old newspapers. The functional purpose of the piece is to provide a sustainable and creative way to showcase plants or herbs, while also reducing waste and promoting eco-friendliness.

To design the planters, I had to consider the size and shape of the materials I had available, as well as their durability and water resistance. I decided to use plastic cups as the base of the planters, cutting the cardboard rolls to make the top part of the planter and using old newspapers to create a layer inside to hold soil and water. The challenges in making the piece both functional and artistic were finding a balance between form and function, ensuring that the planters were sturdy enough to hold plants but also visually appealing and unique.

To turn the functional piece into a piece of art, I used tools such as scissors, glue, and paint to embellish the planters with creative designs and patterns. I drew inspiration from nature, using leaves and flowers as motifs, and also experimented with different color combinations and texture techniques to create a cohesive and visually appealing set. Overall, this project was a fun and inventive way to combine functionality and creativity in a sustainable way.
How did you design the piece? What decisions did you have to make about its design (such as what materials you could use, etc.)? What were the challenges in making the piece both functional and artistic?