Sculpture
Modern and Ancient Sculpture
Sculpture is an ancient art form, dating all the way back to around 3300 B.C. The earliest sculptures were religious in nature, and were used to decorate Indian temples and shrines. Some of the temples themselves could be considered sculpture combined with architecture, as the Ellora and Ajanta temples were cut from the rocky interiors of caves.
Many people, when they think of sculpture, picture the famous Greek portraits of gods and commoners. Through changing cultures, societies, and religions, sculpture has broadened into an entirely different definition. Modern sculpture includes everything from home decorations such as figurines, house number plaques, and toys, to minimalist abstract forms constructed of metal or PVC, to museum installations focused on sound, light, and illusion.
The Meaning of Sculpture
The modern definition of sculpture crosses boundaries with architecture and landscaping. Depending on the choice of materials and the sophistication of the design, what were once considered common household decorations or children's amusements might today be labeled as art. Sand castles, snow sculpture, art toys, and elaborate house number plaques all fall under this description.
Perhaps as a result of this broadened definition, or as a result of the highly capitalist attitude towards art in Western societies, sculptors don't enjoy any particular level of celebrity. They're regarded as artists, but they're primarily seen as businesspeople, making a craft to earn money.
Sculpture in the Home and Garden
For many sculptors, this lack of a specialized artistic label is comfortable; they wouldn't describe themselves as sculptors, or they see their art as a means of income as well as self-expression, not just a contribution to the art world. Especially among those who sculpt three-dimensional home goods such as home signs, dioramas, door knockers and such, the lack of any true artistic recognition allows them to continue "working". Their designs are not limited by audience, venue, or materials; house number plaques, for example, can be carved or sculpted from almost any material. Most of those who create this kind of functional sculpture have a strong work ethic and believe that hard work and skill merit reward, rather than the ability to confuse or shock an audience.
While house number plaques, ornamental plaques, and detailed figurines are rising in popularity, sculpture gardens have fallen off in recent years. During the decline in popularity, garden sculpture became cheaply made and widely available, so that now putting sculptures in the yard is often perceived as tacky rather than attractive. Wind chimes and house number signs have taken the place of plastic flamingoes and wooden garden cutouts.
Form vs. Function
Sculptors of functional home decor would argue that carefully crafted three-dimensional house number plaques are just as much a means of self-expression as a block of carved marble. Either one requires a high level of skill and dedication, as well as patience, vision, and focus. The difference, really, is in whether or not the house number plaques in question were hand-crafted, or machine-made.
It's a widely held belief among artists that a machine is incapable of creating art. While custom hand-carved house number plaques could be considered sculpture, the same variant sold at your local hardware store or simply made by machine press for sale online are not the same. House number plaques are one arena where sculpture can be created both cheaply and beautifully, proudly displayed and recognized by the homeowners as being part of their property.