In which technique is material removed from a larger piece to create a sculpture?

The technique in which material is removed from a larger piece to create a sculpture is known as the subtractive technique. This method typically involves carving or chiseling a solid block of material, such as stone or wood, to bring out the desired form or figure. Artists utilize this approach to gradually shape and refine the sculpture, paying close attention to light, texture, and form as they eliminate excess material.

In contrast, the additive technique involves building up a sculpture by adding material, such as clay or metal, rather than removing it. The modeling technique often refers specifically to shaping pliable materials like clay into desired forms, which can be either additive or a combination of both methods. Formative technique typically pertains to processes that involve modifying material through various means but doesn’t specifically denote the act of removal or subtraction.

Understanding the principles of these techniques is crucial for anyone studying sculpture and visual arts, as they define the fundamental processes that sculptors use to create their work.