Subtractive sculpture is defined by which process?

• A. Adding material to create form
• B. Building up with coils
• C. Carving or removing material from a larger piece
• D. Painting on a surface

Answer: (C)

Subtractive sculpture involves shaping by removing material from a solid block to reveal the form. The artist begins with a larger piece of material—like stone or wood—and carves away excess to uncover the final shape. This is different from additive methods, where form is built up by adding material, such as modeling with clay. Painting on a surface isn’t sculpture because it doesn’t create a three‑dimensional mass. So the process described is carving or removing material from a larger piece.