Which of the following is a subtractive sculptural process?

Answer Details

Carving is a subtractive sculptural process. In subtractive sculpture, the artist starts with a solid block of material (such as wood, stone, or ivory) and removes portions of it by cutting, chipping, or chiselling until the desired form emerges. Material is taken away rather than added.

Modelling is an additive process in which soft, pliable materials like clay or wax are built up to create a form. Welding is a construction process that joins metal pieces together using heat. Casting involves pouring molten material into a mould, which is a substitutive (or reproductive) process rather than a subtractive one.

Exam tip: subtractive means material is removed; additive means material is built up. Carving is always subtractive; modelling is always additive.