Art # 217 Fabrics: Surface Design
Spring 2008
3 Credits
M/W 10–11:50
Instructor:
Kerri Cushman
Office:
Bedford 223, 2nd floor near elevator
Phone & Email:
395-2893, cushmankl@longwood.edu
Office Hours:
M–TR 12:00 – 1:00 (or by appointment)
Course information available on Blackboard http://blackboard.longwood.edu/
Class Begins:
January 16
Last day to add/drop:
MLK day
January 22
January 21
Grade Estimates due:
(No Class)
February 25
Assessment Week:
March 3–7
Spring Break:
March 10–14 (No Class)
Wednesday, April 30th, 8:00–10:30
Classes End:
April 23
Body Adornment Critique/Documentation
Exam Week:
April 28 – May 2
(No Class)
Final Exam Date:
Course Description:
This course is an introduction of the basic principles, vocabulary, and visual elements of
three–dimensional design through inquiry into the exploration and investigation of traditional
and contemporary surface design techniques. Surface Design is an introduction to basic design
elements and principles, serving as an avenue to approach the methods of creating,
communicating, and analyzing the use of fibers within the visual arts. Focus will be on
mastering three-dimensional principles and elements of design, developing creative thinking to
achieve communication of content, and exploring a variety of materials in the fibers realm.
Textbook and Materials:
No specific required textbook for this course.
Several books and other resources will be referenced throughout the semester. Sculpture,
Fiber Arts, American Craft and various magazines will also be available in the library for
periodic required readings and student use.
Bound sketchbook/notebook & Art supplies required. Each student is required to purchase
necessary supplies for individual projects. Specific materials will be discussed and described by
the instructor at the beginning of each particular project. All materials can be found at local
hardware/retail/book stores, Key Office Supply or purchased through particular websites
(dharmatrading.com, prochemical.com, enasco.com)
Course Objectives:
This course will equip students with the knowledge with which to explore the creative and
conceptual realm using surface design techniques. Students will be able to express creative
ideas based on form, content and materials. Techniques explored may include: tie–dye, batik,
block printing, shibori, and paper maché.
Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Express an appropriate visual and verbal vocabulary, including the elements and
principles of design as it relates to students’ artwork and the art world.
2. Discuss historical and conceptual issues in design.
3. Demonstrate technical skills with various materials, tools, and processes.
4. Apply criteria for evaluation and methods of analysis for visual arts.
5. Practice safe working procedures in the studio/classroom environment.
Course Content:
Art 217 is a course for students with minimal experience studying and working with surface
designs and fibers. Individual and class instruction will occur through hands-on studio projects,
presentations, and discussions. Projects will be introduced with lectures, slides and other
multi-dimensional media. There will be individual and group critiques of finished work. This
course explores the use of various tools, techniques, and materials over the semester.
Developing a methodical approach to solving surface design problems and note taking will be
stressed.
Class Requirements:
This is a hands-on studio course with many essential demonstrations.
When class is scheduled to begin please be on time and prepared to work. Students will be
responsible for providing their own tools and materials over the semester, bringing necessary
supplies to class, participating in critiques, and making sure work is completed on time.
Attendance and participation in all final critique sessions is mandatory.
Quality attendance and performance is vital to success in this course. Punctuality,
participation, and positive attitudes are attributes that contribute to the success of an
individual and the entire learning environment.
Class critiques (progress and final) provide an opportunity for students to share techniques,
explore conceptual concerns, articulate intentions and demonstrate artistic goals. Critiques are
intended to be participatory forums where students share ideas, insights, and observations in
a reciprocal manner. Only completed design projects may be presented during the final critique
session of each project. Incomplete projects will not be accepted and subsequently, will not
receive a grade. Likewise, it is impossible to recreate and “make–up” a missed group critique
session. Each project will have a final formal critique session.
Bound Sketchbooks/Notebooks Required.
Students are required to maintain a sketchbook/notebook–a visual journal, representing ideas
for each of the assigned techniques and projects. An integral part of the artistic problemsolving process, the sketchbook will be graded according to the number, thoroughness and
concept of the sketches/drawings it contains throughout the semester. This is essentially your
textbook and should include detailed demonstration notes, as well as a visual journal of ideas.
Special Requirements of this Course:
2 Art Reviews of gallery/artist talks/events will be required.
Periodic visits to the LCVA and any other local galleries or shows that may benefit the
learning experience of the student taking this course. Visits to the Longwood University
Library for in-depth research, as well as, studying design periodicals and books. Students will
be asked to attend special lectures given by faculty and visiting artists.
Grading Policy:
Final grade based on percentages
60%
Major Projects (class attendance included in each project)
25%
Sketchbook/Notebook, Exercises, and Art Reviews
15%
Final Exam Project
Individual grades will only be discussed privately, by appointment, with the instructor.
Projects are graded on their own merit with a list of objective criteria and are used as an
indication of the level of each student skills, techniques, work ethic, personal expression,
growth and improvement, commitment and participation in class.
Projects are critiqued and grades based on the following criteria:
1. Concept: Ideas and exploration of ideas to meet the requirements of the assignment.
2. Development: How the concept is developed to meet the requirements of the
assignment.
3. Presentation and Neatness: Presentation visually communicates an understanding of the
subject and material assigned. Artwork demonstrates neatness–no unintended marks,
glue etc in final presentation.
4. Class Participation: Critiques, daily class activity, active participation.
5. Deadlines. Incomplete or late projects will not be accepted. Critiques are based on
participation and final presented pieces.
Class Projects: Major Projects will be assigned over the semester. Several in class exercises will
lead up to the final artwork. You are responsible for assigned readings and taking notes on
demonstrations/lectures/critiques. Handouts will be distributed in class or on blackboard.
Attendance:
Regular attendance is required. An attendance record is indicative of ones dedication to this
course. If you know ahead of time that you will be absent please advise me. If you are not
going to be in class for some utterly catastrophic reason, you must call/email before class. An
attendance record is indicative of ones dedication to this course. Students must assume full
responsibility for any loss incurred because of absence, whether excused or unexcused.
Inclement weather is not an excuse. When applicable, please notify the instructor in writing
prior to the scheduled absence.
Excused absences are those resulting from the student's participation in a college-sponsored
activity, from recognizable emergencies, or from serious illness. Absences can only be excused
with a note from a doctor, student health services, department chair, dean or coach. The
written excuse must explicitly state the reason for the absence and include the date of the
absence. Students must provide proper written documentation to the instructor within 10
days of the absence.
Students will receive a grade of "0" or "F" for all work missed because of an unexcused
absence. This includes not being prepared for critiques. Critiques cannot be made up. No late
work accepted without proper documentation. Missing 3 unexcused classes (10%) will result in
a lowering of one letter grade. A final course grade of "F" will be given when a student
misses a total of 7 classes (25%) for any reason––excused or unexcused. If students miss a
class, they are responsible for obtaining the relevant lecture notes and other information on
their own. This course will cover a lot of material. Consequently, coming to class will be
critical to your success.
Arriving late or leaving early will result in a tardy. The accumulation of two late arrivals is
equal to one absence. If you are absent, then you are responsible for arranging to have
another person in the course provide notes for you in order to make up the work.
Clean-Up: You are responsible for cleaning up your area and leaving the classroom tidy after
class.
This includes sweeping the floors and removing debris from the tabletops and appropriately
disposing of trash.
Food and uncovered drinks are not allowed.
Class Procedures: Relevant class conversations while working are fine–as long as it does not
interfere with the working environment. However, if I am talking–you are not. Please take
notes on lectures, demonstrations, and readings. Ask questions if something is not clear. Get
to know your classmates. If you are still having difficulty understanding an assignment please
say so in class, via email, or see me personally ASAP.
Special Needs: If students have special requirements to accommodate any disability, let the
instructor know and provide proper letter documentation during the first three weeks of the
semester. ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Longwood provides
students with disabilities reasonable accommodation to participate in educational programs,
activities, or services. www.longwood.edu/disabilities
~All work is bound by the Longwood University Honor Code~
*course syllabus and calendar subject to change*