ART141, Beginning 3-D Design; Kari Reardon FALL 2015
Class hours: Monday/Wednesday- 6:00- 8:45 PM
Office hours: Monday/ Wednesday- 5:00-6:00PM
Room Number: AC511
(office hours will be held outside room AC511, email me prior for availability)
Email: kari.reardon@gmail.com
Catalog Description:
The CSUN catalogue description of Art 141 “Study of the elements and principles of 3dimensional
design and their applications, with emphasis on form in space, design systems, and contemporary
art concepts. Experimentation in both natural and synthetic material.”
Course Description Detail:
This is a hands-on studio arts course focused on introducing students to the fundamental
principles and concepts of sculpture and 3D design. Through various projects students will be
exposed to a range of techniques, materials and philosophies with regards to formal issues in art,
such as line, plane, mass, space, texture, balance, rhythm, economy and emphasis. The semester
will include slide lectures on contemporary and historically relevant works, reading assignments, a
5 minute presentation on an artist, a short writing assignment, participation in group critiques,
and keeping an ongoing sketchbook.
You will be encouraged to experiment, think creatively, problem solve, explore ideas fully, and to
challenge thoughts about art and object making.
Course Goals:
This course is designed to equip you with the basic knowledge, theories and concepts of art as it
relates to 3-D design including:
• A basic understanding of the elements and principles of 3D design and composition.
(Principles as stated above: line, plane, mass, space, texture, balance, rhythm, economy and
emphasis.)
• An ability to comfortably analyze, discuss, and write about works of art using the vocabulary of
3-D Design.
• A further development of problem solving skills.
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• Develop an appreciation and tolerance of diverse perspectives dealing with art, culture, teaching
and learning.
• Become involved in both individual and collaborative art experiences with other students.
• A base knowledge, of materials, processes and strategies; including brainstorming, conceptual
development, collection and organization of source material.
• An ability to look at the world with a new critical eye.
• AS WELL AS TO GET YOU EXCITED ABOUT SCULPTURE!
Required Text:
Launching the Imagination by Mary Stewart. If you don’t have your own copy there will be one on
reserve in the library. (Part 3 in particular.)
Assessment and Evaluation (Grading)
Grading for this course will be measured and based on these 7 factors:
1) The quality of the idea being explored, the creativity and ingenuity in problem solving and
development of the idea.
2) Level of understanding the subject matter and concept.
3) Enthusiasm, effort and participation. This includes every aspect of this course; daily work,
critiques, demonstrations, clean-up etc.
4) Level of craftsmanship.
5) Timely completion of projects (including sketchbooks). Late assignments will be penalized one
letter grade and must be completed within 5 days of the original due date to receive any credit at
all. Those handed in after the 5-day past the due date will not be accepted.
Re-working a project: If the original project was submitted on time and you just want to continue
to work to improve on your idea you may redo the assignment. (Artists do this all the time and it
is a great way to overcome problems and grow) Discuss your plans with the instructor and
remember this is time spent in addition to continuing on with the other assignments.
6) Each student is required to keep a sketchbook. This is the simplest yet most essential tool in
developing and recording your ideas for sculpture. You are responsible for acquiring or making
one and keeping up with it throughout the semester. It is the one part of your sculpture that you
can take with you everywhere and work on it. And you will be expected to.
7) Attendance and lateness. You are all expected to add to the energy of the class. If you are
not here, you cannot contribute. See below for more details.
-Your class projects are averaged out and are 60% of you final grade
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-Vocabulary quizzes are averaged out and are 10% of your final grade
-Overall participation, attitude and effort is 30% of your grade
Attendance Policy:
Attendance is mandatory. 3 late arrivals or early departures will be the equivalent to one absence
and 4 absences will result in your final grade being lowered by one WHOLE letter grade (so with
4 absences an A- would = B-…etc.). Excused absences will be discussed with me prior to the
absence. Emergencies, injuries and illnesses are the exceptions and must be proven to have
actually occurred. This course will have multiple demonstrations and slide lectures concerning
processes and materials that we will utilize. These demonstrations will not be repeated for
unexcused absences. Please exchange phone numbers with classmates in case you do miss a class
and need to receive missed assignments and notes.
Participation:
In class projects, critiques, group discussions, presentations are mandatory.
Studio Rules:
No cell phones except in emergency, I’m not kidding, no texting in class. After I catch you 3 times
it counts against your grade. Be respectful and courteous to your fellow classmates and others
whom share this classroom. There are a lot of us so please store your work in the designated area
and clean up after yourself. Work hard and be prepared to get dirty, this means if you need an
extra pair of clothes to change into for this class keep them in your locker. Closed toed shoes.
Supplies and Required Materials
Some materials will be provided with the class, but on some assignments you will be responsible
for bringing in items and tools. The materials that you have to get will be cheap and I will let
you know ahead of time what each assignment requires you to bring in.
In addition, you will always need:
- Access to or I recommend you buy a copy of Launching the Imagination book for your class
reading assignments. This book covers all the basic design class courses or you can just purchase
the 3-d design section for this class. There are many additions I teach from the 3rd but any will be
fine. It is in the library but you have to read it there it cannot be checked out.
-Clothes that you can work in and get messy including CLOSED TOE SHOES
-A sketchbook (at least 8”x10”) and pencil or pen
-I also strongly recommend you put together a toolbox with the needed tools and materials
including;
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TOOLBOX:
(The websites I have attached are just so you can see what the tools look like and aprox. the price. If you
want to buy them somewhere else or a different brand that is totally fine)
What you need to buy:
Utility knife and blades

(http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-Retractable-Utility-Knife-60037/202051990)

Needle nose pliers
(link 1 is just the pliers please make sure you buy ones that are not super small for jewelry and come with
the cutting wire mechanism or buy a wire cuter. Link 2 is just to show you sometimes there are deals on
sets)
(http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-8-in-Long-Nose-Pliers-84-102/203859874)
(http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-Pliers-Set-8-Piece-96879/203353658)

Hot-glue gun & Glue sticks
Good scissors and or Xacto knife with standard # 11 blades


Wire rolls (your project will depend on the amount needed)
16 gauge tie wire is the cheapest. You can buy any size and colors for your project but keep in mind
smaller wire will be easier to bend but will also be easier for the shape to shift when working with it.
(http://www.lowes.com/pd_12148-80032-832005_0__?productId=4007055) (they have this also at
home-depot its $3.98 in the back construction area near the rebar, it is greasy)
http://www.homedepot.com/p/OOK-50-ft-Aluminum-Hobby-Wire-50176/100192917
(this Ook brand 18 gauge aluminum wire is not as much in a roll but can be easier to work with or use
both also found at Blickart and other places just remember the lower the gage the thicker the wire)
Helpful Items:
Additional white paper for project drawings
Metal edged ruler
Different kinds of tape
Safety glasses
1 or 5 minute quick dry 2 part epoxy or super glue
Gloves if you don’t like to get dirty
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And maybe some Band-aids and disinfectant ointment
(I am prohibited from giving you these materials if you hurt yourself)
**Some places to buy art supplies and materials:
-Michael’s Art Supplies
18030 Chatsworth, 818-831-1889
-Joann’s Fabrics
19819 Rinaldi St 818-832-6045
-Home Depot
16800 Roscoe Blvd., 818-780-5448
-Lowes hardware store
19601 West Nordhoff Street, (818) 477-9022
-Continental Art Supplies
7041 Reseda Blvd , 818-345-9588
-Pearl Art Supplies Inc.
1250 S. La Cienega Blvd, 310-854-4900
-Dick Blick art supply
44 Raymond Ave, Pasadena
7301 W. Beverly Blvd, 626-795-4985
11660 Santa Monica Blvd, LA
-Swain’s Art supply store
537 N Glendale Ave, Glendale, 818-243-3129
-Dollar Stores, all around LA
COURSE CALENDAR
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(Syllabus is tentative and subject to change)
Week 1
August 24: Introductions. Review the syllabus, materials and supply list you will need for class,
explore the tool cabinet. Assign Chapter 9 reading and vocabulary (at the end of the chapters).
August 26: First group project.
Week 2
August 31: Finish group project. (Pull #’s for your artist presentations. Group 1 Sept. 29th, Group 2
October 20th. The Artist list to pick and sign up for will be on Moodle. Explanation of Project 1September 2: Work time 1 for Project 1
Week 3
September 7: Labor day no class
September 9: Work time 2 for Project 1.
Week 4
September 14: Last work time for Project 1 Vocabulary quiz.
September 16: Project 1 Due, Critique, Assign reading: Chapter 10.
Week 5
September 21: Bring in objects. Explanation of Project 2.
Work time 1 Project 2
September 23: Work time 2 for Project 2
Week 6
September 28: Last in class Work time 3 Project 2. Vocabulary quiz
September 30: group 1 gives 5-minute presentations on an artist. Meet in purple crit room. Last
remaining time in class to work on Project 2
Week 7
October 5: Project 2 Due, Critique. Assign reading: Chapter 11.
October 7: group challenge project
Week 8
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October 12: set up work for crit of Challenge, Explanation of Project 3
October 14: Work time 1 for Project 3
Week 9
October 19: group 2 gives 5-minute presentations on an artist. Remaining time to work on
Project 3
October 21: work time 2 for project 3
Week 10
October 26: work time 3 for project 3, vocabulary 11 quiz
October 28: work time 4 for project 3
Week 11
November 2: Project 3 Due, Critique, Assign reading: Chapter 12.
November 4: Explanation of project 4. Demo day of materials and methods
Don’t miss this class!
Week 12
November 9: Work time 1 project 4
November 11: NO CLASS Veterans Day
Week 13
November 16: work time 2 project 4. Vocabulary quiz chapter 12
November 18: Explanation of project 5 and last work time 3, project 4.
Week 14
November 23: crit project 4
November 25: Work time 1 project 5
Week 15
November 30: Work time 2 project 5
December 2: Work time 3 project 5
Week 16
December 7: Last formal class work day 4 project 5
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December 14: Exam day class is at 8:00-10:00 pm Project 5 Final critique and party!
Student Code of Conduct
Students are expected to be good citizens and to engage in responsible behaviors that reflect
well upon their university, to be civil to one another and to others in the campus community, and
contribute positively to student and university life. For more information or questions you might
have please refer to the student code of conduct at the CSUN website for details on appropriate
student classroom behavior.
http://www.csun.edu/studentaffairs/pdfs/standards_student_conduct.pdf.