ART 141: BEGINNING 3-D DESIGN, # 10020
CSUN, Spring 2016
TTH 2:00 - 4:45 pm
AC511
Rebecca Ripple
E-mail: Rebecca.G.Ripple@csun.edu
Office Hours: TTH 4:45 - 5:15pm AC 511 (please email me for an appointment)
The intent of this course is to expose you to ideas and constructs informing three-dimensional design
and aims to help you translate your ideas into physical form. The topics and problems explored
relate to sculpture, architecture, interior design, product design, animation, and visual
communication.
Over the course of the semester we will explore elements and principles of 3D design including line,
plane, form, scale, rhythm, balance, and proportion. Emphasis will be placed on form in space,
composition, and art concepts. Slide lectures will be presented focusing on various art and design
concepts, as well as, prominent artists and designers of historical and contemporary time periods
relevant to the current assignment. This class is structured around studio projects that require
problem solving through direct experimentation and research. Although some of the work will be
done during the class period, you will also be expected to work outside of class.
Demonstrations of different materials, techniques, and processes will be presented usually preceding
an assignment. Assignments involve construction and techniques in paper, wire, wood, found
objects, and various other materials.
As you work on different projects you will acquire manual dexterity with basic tools and art making
techniques. These basic skills will help you in problem solving and to realize your ideas.
Homework consisting of collecting images, materials, etc., researching works by artists/ designers
related to your projects, reading, and investigating frequently used terms relevant to the concerns of
3D design will be periodically assigned. You are expected to keep abreast of the assignments and
outside class work without prompting. Since homework, slide lectures, and the introduction to new
assignments are often discussed at the beginning of class you need to be on time. Your attendance
is mandatory.
Group critiques will be conducted during class usually after the completion of an assignment.
Critiques are a way for you to develop a vocabulary for talking about ideas, perceptions, and
constructs of 3D design presented in your work and the work around you. Come prepared to ask
questions and give insights into the work. I encourage you at any time to talk to fellow students and
myself about your ideas and concerns.
Launching the Imagination by Mary Stewart is the reference text for this course. It is optional to
purchase it. It can be found at the campus bookstore or online. Used and rental copies are available
online. Be sure to get the version that includes 3D: ISBN 978-0-07-337924-1. The library has
reference copies.
GRADES are determined by:
Attendance
[3 late arrivals or early departures = 1 absence,
3 absences will result in a reduction of a letter grade]
5 absences = F
Projects
55%
[Have you demonstrated a solid grasp of problem content? Is the work inventive
conceptually?
Is there substantial engagement with ideas? Is the work visually compelling?
Is it fully engaged? unified? balanced? well crafted?]
(Grading scale: A thru F)
Homework
Class
Participation
A = project shows conceptual, technical, and aesthetic excellence.
B = project is creatively resolved through ingenuity and well crafted.
C = project minimally fulfills the criteria of assignments.
20%
[i.e. reading, defining terms, collecting images or information, idea sketches,
being prepared with materials]
25%
[Did you use class time effectively and come well prepared?
Did you explore many resolutions for each problem? Did you take risks?
How frequent and substantial were your contributions to critiques?]
Keep a sketchbook and bring it to class with you. In addition to sketches of your ideas compile within
it notes from slide lectures, assignments, demonstrations, and critiques. Your sketchbook can be a
place for collecting any visual or textural data that interests you (newspaper or magazine images,
scraps of fabric, fragments found on the street, or excerpts from text, etc.) Allow the accumulated
data to inform you about what attracts and interests you.
BRING TO EVERY CLASS: pencil, eraser, utility knife, scissors, masking tape (1 or 3/4in.),
steel ruler (18in. or larger), sketchbook (any size), needle nose pliers (Home depot has one for under
$5, Harbor Freight @ $3) –Due on Feb 4
Materials can be found at:
OSH (for pliers)
Michael’s Art Supplies
Continental Art Supplies
Home Depot
Joann’s Fabrics
Swain’s
Blick
Pearl Art Supplies Inc.
Kit Kraft
Harbor Freight Tools
18060 Chatsworth Street
18030 Chatsworth
7041 Reseda Boulevard
16800 Roscoe Blvd @ Balboa
19819 Rinaldi St @ Corbin St
537 N Glendale Ave, Glendale
44 Raymond Ave, Pasadena
7301 W. Beverly Blvd, LA
11660 Santa Monica Blvd, LA
1250 S. La Cienega Blvd, LA
12109 Ventura Place, Studio City
22912 Victory Blvd, Woodland Hills
818. 363.7557
818. 831.1889
818-345-1044
818.780.5448
818.832.6045
818-243-3129
626. 795. 4985
310. 854. 4900
818. 509. 9739
818. 888. 4011
Lockers are available in the classroom. Tape your name, my name, and S’16 on the locker. Get a
lock as soon as possible. Limited lockers make it necessary to share with someone in the class. You
must both have a key or the combination to the locker.
You are expected to be courteous to your fellow students. We are working in close quarters and it
can be stressful. Think about what you say and how you choose to say it. Consider whether the topic
or form of verbal expression may be offensive to others. Any disruptive behavior will be reported the
Department Chair for appropriate action to be taken. No cell phones in class. Turn them off during
class or on vibrator for emergencies.
Note: this is a rough outline of the semester. Detailed explanation of assignments will be distributed preceding
each assignment. Dates may be changed due to class progression.
Jan 26
May 19
Introduction
Thursday 3pm-5pm: Last day to hand in work