Approved by Faculty Senate April 13, 2009
Intro to Sculpture (Art 128)
Prof. Chuck Aydlett
CREDITS:3 FREQUENCY OF OFFERING: Every fall PREREQUISITES: None
GRADING TYPE: P/NC option non-majors
APPLICATION:
Non-Art majors
Fulfills University Studies Fine and Performing Arts, by
addressing the outcomes stated below
Students in this class will
a.
explore the language, skills, and materials of an artistic discipline;
Basic sculptural techniques and principles will be addressed, including materials (wood,
plaster, metal, etc.) and methods (carving, casting, assemblage, etc.). Students will
learn language and terminology as well as a basic history of sculpture, its meanings and
places in societies.
b.
use the methods of an arts practitioner to actively engage in creative processes
or interpretive performances;
Students will use the tools and techniques of sculpture as well as the elements of mass,
shape, texture, etc., the principles of balance, rhythm, etc., listed below, to create
original works that respond to given assignments. They will also be nurtured as to
curiosity, self-motivation, and questioning of accepted solutions that are used by both
successful students and professional practitioners.
c.
understand the cultural and gender contexts of artistic expression; and
Through film and slide presentations, reading assignments, and certain studio
assignments, students will encounter the work of artists of diverse backgrounds, and will
explore how these conditions effect meaning-construction and meaning-receptions. 20th
century interest in non-western techniques of assemblage, as well as feminist critiques
of “macho” sculpture are of particular interest in this area.
d.
engage in reflective analysis of their own art work or interpretive performance
and respond to the works of others.
The in-class critique is a standard and invaluable tool of the studio art course. Here
students will disassociate their personalities from their works in order to evaluate its
success at understanding of an application of the design principles listed below.
Likewise they will learn to effectively critique their classmates’ work as well. The
language and terminology they gain will make their critiques more effective.
COURSE SYLLABUS
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to basic sculpture techniques. No prerequisite. P/NC Option nonmajors.
MAJOR FOCUS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE
Students are introduced to several sculptural materials (selected from clay, plaster, wood,
or cold metal) and techniques (selected from modeling, mold-making, casting,
fabricating, carving and assemblage). The course develops students’ perceptual, creative,
technical, and problem-solving skills in a sculptural context. Elements and principles of
design are identified and employed. Aesthetic judgment and good studio practice are
cultivated.
Students will:
1.
Learn selected basic world histories of sculpture and become aware of some
contemporary sculptural ideas
2.
Learn some basic concepts of sculpture
3.
Explore a range of basic studio creative processes.
4.
Learn the technical application of a variety of tools, equipment and materials
5.
Develop perceptual skills through analyzing and identifying visual
components
6.
Work with visual elements and principles through demonstration and oral
communication
7.
Develop understanding of the relationship between form and content in
sculpture
COURSE OUTLINE:
The knowledge base for this course outline is described in the section following the
outline items.
A.
B.
C.
Introduction and Course Overview
1. Purpose, scope and sequence, competencies and expectancies
2. Discussion of perception and observation
3. Historical and contemporary materials, techniques, styles, and
functions
4. Examples and illustrations (artworks)
Tools and Materials
1. Hand tools, power tools and equipment
2. Temporary materials and permanent materials
3. Techniques
Creative Processes
1. Nature and abstraction
D.
E.
F.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Imitation and expression
Function
Problem-solving
Pre-conceived outcomes
Influence of process and material
Artist as craftsman and artisan
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Mass, shape and form
Space (including negative space)
Planes and surfaces
Line and silhouette
Texture
Light
Color
Gravity
Time
Elements
Principles
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Proportion
Balance
Movement
Rhythm and repetition
Emphasis and dominance
Function
Variety
Size and scale
Criticism and Analysis
1. Individual and group activities
2. Verbal and written analysis
3. Relationship and form and content
BASIC INSTRUCTIONAL PLAN AND METHODS UTILIZED:
Introductory instruction is through lecture, slide lecture, demonstration, assigned reading,
and assigned visual study (gallery or museum viewing). Primary mode of instruction is
through studio practice – manipulation of tools and materials, to provide sculptural
solutions to problems. Peer consultation, individual critique, group critique, sketches,
journal writing, and response papers enable students to assess and evaluate their work.
A series of projects are assigned which are completed during class and outside of class.
Class critiques of finished work are an integral part of each project. A range of media will
be used.
Projects address the elements and principles of three-dimensional design as outlined
above. Consideration is also given to concept, craftsmanship, originality and expression.
This is essentially a problem-solving class- there are many possible solutions to any
given problem. Another major objective of the class is that the participants learn the
vocabulary of sculpture and employ that vocabulary during class critiques.
We are a community of learners in this class. Co-operation and exchange of ideas among
us all is encouraged. The completion of many projects is enhanced through co-operation.
Studio safety is emphasized. Learn to use tools properly. Keep your work area clean and
organized and be aware of what others are doing around you. Become familiar with
equipment before using it. After working, replace all tools, clean your area, and store
your projects on shelves in 109.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
A.
Completion of all assigned projects
B.
Participation in group and individual critiques
C.
Sketches and journal writing
D.
Consistent class attendance
METHODS OF EVALUATION:
A. PROJECTS: Satisfactory completion of projects and their requirements in time
for class critiques.
B. Originality, appropriate craftsmanship, content, and dynamic visual impact of
solutions.
C. PARTICIPATION IN CRITIQUES Quality and quantity of participation in
individual and group critiques.
D. Performance in sketchbook/journal, response papers, and oral reports.
SKETCHBOOKS/JOURNAL are reviewed at midterm and final times, and
throughout the semester. Use your sketchbook to record information from
exhibitions, slides, lectures in class, oral reports, 3-D forms you see around you,
your projects, and other students’ projects. Journalize after each class on what
you experienced and/or learned. Use your journal to outline reading assignments.
E. CONSISTENT CLASS ATTENDANCE Attendance to each entire class is
essential to understand projects, see demonstrations, view slides, take advantage
of work time, participate in class discussions, and get help with your projects.
Expect to work outside of class as well. Bring written proof of legitimate absence
(i.e. note from your doctor or the campus health service). More than two (2)
unexcused absences may result in a lowered grade. You are responsible for
learning the information presented in class from other students or from the
instructor during office hours.
F. OBSERVANCE OF SAFETY AND CLEAN-UP PRACTICES Be sure you know
how to use tools properly and use the appropriate safety equipment. Allow time
for returning tools, cleaning up debris, and storing work in progress.
TOOLS AND MATERIAL
Sketchbook/journal – loose-leaf 8 ½” x 11” binder that includes both lined and unlined
paper
Appropriate clothing and shoes
Lock for locker
Hardware, etc. as needed
Optional:
Clay tools: may be purchased
Personal dust mask
Apron or smock
OFFICE HOURS: Monday and Wednesday 30 minutes before and after class and by
appointment
EMAIL and Phone caydlett@winona.edu PH 457-2990
STUDIO HOURS The building and 109 and 212 studios are open to students taking
classes in sculpture and ceramics:
Mon-Thursday
7:30 am – 9:00 pm
Fri
7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sat
10:00 am- 4:00pm
Sun
12:00 noon- 4:00pm
If you are in the building when it is locked by Security, you may stay as long as you like.
However, you cannot leave and the re-enter. The building is closed over breaks and
holidays.
LOCKERS Use tape to label a locker downstairs with your name and the semester (Fall
08) You may also label a small locker under the work tables in 109, or you may sign up
for a 2nd floor locker (in the Art Office, WA 204) Store your backpack, coat or jacket,
tools, materials, special clothing, and small work in progress there.
GENERAL STUDIO GUIDELINES During class and outside of class, replace all tools
and materials after using them, and sweep up your debris. Store works-in-progress in the
kiln rooms and on the shelving across from the glaze-mixing area. After critiques, some
pieces may be displayed or photographed by the instructor. Unless otherwise instructed,
following a final critique (but before the end of the semester) remove your work by
taking it home, recycling it in an appropriate manner, or breaking it down into compact
components and discarding it in the dumpster. You are responsible for the timely
removal of all your work in this manner. No finished pieces can be stored in the studios
after critiques.