Department: Art and Design
Course Number and Title: ART 1010, Craft as Visual Art
Bulletin Description:
An introduction to basic craft skills using paper, cloth, fibers, and clay, or other materials at the discretion of the
instructor. Projects may include simple printmaking and book construction, puppet making, 3-D work using a
range of materials, weaving, sewing, mosaic, fiber techniques, jewelry design, embossing, and various
approaches to clay.
Prerequisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
None
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Program Goals and Outcomes (applicable to course as indicated on curriculum map)
This Art Elective for non-majors applies to the most of the program goals and outcomes of all 4 BFA
majors in that such an elective encompasses the reinforcement of knowledge of art history, discipline
specific visual skills as well as research and critical skills specified in each of the program goals. The
course, however, specifically applies to the following goals within the BFA in Fine Arts, which are used as
guidelines for this non-major course:
BFA in Fine Arts Goal #1: Mastery of visual and technical skills
Demonstrate proficiency in the use of a wide range of drawing, painting, and printmaking mediums in the
creation of skilled works.
BFA in Fine Arts Goal #2: Develop two and three-dimensional design skills and proficiency with
application of technology.
Demonstrate a proficiency in two and three-dimensional design skills and the application of technology
as an integral part of creative process.
BFA in Fine Arts Goal #4: Develop conceptual, research, and critical thinking skills.
Demonstrate ability to create personal, expressive works of art, execute long-term artistic projects or
thesis and write a statement of artistic intent.
Units of Instruction:
Four or five projects using basic craft materials will introduce students to the methods and procedures of
the crafts. Paper, paper-mache, cloth, fibers, clay and various found materials may be used at the
discretion of the instructor. Slide lectures showing excellent examples of historical and modern
craftsmanship should accompany demonstrations. Field trips to the Museum of American Craft, the
Museum of American Folk Art and the Center for Book Arts should be included. The application of craft
techniques to classroom use by prospective teachers should be emphasized. Typical projects might
include:
Suggested Method of Instruction:
- Frequent instructor demonstration of all techniques and processes.
- Frequent presentation and critique of student work throughout the semester.
- Frequent presentation and analysis of historical and contemporary craft objects.
I.
A book planned, written, illustrated and hand bound by students. Alternative simple book binding
methods should be covered. Text should be original and personal. Illustration method may be
linocut, stencil, collograph, monotype, Xerox collage and hand rubber stamp.
a) Bookmaking techniques such as Japanese binding and accordion folds.
II.
A puppet or a sculpture using papier-mâché, either from a clay mold or wire armature. Costumes for
this puppet are included. An original puppet show might be the culmination of this project. Large
scale wire sculptures, mobiles or other three dimensional forms are possible extensions of this unit.
III.
Basic weaving on a cardboard or hand constructed wooden loom introduces students to fibers and
their two and three-dimensional possibilities.
IV.
A wall hanging, banner or tapestry focuses students on the design possibilities of textiles. Applique,
sewing, trapunto, embroidery and other fabric methods are covered, giving students the opportunity
to plan a project on a large scale.
V.
3D or Clay forming techniques may be covered, including self- hardening and low temperature
baking clays which show students the range of possibilities available in contemporary clay-like
materials.
Other craft areas such as mosaic, embossing, paper-making, pin-hole cameras or simple printmaking
may be substituted at the discretion of the instructor.
Bibliography:
Atkins-Hood, Elizabeth. Mosaics: Innovative, Creative Ideas and Designs Using the Latest Techniques.
North Pomfret, Vt.: Trafalgar Square, 2011.
Auther, Elissa. String, Felt, Thread: The Hierarchy of Art and Craft in American Art. Minneapolis:
University of Minnesota Press, c2010.
Biggs, Emma and Tessa Hunkin. The Complete Book of Mosaics. Pleasantville: Reader’s Digest Books,
2005.
Chamberlain, Marcia and Crockett, Candace. Beyond Weaving. New York: Watson Guptil Pub., 1974.
Coleman, Benjamin John. Origami Ikebana: Create Lifelike Floral Sculptures from Paper. Tokyo: Tuttle
Publishing, 2014.
Davis, Virginia Irby. Crafts: A Basic Survey. Dubuque, Iowa: Wm. C. Brown Publishers, 1989.
Field, Anne. Learn to Weave with Anne Field: A Project-Based Approach to Learning Weaving. North
Pomfret, VT: Trafalgar Square Books, 2013.
Gollberg, Joanna. The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry: A Complete Guide to Essential Techniques. Lark
Books, 2006.
Grabowski, Beth & Fick, Bill. Printmaking: A Complete Guide to Materials & Processes. Upper Saddle
River, N.J.: Prentice Hall, c2009.
Heller, Jules. Papermaking. New York: Watson-Guptil, 1978.
Holmes, Val. Print with Collage and Stitch: Techniques for Mixed-media Printmaking.
Loveland: Interweave Press, 2012.
Knisely, Tom. Weaving Rag Rugs. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2014.
Kreisman Lawrence and Glenn Mason. The Arts and Crafts in the Pacific Northwest.
Press, 2007.
Portland: Timber
Montano, Mark. The Big-Ass Book of Crafts 2. New York: Gallery Books, 2011.
Peterson, Susan. Craft and Art of Clay. 4th edition. Prentice Hall, 2003.
Piroch, Sigrid Sample. The Magic of Handweaving: The Basics and Beyond. Iola, Wis.: Krause, c2004.
Richbourg, Kate Ferrant. Simple Soldering: A Beginner’s Guide to Jewelry Making. Loveland, CO:
Interweave, 2012.
Ross, Iain, ed., On Paper: New Paper Art. London: Merrell Publishers Ltd., 2001.
Silver, Lynette Ramsay. Papercraft: Paper-Making & Papier-Mache. Rozelle, NSW, Australia: Sally Milner
Pub., 1995.
McHugh, Gene. 500 Paper Objects: New Directions in Paper Art. Asheville: Lark Crafts, 2013.
Thomas, Peter, and Donna Thomas. Making Books by Hand. Quarry Books, 2004.
Todd, Pamela. The Arts & Crafts Companion. Bath, UK. Palazzo, 2008.
Urbanelli, Elsa, ed., Objects for Use: Handmade by Design. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 2001.
Wortmann – Weltge, Sigrid. Bauhaus Textiles: Women Artists and the Weaving Workshop. London:
Thames and Hudson, 1998.
Magazines:
School Arts
American Craft
Jewelry Crafts
Crafts and Things
APPENDIX I: NEW YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS
APPENDIX I: NEW YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS
New York State Education Department (NYSED) Requirement: NYSED requires that there be 15 hours of
instruction and 30 hours of supplementary assignments for each course credit.
Students are expected to complete 90 supplementary hours of research and class work per semester.
APPENDIX II: RATIONALE FOR A UNIVERSITY-WIDE CORE CURRICULUM
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