Art 3340: Kiln Formed Glass (M/W: 11am-1:50pm)- Spring 2010
Instructor: Shannon Brunskill
Office Hours: Tue 11am to 12pm by appointment Please
214 549 7810
Required Texts:
Contemporary Warm Glass
Brad Walker
Four Corners International, Inc.
Clemmons, North Carolina, USA
WWW.warmglass.com
Bullseye Tech Book
Recommended:
Pate De Verre and Kiln Casting of Glass
Jim Kervin and Dan Fenton
Glass Wear Studios
Livermore, CA, USA
Course Description/Objective
This course explores glass as a traditional and contemporary art form. Throughout the semester, we will use various glass forming techniques to give you a thorough comprehension of glass and how this artistic medium functions in today’s art context. Fusing, Slumping and kiln casting are just a few of the many techniques addressed in this course. Instruction level is appropriate for the student who has had no prior experience working with hot glass forming techniques.
The course will include various art-related demonstrations as well as weekly and readings and discussions, which will allow for a thorough understanding of the complexity of working in glass. With guidance from the instructor, students will learn to create basic flat-glass forms and progress to more complex, three-dimensional combinations of technique, creativity and skill. Course assignments will be given on a regular basis throughout the semester. Students will be required to complete all the assignments on time and attend each and every critique.
You will be encouraged to incorporate all technical demonstrations into your own creative work. All demonstrations will be given only once. It is required that you attend class regularly so that you do not miss various informative handouts and hands-on equipment use. By the end of the semester, students will be able to completely create a variety of glass forms, in which personal concept and well conceived design allow for individual student exploration into personal artistic expression using glass as a primary art medium.
Attendance/Drops
You are required to attend class regularly. Missing class time will negatively impact your grade. Three un-excused absences will lower your grade by one letter. Partial class attendance will also impact your grade. During each class attendance will be taken twice, once at the beginning of class and once in the middle or end of class. If at either time you are absent, you will be counted as partial attendance for that class period. Each class that is partially attended will result in a one-point loss from your final grade. You will be responsible for obtaining any material covered during your absence from a classmate. The instructor will not repeat assignments, technical demonstrations, video presentations, discussions or lectures. It is your responsibility to make certain that you are in attendance. You must have all of your required materials by the end of the second week of classes. Failure to attend class with the required materials will result in a mark of absent for the day (regardless if you are physically present or not). Report medical related absences to the Art Office (817) 272-2891. Medically based absences do not excuse you from doing the required course work. With proper documentation, a medical based absence may allow an extension of a project due date. The responsibility for initiating a “drop” from this course is yours. This is not done automatically by the instructor or the departmental office. You may drop through the Art Department Office, room 335. If you are not an art major, please go to the office of your major- they can handle your drop from this course.
Please be advised that add/drop rules have changed at UTA. You may withdraw with a “W” until the two-thirds point of the current semester. If you entered UTA Fall 2006, you are only allowed a total of 15 hours worth of “W”s. Also, you are only allowed to replace grades three times. Two (2) –1000/2000 level courses and One (1) 3000/4000 level course.
Evaluation/Grading
Grading will be based on several aspects of your involvement and performance in this course. Grades will be based on a combination of completion of assigned problems as well as classroom participation. The assigned problems will total 60 % of the student’s grade, 15% will be based on weekly quizzes and the remaining 25% is classroom participation. Classroom participation will include but is not limited to; active critique participation, respecting facility policies including those pertaining to cleanliness (tables must be cleared and wiped after each use) and participation in weekly classroom discussions. The solutions to class assignments will be evaluated in these areas
20% Creativity in interpretation of the problem
20% Concept
20% Adequately executing the problem assigned
20% Craftsmanship/Execution/Completion
20% Artist Statement
I reserve the right to schedule pop quizzes/tests if I feel the content of the course is not being reflected in the students’ visual and verbal expressions. I will not accept any late work for any reason. Not turning in work on time, prepared, and complete will result in a 0 % for that assignment.
Students should be aware that completion of classroom assignments will require an additional 3 to 6 hours of studio time beyond scheduled class periods, and there is a mandatory 2 evenings of classroom clean up each semester.
Evaluation of problems and their solutions will take place during scheduled critiques. I expect all work to be submitted on time, and critique attendance is required. Late work will not be accepted in this course. Turning a project in on time is more important that it being 100% complete. I have no problem with you “re-doing” or “enhancing” a completed project to make it more successful, and will average the resubmitted grade with the original grade.
For the written components of this class, I recommend each student use the UTA writing center. The writing center is located on the 4th floor of the library; their phone number is 817 272-2601. At the writing center there are tutors available to assist you with any writing assignment. Tutors are available on a first come first serve basis, or by appointment for 30 minute sessions.
I encourage private discussion concerning your progress in the class, or how your work is evaluated. I would prefer these discussions take place during my office hours, however, if time permits, directly before or after class meetings will be appropriate. Remember: simply completing the assigned work does not assure you of an excellent grade in this course. At UTA a C is an average grade. I reserve A grades and for those students who go “above and beyond” what I ask of them in class.
Safety
The glass studios can be hazardous environments to you and others. Safety procedures will be covered in class. You are required to strictly adhere to all safety rules and recommendations. Failure to comply with studio safety procedures will result in loss of access to the facility. In the absence of the instructor, directions given by the Art Department Technician, Graduate Students or Studio Assistant must be followed without question.
Safety glasses and close-toed shoes must be worn at all times
**** In cases of a medical or other emergency use the red telephone in the cold shop for assistance. This phone is a direct line to campus police ***
Materials
In addition to the items on the supply list, you will need to purchase your glass supplies from Jeanne Barret a local Bullseye Glass Distributer and UTA Student. You can e-mail her at: Her phone number is 972 554 4445. She offers free delivery to the studio.
Additionally each student will need to bring the following supplies for community use:
2 rolls paper towels
Denatured Alcohol-1 qt
2 Glue Sticks ¾” diameter
1 Roll Blue Painters Tape
1 pair safety Glasses
Facility
Using the hot and cold glass shops is a privilege. There are specific guidelines for the proper use and care of the machines and supplies. Students are expected to strictly follow these guidelines without exception. Failure to comply with these guidelines could result in being prohibited from using the facility.
Your understanding the operation and maintenance of the facility is part of this class. You will be required to actively participate in the cleaning and maintenance of the shops and assist in the occasional repair of equipment. There may be times during the course of the semester that equipment must be shut down for repair. This is the nature of this medium, and to be expected. Every effort will be made to keep this to an absolute minimum.
Disabilities
The University of Texas at Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 92-112 - The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. With the passage of federal legislation entitled Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this population with the same opportunities enjoyed by all citizens.
As a faculty member, I am required by law to provide "reasonable accommodations" to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. Student responsibility primarily rests with informing faculty of their need for accommodation and in providing authorized documentation through designated administrative channels. Information regarding specific diagnostic criteria and policies for obtaining academic accommodations can be found at www.uta.edu/disability. Also, you may visit the Office for Students with Disabilities in room 102 of University Hall or call them at (817) 272-3364.
Academic Dishonesty
It is the philosophy of The University of Texas at Arlington that academic dishonesty is a completely unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline may include suspension or expulsion from the University.
"Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts." (Regents’ Rules and Regulations, Series 50101, Section 2.2)
Student Support Services
The university supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect with the University and achieve academic success. They include learning assistance, developmental education, advising and mentoring, admission and transition, and federally funded programs. Students requiring assistance academically, personally, or socially should contact the office of Student Success Programs at (817) 272-6107 for more information and appropriate referrals.
Bomb Threats
If anyone is tempted to call in a bomb threat, be aware that UTA will attempt to trace the phone call and prosecute all responsible parties. Every effort will be made to avoid cancellation of presentations/tests caused by bomb threats. Unannounced alternate sites will be available for these classes. Your instructor will make you aware of alternate class sites in the event that your classroom is not available.
Schedule of Classes
Week 1 8/30 to 9/3
Weekly Reading: Warm Glass Chapters
20-Health and Safety
01-Introduction
18-p 123-125 sections on glass enamels, brush application, and application by sifting.
Bullseye Techbook: Look under tech notes and read “improve your glass cutting”
Please look at Catherine Newel’s work at the Bullseye glass online gallery.
Write one paragraph defining your personal definition of art, without using the word art in the definition. Bring a typed printed copy to class on Monday
Week 2: 9/6 – 9/10
Weekly Reading Warm Glass:
02-Glass Types and Forms
03-the basic fusing and slumping Process
09-The fused and slumped Bowl Project
Please write a paragraph that defines what you believe “Installation Art” is. Bring a typed printed copy to class on Monday
Week 3 9/13- 9/17 **** 2/1/2010 Last day to file for Undergraduate Graduation****
Weekly Reading Warm Glass:
04-Supplies and Equipment
05- Preparing the kiln for firing
-Bullseye Tech Book Look under tech notes and read “volume and Bubble Control”.
Please write one paragraph that discusses Mel George’s concept of the snapshot, or photo. Bring a typed printed copy to class on Monday
Week 4 9/20-9/24 9/22 Pre-crit of ideas
Weekly Reading: Warm Glass
06- Keeping a Firing Log
Busllseye tech notes “heat and glass”
Bullseye technotes “using bullseye Shelf Primer.
Please Write a paragraph about the self portrait and name at least 2 examples of glass artists that explore them. Bring a typed printed copy to class on Monday
Week 5 9/27- 10/1
Weekly Reading: Warm Glass
10- Troubleshooting
16-More about annealing
Bullseye techbook, Tip sheet #3 “Working Deep stack firing for imbedded Imagery”
Please write a paragraph that discusses the difference, if any between Art and Craft. Bring a typed printed copy to class on Monday
Week 6 10/11-10/15 10/14 is the last day to fire pieces before critique. This week you should be working on your Artist Statements.
Week 10/18-10/22 Monday and Wednesday will both be Critique Days.
Please write a paragraph that discusses the concepts behind Sylvia Levensen and Mona Hatoum’s work. Bring a typed printed copy to class on Monday
Week 8 10/25-10/29
Please comment Kiki Smith (constellation) and Robert Rauchenberg’s use of glass in their work. Bring a typed printed copy to class on Monday
Week 10 11/1-11/5 ****11/5/2010 Last day to Drop Classes 11/3 Pre Crit of Ideas
Write a paragraph discussing your opinion of artists that have other people make their work? Print a copy and bring it to class on Monday
Week 11 11/8-11/12/2010
Discuss the difference between glass artists and artists who work in Glass. Print a copy and bring it to class on Monday
Week 12 11/15-11/19/2010
Write a paragraph that states your opinion on the question “are all galleries created equal?” Print a copy and bring it to class on Monday
Week 13 11/22-11/26/2010 ***** Wednesday there will be no class.
Week 14 11/29-12/3/2010
This week you should be writing your artist statement for your final projects.
Week 15 12/6-12/10 Final Critique is Wednesday12/10 This is also the last day to work in the Studio.
Thursday 12/11/2010: Cleaning Day