Art 1306: 3D Design
Monday / Wednesday – Spring 2012
Instructor:Frederick J. Miller
Room Number:291 – Fine Arts Building
Office: ______
Email:
Office Hours:Monday / Wednesday: 2 – 2:50 pm
Text: Required:
Design Language – by Tim McCreight
Optional:
Understanding Three Dimensions, by Block
Shaping Space, by Zelanski
COURSE DESCRIPTION/OBJECTIVE
This course explores the construction methods and art ideologies inherent in the production of three-dimensional pieces of personal artwork. Working from what you have already learned in many of your other drawing and 2D courses, you will begin to construct “objects” that will be seen “in-the-round,” and not just “on-the-wall.” Various construction methods and materials will be addressed in this course, such as the use of paper, wood, metal, plaster and even items hidden in your every day lives (a.k.a. found objects).
Upon completion of this course you will be able to understand AND harness the following concepts in your own personal art making:
- Basic to Intermediate three-dimensional elements and principals
- How to safely use and identify various hand tools, hardware and machinery for the fabrication of wood objects, plaster forms and various types of foam-core products
- Adequately convey an understanding of visual organization and inherent design in the objects which you choose to create
- Conceive, design and fabricate 3D art forms, beginning with a prescribed conceptual guideline and finishing with an aesthetically pleasing art-form (within material limitations)
- Recognize differences between various major art movements and their leading artists
- Rationally analyze, intellectually critique and positively discuss the design attributes of your work and the work of your fellow students
- Identify the various design relationships between fine art objects and more craft-oriented objects, such as furniture, jewelry, product-design and even architecture
ATTENDANCE/DROPS
Attendance to all lectures, lab days and critiques is required. Absences are only excused for participation in University-sanctioned events, significant and verifiable issues, or the observance of religious holidays. In the case of extended illness or injury, the doctor’s notes will give justification for a possible grade of “Incomplete.” More than four unexcused absences will lower your final grade 10%.
Report medical related absences to the Art Office (817) 273-2891. 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, nor by 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.
Most lectures, demonstrations, critiques and assignments will occur at the beginning of class periods and may not be repeated. If you are late to class, notify the instructor to ensure a tardy is counted instead of an absence. Seek permission from the instructor before leaving class early for any reason. Permission will not be granted for leaving early or arriving late on a regular basis.
Drop Policy: Refer to university catalog for the official drop policy
EVALUATION/GRADING
Grading will be based on several aspects of your involvement and performance in this course. There is no class curve; grades are earned on an individual basis. Regular attendance, class participation, and completion of your assignments and assigned studio chores in a timely and satisfactory manner are mandatory in order to obtain a passing grade. Your grade will be adversely affected by lack of class participation, habitual tardiness, leaving class early, neglecting studio cleanup or maintenance procedures, lack of preparedness for daily demonstrations, or disregard for facility rules.
The solutions to class assignments will be evaluated in these areas and will change slightly for each individual assignment:
30%Visual Appeal of completed object
- evidence of organization – balance, contrast, energy, etc.
- evidence of adequate workmanship
- appropriate use of materials and tools
30%Attendance/Critique participation/Shop Clean-Up
20% Concept/Intellectually executing the problem assigned
20%Execution/Completion by due date
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 than it being 100% complete. I have no problem with you “re-doing” or “enhancing” a completed project to make it more successful.
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 B’s and A’s for those students who go “above and beyond” what I ask of them in class.
SAFETY
You are NOT allowed to use ANY equipment in the classroom without prior knowledge of each machine/object and how each is to be properly used. Therefore, we will be learning the proper use, maintenance and safety for each machine in class during various class demonstrations. Please be in class on time and prepared to stay for demonstrations. If you are not present, you will not be checked off and will not be allowed to use certain equipment. You CANNOT wear shorts in this course – long pants only and CLOSE-TOED shoes only. No sandals, flip-flops, etc. It is against UTA policy in all of its studio facilities to wear any shoes that expose your toes and feet – if you come in wearing non-safe footwear – you will be going home from class and will lose points for that day. PLEASE BE SAFE.
MATERIALS
You will be required to purchase many supplies and materials for this class. Purchase details will be covered in class. Each assignment will have specific material requirements, which will be listed specifically on each assignment sheet. You will be given adequate time to purchase items needed for your various class projects, but if you require a full list, simply ask and I will provide one for you. 99% of what we will be using in this course will be purchased from Hobby Lobby, Asel Art, Home Depot and/or Lowe’s. You should never be WITHOUT materials. It only delays your work time in class – please come prepared.
Class Materials list: (* denotes immediate need)
- Sketchbook (8X10 ish) (need not be new or reserved just for this class) *
- Utility knife and extra blades *
- Xacto knife and extra blades *
- Adhesives: Elmer’s white or wood glue, epoxy
- Balsa wood strips and dowels *
- Dress pins *
- 5 chip brushes (inexpensive, disposable, 1 inch wide)
- Silicone mold compound (very specific, I will provide info – will be around $30 - $35)
- Tool box (optional) *
- One set of clay tools
DISABILITIES
Americans With Disabilities Act:
The University of Texas at Arlington is 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 Also, you may visit the Office for Students with Disabilities in room 102 of University Hall or call them at (817) 272-3364.
Academic Integrity:
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. "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 Available:
University of Texas at Arlington supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect with the University and achieve academic success. These programs 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.
E-Culture Policy:
The University of Texas at Arlington has adopted the University email address as an official means of communication with students. Through the use of email, UT-Arlington is able to provide students with relevant and timely information, designed to facilitate student success, including information concerning registration, financial aid, payment of bills, and graduation. All students are assigned an email account and information about activating and using it is available at There is no additional charge to students for using this account, and it remains active as long as a student is enrolled at UT-Arlington. Students are responsible for checking their email regularly.
Grade Grievance Policy:
I want you to succeed in this course. I will do whatever I can to help you learn the material, gain the skills, and understand the assignments. The instructor asks that if you any questions or concerns regarding course content to address the issue with them first. If an understanding cannot be reached between the professor and student it can then be brought to the attention of the administration through the university grievance procedure. See the university policy in the catalogue.
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.
3D Design - Detailed Content Calendar – Spring 2012 M/W:
January:
W 18Introduction to class and Project 1: Hollow Construction of a “solid” form
M 23Sketches due, begin project one
W 25Work Day
M 30Work day
February:
W 1Work day
M 6Critique, project one - Introduction to Project Two: Constructivist Self-Portrait
W 8Sketches due, begin project two – slide show
M 13Work day
W 15Work day
M 20Work day
W 22Critique, project two - Introduction to Project Three: Reliquary/Personal Narrative
M 27Sketches due, begin project three – slide show
W 29Work day
March:
M 5Work day
W 7Work Day
12 – 16Spring Break
M 19Critique, project three - Introduction to Project Four: Multiples
W 21Sketches due – class examples – mold making demo
M 26Work Day – plaster pouring demo
W 28Work Day
April:
M 2Work Day – practice installation of cast tiles
W 4Work Day
M 9Work Day
W 11Work Day
M 16Critique, project 4 – Introduction to Final Project: Conceptual, Site-specific Model
W 18Work Day – Public Art explanation, outdoor sculpture slide show
M 23Work day – rendering/layout demonstration
W 25Work day – Computer demonstration
M 30Work day – Mid-project review
May:
W 2Work day – finishing touches
M 7Final Critique / Presentation