SPRING 2015
Sculpture Foundation: 3-D Design
Tues Fri 9:00am-10:50am
Tory Fair 6-2676
office hours: Tuesdays and Fridays 11 to 12
This is an introduction to the language and process of making sculpture. No previous experience is necessary because we are all sculptors from a very early age, and therefore you are all experienced and ready to make!
I like that feeling when you’re making art, that you’re taking the energy out of your body and putting it into a physical object. I like things that are labor-intensive : you make a little thing and another little thing and another little thing, and eventually you see a possibility.
Kiki Smith
In the studio we will examine what it is to be an artist by articulating sculpture with different materials and processes; wire, wood, plaster, metal, and found materials from the environment. All these materials have different qualities that we will attempt to transform into a specific, personal language.
Students are expected to be ready to work in a studio atmosphere and take on visual and conceptual challenges. This is a hands on laboratory where we continually experiment and welcome new approaches to making and thinking about art.
Requirements:
-Performance in class and being prepared to work for the full two hour studio time twice a week.
-After three unexcused absences, your grade will be affected. Please try and be on time.
-Completion of projects that will require several hours outside of class time (4-6 hours).
-Willingness to take risks and participate in class discussions and field trips if required.
In the Studio and Shops:
Jon Koppel is the Shop Technician. He is available on Thursday afternoons for shop demonstrations and questions. Please contact him directly at to make an appointment.
You may work in the studio at any time there is not another class being held. **For welding, table saw, and advanced tools, you must receive clearance from myself or Jon directly, on an individual basis** Please use the buddy system when working. You are responsible for keeping the studio and shops clean. Put your work on the shelves allocated to this class when you are finished for the day. Clean any mess you have made. Always follow shop safety rules. Do not use tools you have not received instruction on. Be aware of the people around you. Do not use toxic materials in the shop.
Grades:
Grades are based on the above requirements. No experience is necessary! Each project will be graded individually. Also considered are the ongoing qualities you bring to the
studio such as: effort, ambition, willingness to experiment with materials and learn techniques, completion of projects on time, participation in group discussions. You are expected to work outside of class time during monitored shop hours.
Wire and Paper Project20%
Material Transformation Project20%
Opposition Project20%
Found Object Project25%
Attendance, Participation,
Ambition, Being Prepared15%
If you are a student with a documented disability on record at Brandeis University and wish to have a reasonable accommodation made for you in this class, please see me immediately.
Academic Integrity:
You are expected to be familiar with and to follow the University’s policies on academic integrity (see Faculty may refer any suspected instances of alleged dishonesty to the Office of Student Development and Conduct. Instances of academic dishonesty may result in sanctions including but not limited to, failing grades being issues, educational programs, and other consequences.
CALENDER subject to change
** You are required to attend one artist lecture on campus at the Rose Art Museum or one that is sponsored by the Fine Arts Department. Several will be posted and announced in class. After you attend, e-mail me a short response paragraph via e-mail. Include what you liked or didn’t like about the talk, and how it might relate to your own experience in the studio.
January
Fri15Introduction to shops and schedule
Tues19First sculpture: Standing Mobile
Using wire and paper (and/or fabric), make a structure that stands on three legs, reaches at least 24 inches tall, and includes a kinetic element.
DISCUSSION AND VIDEO: Calder and Guo-Qiang
Eva Hesse, Louise Bourgeous, Martin Puryear
Friday 22work in class
Tues 26work in class
Fri 29work in class
February
Tue 2FIRST SCULPTURE DUE! In class critique.
Fri 5Second sculpture: Material Transformation
Make a sculpture that is inspired by an action. Attention given to Richard Serra’sverb list.
Shop talk: Wood
DISCUSSION AND VIDEO: Andy Goldsworthy
Tues 9work in class
Fri 12work in class
FEBRUARY BREAK
Tues23work in class
Fri26work in class
March
Tues 1work in class
Fri 4SECOND PROJECT DUE! In class critique.
Tues 8Third Sculpture: Opposition Project
Make a sculpture that has two components that are the opposite of each other. You must use two different materials and the two parts must be connected.
DISCUSSION AND VIDEO: Phoebe Washburn, Rachel Harrison, XuBing,Alison Saar
Fri 11Shop Talk: plaster, wood, wire and paper
Tues 15work in class
Fri 18work in class
Tues 22work in class
Fri 29THIRD PROJECT DUE! In class critique.
April
Fri 1 Fourth Sculpture: Found Object
Make a sculpture from a found object that you provide. Start by taking this object apart into its’ basic elements. Make a sculpture from these parts, add parts, reassemble it all, and find your own visual intention in the process.
Tom Friedman
Tara Donovan
Bill Woodrow
Tony Cragg
Soft Sculpture from found fabrics (Louise Bourgeouis)
Louise Nevelson
Tim Hawkinson (scroll and look for the eggshell pieces!)
Tues 5work in class
Fri 8work in class
Fri 15work in class
Tues19work in class
Thur 21Final Project Due