SCULPTURE SYLLABUS

The focus of Sculpture is to provide students a hands-on opportunity to explore and experience different 3-Dimensional media and techniques for mastery. Students will build on and refine their understanding and skills in utilizing the Elements and Principles of Design in their own art work and decision making processes. Artists, art historical periods and/or world cultures will be used to introduce units throughout the academic year.

INSTRUCTIONAL PHILOSOPHY: Students will find this class very challenging. Each student will be challenged to create original artwork utilizing a broad variety of techniques and media. As each project unfolds, students will use abstract and visual/spatial thinking skill to solve stated problems and explore individual creative approaches as they resolve each stated problem. Every student will have ample opportunities to enhance their visual skill. Art history and world culture will be introduced throughout the course and students will have opportunities to explore specific topics. Students will be required to bring all materials needed for class daily and to participate in class discussions and projects. In addition, students will need to hand in any outside of class assignments on time.

COURSE GOALS:

  1. Survey a broad variety of materials and techniques. (Process)
  2. Understand and utilize the Elements and Principles of Art (Aesthetics)
  3. Understand the relevance of art in historical context and view examples from history to further study creative thinking processes and creative media techniques and utilize them in their own work. (Art History)
  4. Explore in depth a variety of visual communication techniques. (Process)
  5. Have an advanced understanding of how to talk about art and apply a visual vocabulary. (Criticism)
  6. Prepare a broad base of understanding and creative and technical experiences to encourage further use of art skills and to take part in opportunities and challenges in the arts in the future. (Life Enrichment and career skills)

MAJOR COURSE PROJECTS:

Students will demonstrate mastery of the course through the completion of the following major projects. In addition, students are encouraged to explore a variety of materials and techniques for mastery, and to use a creative approach with a variety of subject matter. Students will study and demonstrate understanding of artists and artworks in art history and will learn their relevance to history and world culture through a variety of assignments. Major course projects will include but not be limited to:

Metalwork, wire

Plaster casting and mold making

Ceramics, Hand built and wheel throwing techniques

Sculpture in Paper

Wood

Final project on the human form

ASSESSMENT:

Projects will be graded based on a rubric of Criteria that assesses final work for demonstration of require skills and concepts. Criteria are explained in depth before the project and reviewed during the project for student mastery. Each project will be graded based on more than one criteria including technique (craftsmanship), design (composition and demonstration of the principles of design) and other skills as discussed in class.

Quizzes: There will be at least 2 quizzes each marking period. Additional tests will be given when appropriate.

Sketchbooks: Students are required to complete at least 5 drawings based on assigned subjects per marking period. Sketchbooks will usually be checked on Fridays. Each drawing will be worth up to 20 points. If a sketchbook is lost, it will be the student’s responsibility to replace it.

Projects grades: 60% of marking period grade

Quizzes and tests: 15% of marking period grade

Sketchbook: 25% of marking period grade

Mid-term exam 10% of final grade (will cover marking periods 1,2)

Final exam 10% of final grade (will cover the entire year)

Each marking period is worth 20% of final grade.

TEXTBOOKS UTILIZED FOR SCULPTURE:

Humor in Art: A Celebration of Visual Art: Nicholas Roukes

The History of Art: H.W. Janson

Art Synetics: Nicholas Roukes

Design Synetics: Nicholas Roukes

Materials and Methods of Sculpture: Jack C. Rich

Sculpture: Principles and Practice: Louis Slobodkin

The Complete Metalsmith: Tim McCreight

Metal and Wire Sculpture: Elmer Gruber

Alberto Giacometti, Sculpture in Plaster: Ernst Scheideggy

Ceramics: A Potter’s Handbook: Glen C. Nelson

Hand built Ceramics: Kathy Triplett

Hand building Techniques: Joaquim Chavarria

Decorating Techniques: Joaquim Chavarria

Glazing Techniques: Joaquim Chavarria

500 Figures in Clay: Veronica Alice Gunter

Figure in Clay, Contemporary Sculpting Techniques: Suzanne Tourtilott

Sculpture in Paper: Nicholas Roukes

MAGAZINES UTILIZED IN SCULPTURE:

Sculptural Pursuit

Sculpture Review

ARTnews

Art in America

Ceramics Monthly

Clay Times

FiberArts

USEFUL WEBSITES:

Online daily art newspaper

Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY

Museum of Modern Art, NY

Guggenheim Museum, NY

Cooper Hewitt, Nat. Design Museum, NY

Brooklyn Museum of Art, NY

Whitney Museum, NY

Philadelphia Museum

Museum of Art and Design, NY

Sculpture Center, Cleveland OH

Sculpture Center, NJ

Moore

Noguchi Museum, NY

Calder Foundation

Clay Studio, Philadelphia

Ornamental Metal Museum, TN

Museum of Glass, Corning NY

of Glass, Tacoma WA

of American Glass, Millville NJ

Sculptor list

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES:

  1. You need to be on time for class.
  2. Seats are assigned. Please always sit in the same seat.
  3. You need to come to class prepared. Please bring a pencil with you. You will also need a 3-ring binder, no more than 2 inches in thickness.
  4. Raise your hand when you have something to say. Do not shout out.
  5. Never be afraid of making a mistake. Do not use the words “can’t or cannot”. Be positive and say, “I will try”.
  6. Do not misuse the art materials. Keep safety in mind at all times.
  7. You will always be responsible for cleaning your work area, washing brushes, etc., and putting the materials you have used in their proper place or you will receive points off your grade on a daily basis.
  8. Please be kind and courteous to high school staff members and students at all times.
  9. You must work on your assignment every class period. Failure to do so will result in points off your grade on a daily basis.

10. Please do not write on the tables. You will get written up for

this because you are destroying school property.

  1. There will be a no tolerance policy for uncooperative students in

this class. Disciplinary action will be taken.

I look forward to having a productive year with you. I am available to assist you in making your experience in this class both educational and enjoyable. You may reach me at my email address: or through the Fine and Performing Arts department at 973 450-3910.

---Mrs. C. Driskill