Intermediate Sculpture- Studio II

Instructor: Nao Matsumoto

 

This Course will focus on improving the technical and practical skills introduced surrounding the process of sculpture making.  Prerequisite for this class is Intermediate Sculpture – Studio I .  Students are expected to utilize skills and continue to hone their techniques.  Combination of materials and incorporating a conceptual layer into your work will be emphasized.  You will be required to produce 3 sculptures throughout the semester.

 

Lectures: The lectures will be presented each week with a variety of visual materials including a power-point presentation and videos.  Please take notes at all times and assigned viewing of selected materials and readings will be on reserve at the Library or will be e-mailed to each student. 

Keeping up with such visual and literary materials is very important in this class. Be prepared to contribute to the discussions during class.  Participation and enthusiasm will also be part of the grade.

 

Demonstrations:  Sculpture making involves a variety of procedures involving a wide array of materials and techniques.  Understand that these demonstrations are very important to attend.  It is crucial on many levels.  Obviously it will be detrimental to your grade if you miss a demo.  Also you might be missing vital information on safety in operating machinery and other equipment.   All students must abide by the Sculpture studio rules and regulations.

 

Studio Hours:  It is an integral part of learning sculptural art in the studio.  Practical knowledge and hands on practices greatly influence your development as a sculptor.  Not only the technical aspects but also the philosophical aspects of your aesthetics are influenced greatly in the studio.  Please understand that as an instructor, I need to witness your progress and direct you to issues surrounding your work. 

 

AT ALL TIMES:  SAFETY COMES FIRST!!

 

Please note that I will be emailing materials to you often.  It is very important for you to be checking your email for updates, reading materials etc.

 

Grading

 

Your grades will be rendered from the overall quality of the projects and assignments, participation in critiques and discussions, enthusiasm and tardiness.

 

Missing classes will result in a drastic grade deficit.  Missing more than 4 classes is considered a failure. 

 

Good Luck and enjoy!

 

 

ASSESSMENT AND GRADING

Please see Shop Certification  & Attendance Requirements above with regard to immediate failure.

Grades will be determined primarily by the instructor’s evaluation of: enthusiasm, finish quality and the creative capacities of fabrication methods.

The final grade will be based on:

75 %             successful completion and final quality of all assignments

25 %             efficient use of in-class workshops

25%            Attendance, including prompt arrival and sustained attention during demonstrations

 

Grades:                                               

A 4.0            Excellent                                   

A- 3.7             Very Good                                               

B+ 3.3             Good           

B 3.0             Above Average                       

B- 2.7   Above Average

C+ 2.3             Fair

C 2.0    Fair

C-             (ug only) 1.7 Recorded as F for Graduate Students, Accepted for Undergraduates Only

D+             (ug only) 1.3 Recorded as F for Graduate Students, Accepted for Undergraduates Only

D            (ug only) 1.0 Recorded as F for Graduate Students, Accepted for Undergraduates Only

F 0.0             Failure

 

 

 

 

Course Schedule

 

Week 1

Group meeting and introduction to the course.

Assignment : Bring sketches and your portfolio to individual discussions on your projects, goals and directions.

 

Week 2

Mixed Media- Objects

Assignment : Sculpture #1- “Material”

The emphasis will be on why and how you combine or isolate materials to express your aesthetics.  Focus on what attracts you concerning the material choices. Acknowledge the literal, historical and symbolic meanings of the materials.  Explore the balance and the contrast of materials utilized.  

Requirements: Sketches and visual inspirations for the sculpture.

Artists: Jae Hyo Lee, John Newman, Liz Hickok

 

Week 3

Studio Instruction + Individual meetings – Proposals due

 

Week 4

Studio Instruction

 

Week 5

“Material” project due

Group Critique

 

Week 6

Assignment : Sculpture #2 – “Scale”

The emphasis of this assignment will be on scale. How you express and utilize physical size and mass in conjunction to the concept will be the main focus.  Explore and play along the lines of what defines scale and approach it from different angles.  There are no material limitations, or size requirements for this project.

Artists: Ron Mueck , Christo and Jean Claude , Willard Wigan

 

Week 7

Studio Instruction: + Individual meetings – Proposals due

 

Week 8

Studio Instruction : Continue Scale project

 

Week 9

Scale Project due.

Groupe Critique

 

Week 10

Assignment:  Sculpture #3  - “Form”

The emphasis of this project will be on Form.  All work has to have a specific focus on the literal, historical , cultural and emotional language of form.  There will be no restrictions on material choice or scale of the project.

 

Lecture: The Form- Aesthetics and Language of Form

 

The Golden Ratio , Golden Number

 

Artist: Daisuke Nakayama , Anish Kapoor,

 

Week 11

Studio Instruction + Individual meetings – Proposals due

 

Week 12

Studio Instruction

 

Week 13

Studio Instruction

 

Week 14

Studio Instruction

 

Week 15

Final Group Critique

Studio Clean Out