ART 1061 - Introduction to Sculpture

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 1 Lab 4
Course Description: This course explores a variety of materials and processes common to Sculpture. Topics include hands-on projects expanding on 3D design concepts and encourage the development of sound ideation and sculpture process. The class presents contemporary trends and applications as well as cultural traditions found throughout history. Coursework includes hands-on learning opportunities in Century’s FAB LAB. Open studio hours are available for outside class work if needed.
MnTC Goals
None

Prerequisite(s): ART 1025  
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content
1. Cultural/Historical overview

1. Art Making and Culture: Why is Art important?
2. What is a sculpture?
3. Western traditions/historical context
4. Cultural implications of formal modes and elements

2. Traditional and contemporary concepts

1. Public Art / Environment Art
2. Digital Sculpture applications
3. Site-specific Sculpture

3. 3D Design Principles

1. Unity and variety
2. Balance
3. Scale
4. Proportion
5. Emphasis
6. Repetition and rhythm

4. 3D Elements

1. Plane
2. Volume
3. Mass
4. Form
5. Texture
6. Line
7. Color
8. Space
9. Light

5. Form and content

6. Materials and meaning

7. Properties and characteristics of materials (possible materials listed below)

1. Stone
2. Clay
3. Metals
4. Wood
5. Glass
6. Fiber
7. Plastic
8. Found objects

8. Additive and subtractive techniques

9. Construction Methods

10. Studio and materials safety

11. Physical considerations: weight, gravity, balance, mass, strength, volume

12. Tension and Torsion

13. Types of sculptures

1. Relief
2. Free standing
3. Environmental
4. Public
5. Assemblage
6. Installation

14. Convergent and divergent thinking strategies

15. Creative process and concept development

1. Concept sketching
2. Model making (and pointing-up to scale)
3. FAB LAB and digital applications
4. Thumbnails

16. Critiquing projects using terms and criteria common to art

 
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course students will be able to:

1. demonstrate skills in using a variety of sculptural materials and technique to successfully complete class assignments.
2. create original works of sculpture that explore a variety of formal and conceptual problems, and the ability to make effective aesthetic decisions.
3. analyze historic and contemporary sculptural styles, techniques, and materials using vocabulary common to art and design.
4. apply 3D design concepts and elements toward an aesthetic and/or technical end.
5. explain the vital role and value the fine arts and humanities have on the development of culture.
6. critique the effectiveness of 3D design principles as applied in personal works and works of others.
7. apply health and safety practices within the discipline.

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