Syllabus

Course Description:

Art 25 is an introductory sculpture studio course that explores the expansive field of sculpture. The course engages the history and theory of three dimensional objects from traditional and non-traditional perspectives. Students will investigate everything from space, form, volume, and texture, to time, site, context, and experience through object-making. This course will place emphasis on exploring plastic arts beginning after the turn of the 20th century, and move to present day work. Students will learn to expressively merge form and content to make works relevant to their experience, but within the context of current trends, movements, and discourse.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) :

· Students will demonstrate skill in basic construction techniques, mold-making and casting.
· Students will demonstrate creative solutions using various materials in making discrete objects and installation work.
· Student will acquire analytic skills to discuss formal, technical and conceptual ideas in critiques.

Course requirements:

1. Sculpture Projects: The following four studio assignments must be completed and critiqued by the class on time. Detailed hand-outs and discussion will further outline project requirements.

Project 1: Finding Form (Significant object)
Reductive Processes- Plaster Block Carving

Project 2: Monumental Bust
Additive Processes- Clay Building, Waste Mold, Plaster Cast

Project 3: Kinetic Hybrid
Construction- Found objects, Assemblage, and Mechanization

Project 4: Experiential Environments
Installation- Site Specificity, Collections, Multiples- (Optional Processes)
Course requirements continued:

2. Paper: One typed two page, double spaced, 12 pt. font, with 1" boarders, review of a current contemporary sculpture exhibition. This should include background on the artist and their work, a detailed description of the work and venue you are reviewing, and a critical analysis of the work( what do you think about the work?). There is an optional Saturday fieldtrip to help fulfill this assignment on 4/24/10. If you can not attend this activity, a list of on going exhibitions in the area will be provided.
This paper is due on 4/29/10.

3. Blog: Weekly contributions to our class blog. You are generally asked to contribute a post to the blogspot.com page on Thursdays of each week. The purpose of this is to share information, resources, ideas, images and inspiration. You will be asked to post specific responses to content of the course, such as readings, film screenings, guest artists. You may also post responses to peer's contributions. Your weekly posts do not need to take more than 5-10 minutes. This will count towards your participation grade. You may find our page at: http://sculpture25.blogspot.com

4. Sketchbook: Each student must keep a hardbound 9" x 11" sketchbook. This book must contain proposals with preliminary sketches for each assignment, notes on class lectures and discussions, notes on assigned readings or in-class exercises. Collage, drawing, painting, etc. expressing ideas and interests pertaining to your sculpture practice. This book is to be updated weekly. Your sketchbooks will be graded at the mid-term and again during the final week of class.

5. Participation: Attendance to all classes is of the utmost importance. You must attend a minimum or one additional lab/studio hour per week (times and days when a tech or instructor will be present in the studio will be announced). You must sign in on the yellow sheet by the cage upon arrival. Additionally you must keep a log of your hours on the yellow sheet provided in this packet, and it is to be turned in at the end of the semester. Good participation includes but is not limited to: Being prepared and having all materials for studio work periods, being a contributor to class discussions and critique, participating in technical demos and workshops, contributing to the blog weekly, cleaning and maintaining studio, and always being professional and respectful of peers.

Grades:

Projects: 60% or 600/1000 pts. (150 pts. each)
Sketchbook: 20% or 200/1000 pts.
Participation: 10% or 100/ 1000 pts.
Paper: 10% or 100/1000 pts.
Extra credit: TBA, worth up to 10 pts.

Point Breakdown:
F 0-186
D- 187-254 D 255-322 D+ 323-390
C- 391-458 C 459-526 C+ 527-594
B- 595-662 B 663-730 B+ 731-798
A- 797-864 A 865-932 A+ 933-1000
* Good class participation and/or the extra credit can be beneficial to your standing.

Projects will be evaluated on your:

· Ability to meet project requirements.
· Ability to plan and conceptualize each project (sketchbook and one-on-one discussion).
· Quality of craftsmanship.
· Demonstration of competence with materials, tools, and technique.
· Understanding of key concepts from lectures and discussions as demonstrated through your projects.
· Quality of presentation of work during critiques.
· Ability to clearly communicate your ideas through the work without verbal explanation.


*Please note that I do not have office hours. If you have questions or concerns that you need addressed, I will make every effort to work with you before, after, or during class. I also encourage you to email me with any issues you would like to discuss at: sehunsucker@pasadena.edu I will set up conferences with students at mid-semester if needed.


Important Safety and Conduct Information:


· You must be approved by our tech before using any power tools.
· You may not use power tools unless there is an instructor or a tech in the studio.
· Open toed shoes are prohibited in the studio. You will be asked to leave if you are wearing sandals or flip flops to class. This may result in a tardy or an absence on your record.
· Abide by all safety rules and regulations presented to you by our tech.
· If you are unsure of how to do something or need help, always ask for help.
· Do not enter the studio if you are intoxicated or impaired by any means.
· Headphones/ iPods may only be used when specified, never during lectures, demos, or while using studio equipment.
· Please smoke only in designated areas on campus, not outside the studio door.
· Cell phone use is prohibited in the studio during class. This means that all ringers must be turned off before class. No texting is allowed. Please restrict phone use to the breaks when you are outside of the studio.
· The floors and work surfaces must be clear and free of obstructions, personal items must be stored in lockers or under the tables.
· Professional conduct is required at all times to ensure a safe and functional environment. This means: no horse play, no disruptive behavior, no harassment, no outside guests in the studio during class without permission, and respect for others in the class is vital.
· Academic dishonesty (i.e., plagiarism of art or writing, cheating, or taking other people's materials) will not be tolerated. These actions are subject to sanctions by the college.


Required Materials

$10 green PCC bank issued Material Card
1 hardbound 9" x 11" sketchbook
various drawing materials
scissors
1 gallon flexible bucket
2 - 4 1" - 2" chip brushes
1 1/2 " and 2" putty knives
protective eyewear
dust masks
various grits of sandpaper
digital camera or camera phone
1 set of clay tools

Suggested materials

1 set of cheap chisels
1 small wooden or rubber mallet
extra rubber gloves
Murphy's Oil Soap
Mineral oil
hand lotion

Lab Fees

What is provided to you:
The lab fee paid at enrollment covers some things you will use for your projects. These items include plaster, cement, limited Forton, armature wire, chicken wire, hemp/or burlap, limited gloves and masks, etc. These items are always subject to availability, but we try to keep the essentials well stocked. Lab fees also go towards the care and maintenance of hand and power tools used in the studio.


What is not provided:
You must pay for some items with your green PCC bank card. These items include, but are not limited to mold compounds and rubber, plaster bandages, safety goggles, and chip brushes. To purchase any items available in class, see me or the tech.

You will have to acquire materials outside of class that are specific to each project. Your budget may influence the materials you choose and ultimately the outcome of your projects. Expect to spend some money, but also think about ways to be innovative with limited resources. The materials you choose are important to the content and meaning of your work. Limited resources are never an excuse for poor presentation. A list of resources where you can find tools materials, and inspirations is in the back of this packet.


Class Calendar

There will be a 10 minute break at 3:30, and cleanup begins at 5:05 PM each class.
*All information including dates, deadlines, and class content is subject to change.

Week1_________________________________________________

Tues. 2/23/10
Lecture: History of Sculpture part I.
Course overview, introduction to Project #1.
HW: Proposal in sketchbook for project #1. Include three drawings and a written notes describing intended form and content of the work. Gather materials for Project #1.
Handouts: Resource, safety, and info packets.

Thurs. 2/25/10
*Demo: Plaster block /carving for Project #1. One-on-one proposal review while starting Project #1 in studio. Cleanup.
Handouts: TBA

Week 2_________________________________________________­

Tues. 3/2/10
Lecture: History of Sculpture part II.
Work in studio on Project #1. Cleanup.

Thurs. 3/4/10
Work in studio on Project #1. Cleanup.
HW: Post on class blog

Week 3_________________________________________________

Tues. 3/9/10
Work in studio on Project #1. Cleanup.

Thurs. 3/11/10
Work in studio on Project #1. Discuss Project #2. Cleanup.
Handout: Guide for Constructive Critique
HW: Finish Project #1 prepare for critique, begin sketches and proposals for project #2.




Week 4_________________________________________________

Tues. 3/16/10
Critique Project #1
HW: Document Project #1 w/ digital images
Bring tools materials, and proposals for Project #2.

Thurs. 3/18/10
*Demo: building armatures and building clay forms.
One-on-one proposal review. Work in studio on Project #2. Cleanup.
HW: Reading: TBA, Post article about a working artist of interest on class blog.

Week 5_________________________________________________

Tues. 3/23/10
Work in studio on Project #2, (clay building stage). Cleanup.
HW: Post response to reading on class blog.

Thurs. 3/25/10
Work in studio on Project #2, (clay building stage). Cleanup.
HW: Finish clay building stage of sculpture. Get shims, putty knife, and bucket for Tues.

Week 6_________________________________________________

Tues. 3/30/10
*Demo: Plaster waste mold.
Work in studio on Project #2, (mold making stage). Cleanup.

Thurs. 4/1/10
*Demo: Mold prep and plaster cast.
Work in studio on Project #2, (mold making stage). Cleanup.
HW: Post on class blog.

Week 7_________________________________________________

Tues. 4/6/10
Work in studio on Project #2, (casting stage). Cleanup.

Thurs. 4/8/10
Intro to project #3. Lecture- Assemblage, found objects, kinetic art
Work in studio on Project #2, (casting/finishing). Clean-up.
HW: Post on class blog.

Sat. 4/10/10
Optional group gallery visit . Location TBA. This will to help fulfill the 2 page paper requirement.


Week 8_________________________________________________

Tues. 4/13/10
Critique on Project #2
Hw: Work on proposal #3/gather materials. Document Project #2 with digital photos.
*Sketch books due at the end of class!

Thurs. 4/15/10
*Technical workshops: TBA possibly Wood construction/joinery, soldering, inflatable construction, etc. Discussion of Project #3.
-Sketchbooks returned.
Handout: Suggested ongoing exhibition for review/Gallery Guide
Work in class on Project #3. Cleanup.

HW: Write 2 page contemporary sculpture show review. See guidelines.


Week 9_________________________________________________
Tues. 4/20/10
Spring Break
Thurs. 4/22/10
Week 10________________________________________________

Tues. 4/27/10
Work in studio on Project #3. Cleanup. Lecture: Dada, Surrealism, Conceptualism.
One on one proposal review/work in class Project #3.
Mid-term grade reviews to be handed out at the end of class.

Thurs. 4/29/10
Work in studio on Project #3. Cleanup.
Gallery review papers due, no exceptions.

Week 11________________________________________________

Tues. 5/4/10
Work in studio on Project #3. Cleanup.

Thurs. 5/6/10
Lecture: Installation Art.
Work in studio on Project #3. Cleanup.
HW: Draft a detailed proposal including: graphic depictions, dimensions, location, materials, intentions. All work presented outside of the studio must be cleared with the campus facilities office. Details to follow.



Week 12________________________________________________

Tues. 5/11/10
Critique on Project #3
HW: Work on Proposal for Project #4. Document Project #3 with digital photos.
Gather tools and materials for Project #4.

Thurs. 5/13/10
Discuss Project #4 proposals. Work in class on Project #4. Cleanup.
HW: Post on class blog. Continue working out the details of Project #4.

Week 13________________________________________________

Tues. 5/18/10
*Demo: flexible mold making/ casting.
Work in studio on Project #4. Cleanup.

Thurs. 5/20/10
Work in studio on Project #4. Cleanup.
HW: Post on class blog.

Week 14________________________________________________

Tues. 5/25/10
Work in studio on Project #4. Cleanup.
HW: Secure space and permission for installation

Thurs. 5/26/10
*Guest Artist Lecture
Work in studio on Project #4. Cleanup.

Week 15________________________________________________
Tues. 6/1/10
Work in studio on Project #4. Cleanup.

Thurs. 6/3/10
Critiques Project #4
HW: Post on class blog. Work on extra credit paper/project.

Week 16________________________________________________

Tues. 6/8/10
Critiques on Project #4
*Sketchbooks Due
HW: Document Project #4.

Thurs. 6/10/10
Mandatory classroom clean up. -Sketchbooks returned. *Extra credit paper/project due.

© 2010 Sara Hunsucker