Sculpture and Image
Department of Visual Arts, Faculty of Arts – University of Ottawa
Tues 8:30 a – 12: 30 p | Sculpture Studio LLR01 | tel: 613-562-5868
Art 2925 | (0,0,4) 3 credits | Studio Contact Hours: 52
Prerequisites: ART1311, ART1321, ART1331, ART1341. Reserved for students registered in the Bachelor of FIne Arts or in the Major in Visual Arts. Previously ART2025.
Jen Hamilton jhamilt5@uottawa.ca | office hours: Tues 1:30 – 2:30 LRR 106
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: to develop practice-based investigation of art using sculpture and image; to place sculpture and image within a contemporary art context; to develop students’ independence with the production their work within the studio.
CONTENT
This practice-based course addresses how to make sculptural work that uses imagery as a starting point, as content and as structure. It uses the interplay between these two realms as a strategy from which to make art. The basis for investigations comes from slide presentations, class discussions, and student research and exploration with materials.
CALENDAR OF SESSIONS:
WEEK TOPIC
1
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Greetings; Rules and regulations (syllabus review) and some new math (1+ 1 + =___ );build from the image and project acceleration how-to;
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2 - 6
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WATER FTW: Two into One: The Physical Image
Planes, Organizing Principles and 2D as 3D
Prototyping and problem testing
Creative Process, Outcome Visioning, The Idea of Critique
Connections and Disparities between 2D and 3D
WATER FTW: One into Two: Image/Action/Document/Book
Possible Transitions
|
7
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Study/Review Week
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8-12
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WATER FTW: Two into Many: Image as Story
The Hierarchies of the Image and the Object; Things Fall Apart
The Frame and point of view, Ways of Seeing, episode One
Sculpture and Installation
Reflection, Feed-Back Loops, Noise
The Critique of an Idea
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13
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Final Critique
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There are three main studio sessions scheduled for this course. Each one is roughly 3 to 4 weeks long. Studio Session 1 begins January 7 and continues to February 4 (critique day). Studio Session 2 runs from Feb 11 to Mar 11 (critique day). And Studio Session 3 runs from Mar 18 until the last day of classes. Final critique for this session is on April 8.
The topics for each studio session are interrelated and interchangeable. They are intended to relate directly to the course objective and learning outcomes. The sessions investigate the following topics: Two into One The Physical Image Integrated: the picture plane, and some ways to organize; One into Two Each part identifiable as separate entities with transitions that help connect them into a whole; and Two into Many: The Hierarchy of the Image at a given instance, personal view point, and the frame.
It is expected that there will be corresponding demonstrations in the woodshop and metalshop during the course. Depending on input from students and the direction of class discussions and critiques other topics may be introduced and investigated.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
In this course the student will have developed their knowledge of sculpture and image art through practice based study. Three-dimensional form and the 2-dimensional plane will be used in the production of studies and projects. The student will have a position on what constitutes sculpture and image in art, and will have an understanding of its history and its context within contemporary art practice.
EVALUATION:
Final Critique: 30%
Continuous assessment: 70% (of which at least 15% is allocated to participation)
Continuous assessment involves research and explorations, artistic investment, editing and execution.
REFERENCES
Mary Stewart Launching the Imagination: A Comprehensive Guide to Basic Design (2001)
John Berger Ways of Seeing, Episode One BBC (1972)
David Allen Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity (2001)
Roger Von Oech A Kick in The Seat of The Pants: Using Your Explorer, Artist, Judge, and Warrior to Be More Creative (1986)
PARTICIPATION:
Participation requires that you are physically and mentally alert and active in the class. You are expected to respond and have a position, and/or belief/opinion about the ideas and work presented in class (active reflection). We will review critique techniques and practice responding to peer presentations during project review. On workdays I will spend time consulting with you individually about the status of your projects. The community of the class is an essential part of this studio experience. Plan to stay and participate in this studio environment even after I have spoken with you.
Your participation grade also reflects your role as a responsible studio mate and ability to enact “no-trace” camping, or in this case: leaving a space cleaner than when you found it. You need to be fastidious about using tools properly and putting them away. Students are expected to be considerate studio mates, and exhibit a positive attitude. Extreme neglect to tools, space, and dangerous performance, or actions will result in the temporary barring of a student to a workspace.
Attendance and Special Circumstance: You are responsible for all the information received in every class both written and verbal. I will make periodic announcements about due-dates, materials, techniques etc. It is the student’s responsibility to be in class on time, and ready to work, even on workdays, in order to receive information. It is critical for your success in the course to be a participant in all of the technical demonstrations.
If you are extremely ill (and/or contagious) don’t come to class, but make sure to follow up on missed work! It is your responsibility to let me know if you will not be able to attend class. If you are sick it is your responsibility to give me written confirmation from a doctor or it will be considered an unexcused absence.
****Much of what we do in this course involves using your body to manipulate materials. If you have a disability or medical condition that you think might affect your performance in this class, make an appointment to speak with me so we can find a way to make the class accessible to you.
Letter grades are assigned as follows: Average work completed on time that fulfills the parameters of the assignment usually earns a ‘C’. Work that is thrown together at the last minute or does not follow the parameters usually earns a ‘D’ or ‘F’. An above average grade is a ‘B’ and denotes a solid work effort, innovative problem solving, good craftsmanship and enthusiastic participation. An ‘A’ is an exceptional grade that is reserved for outstanding exploration, in-depth research and problem solving, excellent craftsmanship, and demonstrated artistry. You are expected to work a minimum of 5 hours outside class time each week to complete work for this course.
In order to pass this course you must complete all major assignments and receive a passing grade for attendance and participation.
STUDIO WORK :
To complete course projects students are expected to research and experiment with ideas, imagery and materials, to edit and revise, and to make! In-depth exploration, consistent studio activity and timely progress is expected of each student.
A portion of class time will be dedicated to group discussions, critiques, and other activities. Beyond scheduled class studio days you should expect to work at least 5 hours per week outside class time.
Be prepared to work during class. Do not come to class with the intent of leaving to purchase or collect materials. Homework that is not completed by the due date will receive no credit. Projects that are not completed by the due date will be lowered 10% for each additional class period that passes until they are turned in.
Projects not finished for critique will NOT be discussed. Contact me immediately if you need an extension based on a documented illness (note from physician) or extreme family emergency.
Critiques are mandatory; it is an expectation that you have your work finished and set-up before class time. Critiques are extremely important aspect of studio courses and should not be missed. Your participation in critiques are as critical as your mere physical presence; plan on being present and an active member of the group.
PROJECTS:
You will have three main projects to complete during the semester: These projects will have an in-progress due date as well as a due date for critique. In progress due-dates are relevant to the assessment of the overall project. You will have 3-4 weeks to complete all stages of the project. Start your projects early! Starting to work straight away allows you to take risks, to re-work solutions, and solve technical problems.
NB : You will need to purchase additional items as individual projects dictate throughout the semester. Budget approximately $85 - $150 for additional materials (plus the studio fees already allocated to this course).
MANDATORY STUDIO RULES :
COMMUNITY: Sculpture is a medium that involves physical labour; everyone is expected to help out with the day-to-day responsibilities of maintaining the studio and supplies.
WOODSHOP and METALSHOP: Current sculpture students may use the tools in these two shops after they have been taught how to use them safely by the sculpture technician. If you forget how to use tools after the demos, make sure you ask the instructor or technician for assistance. There are more rules and guidelines posted in each of the rooms.
Don’t know what is is? Don’t use it! Many of the materials used on sculpture are hazardous to your health. Never use a tool or chemical until you have been taught how to use it, safely. Do not bring chemicals such as solvents, strippers, spray paints, or resins etc. into the classroom without consulting with the instructor.
Respect the tools! Always clean off the tools before you put them away. Don not use non-plaster tools for working with plaster. All metal tools that come in contact with plaster need to be wire brushed after each use and oiled regularly.
Clean up after yourself: Always leave your work area cleaner than you found it. Failure to clean up after working in the woodshop or welding area will result in the loss of your privileges in those areas. Together we can keep this space safe and pleasant to work in.
Clean Carefully: Many of the dry materials in this studio (including sawdust and plaster) are bad for your lungs. Wear your mask when you clean. You will have required reading about health and safety in sculpture. Read it carefully and live by it!
Dress for Mess every class: Wear clothes that are easy to work in. Tie long hair back especially when working with machines. Do not wear loose fitting clothing when working with power tools. You must wear closed toe shoes while working in and out of class.
