Basic Sculpture 

Course Description:
Basic sculpture is an introduction to the practical and theoretical questions
surrounding the creation of three dimensional art.  We will focus on contemporary sculpture practices, with the goal of developing a vocabulary of positions and approaches that transcend specific materials or styles. Upon completion of this course, students should demonstrate the ability to plan, execute, and discuss artworks that occupy and/or address the parameters of three dimensional space, and engage our relationship to this space as human beings.

This course consists of a series of projects and exercises. Each one introduces an area of inquiry for the practice of three dimensional art. None of the projects is designed to be addressed in isolation. Each assignment will build upon the ideas and techniques of previous one, and will therefore increase in technical and theoretical complexity.

Class sessions will consist primarily of group critiques and discussion.  There 
will also be technical demonstrations and in-class studio time, where you can
get feedback on your progress with the assignments. However, most of your
studio time will take place outside of class. You are expected to spend at least 6
hours a week on your own time, completing the projects. The classroom will be
available for your use in the evenings and on weekends.

In addition to the projects, there will also be in-class exercises; a research presentation/  paper wherein you pick a sculpture, research the artist and the work, and give a brief presentation; readings; lectures; and perhaps a field trip.  Students are expected to keep a sketchbook and to have it in class at all times. 

Final Project: Students, in consultation with the instructor, will develop projects
of their own choice. Proposals for the final projects will be presented in class
several weeks before the final due date, so that the class has a chance to give
feedback. The basis for the final projects will be a problem encountered in one of the other class assignments. In critique, these projects will be discussed with
respect to the ideas developed over the entire course.

Grades:
Grading will be as follows:
Projects- 50%
Research presentation/ paper- 10%
Final- 15%
Participation- 25%

The projects will be graded based on timely completion, meeting the goals of the assignment, and quality of work. This last point is difficult to quantify, but it
involves demonstration of investment in the work, attention to detail, expanding
your boundaries as an artist, and commitment to quality of presentation. 

Merely completing the projects does not guarantee you a good grade.

The final project will be graded similarly to the other projects. Particular attention will be given to the degree to which you challenge yourself in your choice and execution of the project.

Participation includes attendance, which is mandatory, as well as meaningful contribution to class discussions and critiques. 

To get a good grade in this class, you must come prepared to work and
contribute every day. Absences will affect your grade.

Some other notes:
Safety First. Always. 
Breaks will be given at the instructor’s discretion.
No cell phones, texting, iPods, etc during class time.

Weekly Breakdown:

1 introduction to class/woodshop demo/ Judd
2 show and tell
3 inclass exercise- BIG
4 project 1: scale.  
5 inclass work time. 
6 project 1 critique
7 inclass exercise- MATERIAL
8 presentations
9 project 2: mold making/ casting- demo. 
10 inclass work time.
11 inclass work time.
12 project 2 crit
13 slide lecture, final project presented
14 final project proposal due
15 inclass work period
16 work in progress meetings
17 inclass work day
finals week: crit  final pieces, papers due