University of Nebraska at Omaha
ART 1110 Section 001:
Foundations Drawing and Design II: 3-D
Spring 2016, Jan 11th – May 6th
Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:00am–10:50am
Class Location: Ceramics Studio Rm. 111
Instructor: Bart Vargas
WFAB Rm. 304
402-554-2378
Office Hours: 2:30-4:00pm Monday, Wednesday & by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is an introduction to the technical and conceptual aspects of three-dimensional design, focusing on the principles and elements of form, space, and solving sculpture problems. Students will develop an understanding of 3-D design components and principles, learn handmade and shop oriented technologies, and explore analytical and conceptual drawing. Traditional processes will include construction, carving, assemblage, and modeling. They will also address critical skills and the cultural analysis of art practice.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
This class will consist of lectures, demonstrations, discussions, readings, research, field trips, writing and presentations.
METHODS OF LEARNING:
· Constructing three dimensional objects
· Solving three dimensional design problems
· Participating in class discussions and critiques
· Researching visual resources
· Writing in response to art
TEXT: There is no required text
Suggested Texts:
Art Fundamentals: Theory and Practice by Otto Ocvirick
Shaping Space: The Dynamics of Three-Dimensional Design by Paul Zelanski
Studio Assignments:
Through a series of projects centered around a 3-D design concept, you will come to know materials (their characteristics and limitations), how materials work together with form and content, how artists engage with the world and how the art-making process unfolds. Each project will be introduced through a slide presentation of previous student work and if applicable, professional artists work. These presentations provide historical and diverse perspectives of how artists have approached similar ideas and serve as examples to help you understand the assignment and inspire production of your own ideas.
Concepts explored will be:
LINE
PLANES
FORM
VOLUME
MASS
THE FIGURE GROUND RELATIONSHIP
Critiques
Critiques are the studio art equivalent of tests. Because of this, participation is mandatory. If you miss a critique without talking to me beforehand the best grade you can receive is a ‘C’ for the project. That being said, they are not to be feared. Besides being a means of evaluating your projects, it is an opportunity for you to get feedback from your fellow students, and me in order to facilitate your artistic growth. Your participation is required. Constructive criticism includes the discussion of both the strengths and weaknesses of the work.
Please note:
ALL WORK PRESENTED IN CRITIQUES MUST BE COMPLETED AT UNO. WE WILL NOT PRESENT UNFINISHED WORK IN CLASS CRITIQUES.
Due at the beginning of the critique of projects, you will submit a half-page written statement about your project. In the statement, write about your ideas and concepts as they relate to the physical characteristics (material(s), scale, texture, color, balance…) of the sculpture. The statement can also include your experience with the process and the evolution of your ideas.
Written Assignments
In addition to the written component of each studio assignment you will be required to write a ONE PAGE paper due at midterm and the end of the semester.
ATTENTION STUDIO ART MAJORS:
STARTING FALL 2013, ALL FRESHMEN DECLARING A STUDIO ART MAJOR MUST PARTICIPATE IN A SOPHMORE CORE 1 PORTFOLIO REVIEW. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ADVISOR WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE.
During Critiques all students will have the opportunity to document your assignments for the Sophomore Core 1 Portfolio Review. Please bring your digital camera, tablet, or smart phone in order to do so. Documenting YOUR work is YOUR responsibility.
FINAL PROJECT DUE MAY 4th
For your final project this semester you will build a PowerPoint portfolio of all the studio assignments you complete this semester.
Your PowerPoint must include:
1. An information slide for EVERY studio assignment. This slide should contain the name of the assignment, the title of your object, the medium of your object, and the dimensions of your object.
2. An image of EVERY studio assignment. This image should include the entire object and have no other information in the image, but your object.
3. At least one detail image of EVERY studio assignment. Example: A close up of an interesting or complex feature of your object.
Taking your photographs is your responsibility. You will have the opportunity to do so at every critique or you can schedule a time with the Image Production Lab located on the second floor of the Weber Fine Arts Building Room # 210 to take your photographs.
Participation
Our goal is to foster an engaging environment. We encourage brainstorming, further development of ideas, troubleshooting, and professional presentation. It is your responsibility to challenge yourself, actively participate in class discussions and critiques, as well as, keep the facilities and work areas clean and free of clutter. Be respectful of your peers work space and the safety of yourself and others.
LECTURES:
YOU ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND A MINIMUM OF 3 OUT OF CLASS LECTURE EVENTS PER SEMESTER. Please use the lecture sheet provided with this syllabus. Record the date, Artist or lecturer and have a faculty or staff member sign the sheet to verify your presence. The lecture sheet will be due at the last class meeting for the semester. Be sure to write YOUR NAME on your lecture sheet in order to receive credit for attending.
Studio Work Grading Criteria
· Originality: Quality of the idea expressed.
· Craftsmanship: Ability to successfully demonstrate the techniques with excellent craftsmanship in relation to the idea expressed.
· Presentation: Is the object displayed in a thoughtful manner?
· Participation: Active participation in all critiques, class discussions, and activities.
· Timeliness: Are projects completed on time?
· Attendance and punctuality.
“In much of Life, Deadlines are Lifelines”
A huge part of the puzzle in becoming a successful art student lies in ones ability to meet deadlines. They are something that you will always encounter and a skill that needs to be cultivated. Your grade will mainly rely on your ability to meet your deadlines. During the semester, there will be a minimum of 5 deadlines.
Grading Scale.
A 90-100% Outstanding work, individual interpretation of the project given, a high level of articulation of the chosen medium with great effort.
B 80-89% Great work, comprehension of the problems, skillful use of the medium with great effort.
C 70-79% Average Work (turned in on time and meeting minimum requirements)
D 60-69% Needs much more effort and a better result
F 0-59% Assignment(s) not submitted or not finished, and/or poor attendance.
Tips for Success
· Come to every class, work hard and be engaged for the entire period. If you do this, the grade will follow.
· Challenge yourself and your classmates. Talk to the other students about your work and theirs. This is great practice for the critique.
· Look at art as much as you can both in person and in books and magazines.
· Come up with several ideas before starting. I find that people miss out on great ideas by choosing the first idea they come up with.
· This being said, don't be afraid to deviate from your original idea if the process inspires you to do so. Pay attention to your mistakes. Along with learning how to do it right, they can produce effects that are often more interesting than your original intention.
· Resist the temptation to design your art works as gifts for friends or family.
· Think critically: try to look at your work from an outside perspective.
Attendance Policy
It does not matter if you are driving a Hummer, taking public transportation, or being driven by a relative or friend. This course requires you being to class on time and your regular attendance. All students enrolled in this class are allowed 3 unexcused absences. This course begins at 9:00AM. Please note the following:
-If you arrive after that time, you will be assessed ½ absence.
-If you leave class early, you will be assessed ½ absence.
-If you attend class for less than an hour, you will be assessed 1 fullabsence.
-For every full absence beyond 3, your final grade will be reduced by one full letter grade.
Examples: You have done “A” work, but have 4 absences; your grade will be reduced to a “B”.
Examples: You have done “A” work, but have 5 absences; your grade will be reduced to a “C”.
Examples: You have done “A” work, but have 6 absences; your grade will be reduced to a “D”.
And so on.
DO NOT ASSUME THAT YOU ARE STARTING THE CLASS WITH AN “A”.
In this course you start at 0, and build from there.
During the course, there will be several demonstration days. DO NOT MISS DEMONSTRATION DAYS. If you are absent that day, it is your responsibility to find out what information was covered. If you come late to class, I will not go over the demonstration for you until the next class period. Your projects will still be due on the dates given regardless.
Life Happens
Life happens. I realize that sometimes things can occur that will make your semester difficult. I am confident that everyone can get a passing grade in this course, but that is not guaranteed. Here are some examples of reasons that DO NOT excuse you from getting your work done for this course:
-I work full time.
-I have other classes.
-I stayed up late.
-I didn’t like the project.
-I broke up with my significant other.
-I couldn’t find parking.
-This is my first college course.
-I partied all weekend.
-I don’t have Internet at home.
-Etc.
Time management is a skill that you must learn and put into practice. If you are having major problems during the semester, come talk to me immediately. WE WILL NOT HAVE THIS DISCUSSION AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER.
INCOMPLETE GRADE/ EXTRA CREDIT
Unless it is dire circumstances, there will be no incompletes given for this course. Extra credit will not be given in order to replace unfulfilled assignments.
Finally, if you are unhappy with the grade you received at the end of the semester and feel that it should be changed, please make an appointment to see me to discuss it. Also be aware that although I sometimes make errors and have given grades too low, I sometimes mistakenly grade an individual too high. So, please come prepared when debating your grade.
BLACKBOARD
Information on this class will be available on Blackboard. This will include:
- Syllabus.
- Vocabulary and terms.
- Projects and due dates.
- Important announcements (i.e. Artist lectures, etc.)
- Studio and Writing Assignment scores.
Be sure you are monitoring your performance in this class during the semester.
EMAIL ADDRESSES & COMMUNICATION
Everyone enrolled at UNO is issued a college e-mail address. If I need to send out messages or contact you for any reason, I will use your UNO EMAIL ADDRESS ONLY.
REQUIRED/SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
The student will be required to purchase specific tools and materials throughout the duration of the course. The required and suggested materials will be specified by the instructor before they are needed for the class. All materials must be purchased and brought to class the day they are needed. No class time will be allowed for purchasing materials.
Safety #1 Priority
ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO READ THE SCULPTURE STUDIO HANDBOOK LOCATED UNDER COURSE MATERIALS ON THE BLACKBOARD SITE. ONCE YOU DO SO, YOU MUST TURN IN THE SIGNED VERIFICATION SHEET (LAST PAGE) IN ORDER TO CONTINUE WITH THIS COURSE.
In all classes where you will be working with tools or materials that could be hazardous to your eyes you must always wear safety glasses. Something as simple as using a screwdriver to drive a screw can be hazardous to your eyes. Everyone in the art studio must always wear safety glasses. You may not be using a hazardous material or tool but someone across the room may accidentally produce a projectile that could hurt your vision. Each student is required to purchase his/her own safety glasses that fit comfortably.
Each assignment will include safety information. All students are required to follow all safety guidelines when working in the studio. It is also each student’s responsibility to point out potential safety hazards to the instructor as soon as you notice them. No student is allowed to use power tools in the studio without the instructor present and a proper introduction to the safe operation of the tool with the specific material.
Always dress appropriately for class. No open toed shoes.
Also NO IPODS, HEADPHONES, CELL PHONES, TEXTING, BLUE TOOTHS are allowed in the Sculpture Lab. Due to the nature of the work environment you must be aware of your peers and surroundings at all times. If you need to text or make a call, please leave the studio to do so during studio time.
Departmental and University Notices
PARKING! No parking in front of the Sculpture Lab. You will be ticketed.
Documented Disabilities
If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please contact me as soon as possible.
Accommodations are provided for students with verified disabilities. For more information contact ‘Services for Students with disABILITIES’ (SSd) in MBSC 111 or 402-554-2872, TTY 402-554-3799.
Students are responsible for:
Labeling all containers they purchase and/or use. Keeping closed all containers. Proper storage of flammable and corrosive materials in cabinets provided. Wearing of personal Protective Equipment as directed by instructors. Obtaining MSDS Sheets for chemicals they purchase. Clean up and restoration of all property defaced by paint or other damaged material. Students who leave their work area, studio and/or equipment, in substandard conditions will have their grades withheld until these areas have been restored to satisfactory condition.
Lab Maintenance - Students are responsible for leaving this studio clean, removing their possessions and cleaning their work areas. Garbage should be disposed of properly and tools and equipment must be left in working order and replaced if lost or broken. Any damaged UNO property must be restored to its original condition and failure to comply with these guidelines may result in withholding of your grades.
CLEAN UP and CLEAN UP DAY
The research studios are community spaces. Many students of all levels work in them. Please be mindful of the space and clean your area after every class meeting. The class as a whole will have a general cleaning day. This is mandatory for everyone. Failure to come to the clean up day will affect your grade for the course.
CLASS FINAL EXAM: WEDNESDAY May 4th, 9:00AM
WHAT THIS SYLLABUS MEANS
Your enrollment in this class is an agreement by you to fulfill all the requirements established by this syllabus.