Course Title: ART 535 – Studio Material Culture
Term: Summer Intensive
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
ART 535 STUDIO MATERIAL CULTURE: 3 CREDITS Prerequisite: Undergraduate Degree.
This is a studio course for students pursuing a graduate degree in Art Education focusing on material culture. Students will develop skills in metals, ceramics, textiles, and sculpture. While exploring these materials, students will gain an understanding of contemporary and traditional materials used in fine art and craft practices. Lab fee.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
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Students will develop a competency in the use of new and traditional craft techniques and media.
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Students will research craft materials and their impact in a historical and contemporary context.
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Students will explore their creative ideas and develop a personal voice through their studio practice.
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Students will develop an understanding of craft materials and processes while gaining a strong understanding of what is involved in bringing these materials into the K-12 classroom.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
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Students will develop a curriculum designed for the Art Classroom incorporating metal, clay, textiles, and sculpture.
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Students will be able to analyze and discuss objects in terms of form, craftsmanship, and historical or contemporary context.
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Students will produce objects through a range of forms, materials, and traditions.
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Students will show evidence of knowledge of interdisciplinary materials and processes for art classrooms.
Object Biography:
Students were asked to bring 3-5 objects to the summer intensive to use as inspiration. In follow up they were asked to answer the following questions for each of the objects they selected.
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What is it? ​
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What is it made of? ​
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How would you describe it to someone who can’t see it? ​
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How is (or was) it used? ​
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Is it unique (why or why not)? ​
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How did it get where it is?​
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Does it tell us anything about the maker or user? ​
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Why did you choose this object as inspiration?
Student Samples
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Documentation and Self Critiques:
Students are required to document all ceramics projects and submit these images at the end of the semester. Additionally, students are expected to document works in progress as required by self-critique assignments.
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Student Samples
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Studio Projects
Project 1: Ceramics - Table for Two
Create a two-person place setting for your favorite meal to share with a friend or family member. You should include a pair of drinking vessels, a pair of dishes to eat out of (bowl or plate) and at least one serving item. You may expand upon these objects if you choose to make a larger set. All items must relate to one another as a set but do not necessarily have to be identical as long as they have a unifying factor.
Project 2: Textiles – Spiral Weaving
Utilize the technique of spiral weaving to create an item of your choosing. This item may serve a function or be purely decorative. Keep in mind that the materials you choose to utilize will impact the scale and structure of your form. If you have used this method before, use this as an opportunity to make a different type of form or use alternate materials.
Project 3: Textiles – Mixed Media Embroidery
Embroidery is making a comeback in contemporary fine art and studio craft. Explore this as an opportunity to develop a mixed media piece utilizing the fabric you brought to repurpose as a foundation. Consider incorporating multiple thread types, paint, image transfer, and/or objects.
Project 4: Torch Enameling / Metals
Select at least three copper forms to create 2-3 enameled pieces. Utilize the additional metals, tools, and findings to make your work function as jewelry or as a sculptural object.
Final Project: Wildcard
Throughout this Summer Intensive you have explored multiple materials and processes which intersect across the world of fine art and studio craft. Choose one of these materials to refine your techniques and take them a step further. Embrace this as an opportunity to generate new ideas for yourself as an artist or for your classroom. Explore your curiosity and experiment. Keep in mind the time constraints as you select your materials and process.
