3D Processes: Fall 2022

Course Description:

3D Processes is a foundation studio course designed to introduce the student to the fundamental skills and vocabulary necessary to design and create three-dimensional works in space. We will explore areas of 3D construction, sculpture and design ranging from object to installation using a variety of processes. A variety of materials and techniques will be introduced, including wood, metal, plaster, clay, mixed media, and digital drawing programs. Students will be asked to develop creative solutions to a series of structured problems. These projects will involve the mastery of technical problems, as well as the articulation of conceptual issues. Students will be encouraged to verbally develop a vocabulary of basic design, construction and sculptural concepts through group critiques and discussions.

Demonstrations, slide lectures and field trips will supplement hands-on studio work.

Required for all visual arts incoming freshmen.

Course Goals:

Provide students with the basic tools for the creation and understanding of 3D objects in space, focusing on traditional, hand-made techniques, augmented with digital tools.

Learning Objectives:

Knowledge of:

• Principles of design and elements of form as applied to the construction and analysis of 3D objects

• Principles of 3D design including affordances, usability, ergonomics, and human interaction 

• Criteria and vocabulary used in critique 

• Contemporary sculpture and installation exhibits 

• History of sculpture 

Ability to:

• Analyze artworks perceptively and to evaluate them critically 

• Recognize and articulate the common elements of art/design and be able to employ this knowledge in analysis. 

• Critique 3D artworks on formal, conceptual, and art-historical criteria, with a focus on intention of artist 

• Integrate digital work flows into a physical making process 

• Draw 3D objects by hand and with 2D drawing software (vector) 

• Plan and delineate accurate measurements using drawing software to assist in the creation of a 3D object 

• Complete 3D objects in the following materials: Wood, Wire, Metal, Plaster, Clay and Mixed media

Technical Competencies:

Demonstrate a basic comfort with and understanding of the use of clay, plaster, wood and metal as it applies to the making of sculpture.

• Hand building and modeling with clay 

• One piece plaster molds and alginate molds

• Wood tools including Band saw, Sander, Drill Press, Hand tools to create an object in wood 

• Metal tools including band saw, drill press, beverly shear, bending brake, jump shear, power drill, rivet gun, and ball peen hammer 

• Draw in vector software

Writing:

For EVERY critique you are required to turn in a typed, written artist’s statement about your piece, 250 words. This paragraph must explain the intent of your idea and its relationship to the materials and form of the final work. Except for when indicated this writing can be in a traditional narrative form or a more poetic creative form. Writing is due with each reading assignment as well, see below. You must also keep a sketchbook that helps you to record ideas, make sketches for projects, and even paste in inspiration. This does not need to be a designated 3D sketchbook, it can be the one you use for all your classes.

Readings:

Verb List - Richard Serra 

I am for an Art - Claes Oldenberg 

Artists Statements - Eva Hesse 

Talking Art with Alison Saar -  Bell Hooks

One Place After Another: Notes on Site Specificity - Miwon Kwon

Reading Responses:

In response to each reading, you should generate a one page, double spaced paper tying the content of the reading to your own artistic practice. 

Some questions to consider when generating your response:

• How does this reading challenge, transform or reaffirm my beliefs as an artist?

• What about this reading did I find confusing (and why?)

The goal of this writing is not to simply regurgitate the reading, but rather to contextualize it FOR YOURSELF through an in-depth, discursive response.

These response papers should be handed in via Moodle in PDF format (File → Save As → PDF) by the beginning of class, and will guide the conversations we have with you about your work throughout the semester.

Photography:

You must photograph every project you complete, these will be due, printed and digital files, at the end of the year as part of your review. These videos offer the basic standards for shooting 3D objects:

Assessment & Grading:

The learning outcomes for this class will be measured by a performance-based assessment of the student’s portfolio. Grades will be given based upon the quality of each class assignment and the cumulative quality of the work demonstrated in the portfolio. Evaluation will be not solely on the success of a solution or project but also by the degree of challenge the students have posed to themselves. Professional expectations: indifferent craftsmanship, lack of participation in class, poor attendance and lateness, failure to complete assignments will negatively affect the portfolio grade.

Regular attendance and punctual arrival is imperative and non-negotiable. 3 absences = automatic failure. 3 lates (under 1/2 hour) = 1 absence. 2 lates (more than 1/2 hour)= 1 absence. Leaving class early is the same as arriving late. 

Participation is a key component of the grade. This includes coming to class with the required materials to work productively, completing all required readings so that the student can participate meaningfully in class discussions, and giving thoughtful feedback during critiques. 

Grades below a “C” mean the student is working below stated expectations. It will be necessary for the student repeat the course with a grade of “C” or better to advance to sophomore standing within their concentration. 

A grade of “C” means ‘satisfactory’ – that professional expectations have been met and that all assignments have been completed on time, with adequate craftsmanship. 

Grades in the “B” range reflect greater effort, craftsmanship and insight. 

The grade of “A” is reserved for extraordinary effort and results.

Grading Criteria:

55% of your grade will be based on the timely completion of all assignments. Late projects/ assignment grades will be lowered by one letter grade per day. Work that has been presented on time may be presented again for an improved grade. Reworking a piece is good artistic practice, and generally leads to an improved piece. Expect to spend 10 hours a week on your projects outside of class. 

45% of your grade will be based on your participation in class- your attitude and your participation in discussions and critiques. If you are not present, you are not participating, regardless of your reason. You need to work on your projects during the in-class studio time, so please plan accordingly. You are also expected to participate fully in any discussions or critiques. 

Unfinished projects may result in a failing grade for the course.

Dress Code:

Although I appreciate good fashion sense more than most, in this course, it is important that you dress ready to work. If you can make that look chic - brilliant! Never come to class in something you are concerned about ruining or getting dirty. It will happen. You should ALWAYS wear closed toed shoes and clothing that allows for unconstricted movement. Be prepared to pull long hair out and away from your face. Failure to properly dress for work in class will negatively affect your participation grade, and may result in a request by me for you to go home and change into something appropriate to work in.

Community Health During COVID-19:

To ensure that each of us has a healthy and safe learning experience, all students are required to remain informed and follow Purchase College Policy and/or any departmental, local, state, or federal laws, rules or regulations for attending classes on campus and in a remote learning environment. 

Within courses that involve in-person contact, all students, faculty members, staff, and visitors are required to adhere to the expectations outlined on the College’s COVID-19 website.  Failure to comply with requirements (e.g. wearing masks, maintaining social distancing) will result in the request to leave the classroom for that in-person class session. Students may also be referred to the Office of Community Standards.

Academic and Professional Integrity:

Plagiarism and Cheating: https://www.purchase.edu/live/blurbs/840-academic-and-professional-integrity

Expanded Practice (non-traditional materials or presentation methods):

There may be options and opportunities to engage in an expanded art making practice through this class (the use of non-traditional materials or presentation methods.) If a student chooses to work in this way, it is important to communicate a clear plan to the instructor.  Through this communication we can ensure that any work does not negatively impact the daily schedule or physical structure of the Visual Arts Building, or other areas on campus. Some practices or activities such as the painting of walls and the hanging of art work from the ceiling must be approved by the Building Manager through instructor request.

The following alterations to the building may not be made:

• The painting of doors, ceilings, floors

• Addition or removal of doors, walls, or any structural element

• Removal (even temporary) of ceiling tiles

The following materials may not be used anywhere within the building:

• Perishable or decaying material, be it animal or vegetable

• Live animals

• Body fluids or parts

• Open flames or potentially hazardous objects or materials (included but not limited to, petroleum derivatives, out-gassing plastic, and chemical solvents.)

Any alteration executed in the course of an approved project or installation must be returned to its original state and will be confirmed by the instructor when finished.

Site-specific works:

All Artworks presented outside of the classroom must be done with instructor permission and proper procedure followed. A #purchART notification form must be properly filled out and posted next to the work. Sites must be given an OK by the instructor and any other affected parties such as residence hall RA’s and building managers. The instructor must follow the #purchART policy guidelines for class wide projects.

Documented Disabilities:

It is my goal that this class be an accessible and welcoming experience for all students, including those with disabilities. You are welcome to talk to me at any point in the semester about course design concerns, but it is best if we can talk as soon as possible about the need for any adjustments. The Office of Disability Resources collaborates directly with students who identify documented disabilities to create accommodation plans, including testing accommodations, in order for students to access course content and validly demonstrate learning. For those students who may require accommodations, please call or email the Office of Disability Resources, 914-251-6035, ODR@purchase.edu.

Supplies:

Items not in your kits that you will need for this class: Empty cardboard boxes (don't throw them out when you move in, we'll use them!) Any materials, structures or objects you find interesting, and wish to explore in class. Purchase College, SUNY will provide a limited amount of wood, clay, plaster and metal for specific assignments.

Communication: 

On campus: Tuesdays. Available via Zoom by appointment.

Email: damien.davis@purchase.edu