Instructor: Benjamin Jones
Prerequisite: Studio Art Foundations or equivalent
Course Description
Sculpture 1 presents a hands-on introduction to the world of contemporary sculpture, through a discussion of contemporary and historically relevant artists and the creation of several original artworks. In this course, we will introduce an array of primary materials with which to explore the formal relationships inherent to form and space and the principles of organization that underlie meaningful expression in three-dimensional arts.
What to Expect
Sculpture 1 challenges students with a sequence of problems related to the manipulation of sculptural media and the tools required to create sculptural forms. Students engage in in-class, hands-on projects as well as self-initiated out of class research and production. We will utilize primary materials and techniques that underlie the vast majority of sculptural fabrication. Material introductions will include wood, foam, plaster, and steel. Each unit will include a sequence of technical exercises and material studies aimed at exploring the expressive qualities of materials and developing essential techniques that are to then be employed in the creation of an original sculpture.
Each project will be introduced with a series of images of relevant artworks and accompanied by a document outlining the goals and timeline for completion. Carefully read the prompt and consider the conceptual and physical requirements of the project as you begin your creative process.
Through all projects, we will pay attention to line, form, mass, volume, positive and negative space, rhythm, texture, unity and variety, repetition, pattern, balance, proportion, scale and other elements and principles that form a basis for the development and understanding of sculpture.
Goals
At the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Effectively and intelligently manipulate a range of sculptural media in non-objective, abstract, and/or representational compositions
- Understand the structural, compositional and conceptual implications of various materials
- Speak and write critically about personal and peer artworks and understand the role of description and interpretation in group critiques
- Specify and procure materials and consumables
- Wholly grasp the importance of shop safety and demonstrate a responsible approach to the use of shared studio space
Course Requirements
Successful completion of Sculpture 1 requires the following:
- Completion of all projects and assignments on time.
- Thoroughly reading all assigned reading. Print every assigned reading and bring it with you to class with important passages highlighted and written notes/questions for discussion. One or two people will be assigned to lead the discussion of each reading.
- Participation in every project critique
- Participation in class discussion of readings, events, artworks, and participation in class trip(s).
Assignments & Critiques
There are no written exams in this class, but rather we engage in one-on-one critiques throughout the course of a project and in formalized group critiques at the end of each project. It is your responsibility to present work for critique and to engage honestly, fairly, and intelligently in the discussion of your peers work and listen attentively to the feedback of your classmates, TA, and instructor. Always bring a sketchbook or notebook to critique to take notes on feedback.
- All projects should be presented in a completed state on the assigned date without exception.
- Studio projects presented for critique must be complete and thoughtfully presented at the beginning of class. This will frequently take place in the Critique Studio, however, may also be scheduled for alternate locations. Pay attention to project timelines and plan your installation accordingly.
- No class time will be made available for installing work or finishing work on the day of; projects that are not presentable at the beginning of class on critique day will not be discussed and be penalized one letter grade.
- Critiques are a participatory group activity and barring extraordinary circumstances no make-up will be offered.
Research, analysis, and engaged investigation will strengthen your work and above all enrich your experience. However, the success of individual projects will not be judged solely on these factors; finished work will be also evaluated by the criteria of the assignment, your individual process of discovery, and ultimately the final results. For more specific information please read the General Grading Criteria below.
Materials and Supplies
Sculpture materials, supplies, and basic hand tools are not provided. You will be required to purchase a range of basic hand tools and most of the materials you will use throughout the semester. Students report spending anywhere from $100-300 on materials for this class. While it is possible to make excellent work on a budget, there is a high probability that you will need to purchase a range of materials, hardware, and finishing supplies throughout the semester. Please budget accordingly.
See the lists of required tools and material resources on this website
Class Policies
- Attendance to all class sessions for the entire length of class is mandatory. More than two late arrivals will be counted as an absence, each subsequent late will also be counted as an absence. More than two absences will result in the loss of one letter grade, each additional absence will drop one more letter. Students absent four classes will fail.
- Studio art classes require a serious commitment of time, effort, and resources. Projects are assigned with the expectation that you will dedicate a minimum of 6-8 hours outside of class per week. Developing a regular work practice is essential to successful completion of this course.
- Lack of progress on any given project from one class to the next is a clear indication of trouble.
- All studio projects should be completed and installed before class begins. No class time will be made available for installation or setup.
- Attendance and participation in all critique sessions is mandatory (and fun).
Notebook/Sketchbook/Digital Scrapbook
Your sketchbook/notebook/digital scrapbook is an important tool for collecting your thoughts, research and inspiration. You are responsible for maintaining a comprehensive project sketchbook comprised of concept sketches, drawings, doodles, rants, notes, self-directed research, and self-assessment as well as construction drawings as well as any other project related information. Bring your sketchbook with you to every class and be prepared to present it for discussion during individual and group meetings. Digital workflows can both complicate and enhance your progress on this front. If you prefer to draw/organize/archive digitally there are some tools that can enable you to easily organize your thoughts: Evernote, Apple Photos, Google Photos, and Adobe LightRoom are all useful tools for organizing and working with digital images.
Written Assignments
Writing will be an ongoing part of this course as a critical tool to enhance and clarify the creative process. This can include class notes, self-directed research, and self-assessments, among others. Above all, writing for this course is intended to expand your abilities to analyze, evaluate, and think critically about issues relevant to the arts. This is a college-level studio course, all work including writing completed as part of this course should reflect the highest standards of execution.
Final Documentation
Documenting and archiving your work is an essential aspect of any art practice. Your final documentation should include well lit, well-shot photographs of each project. Work can be documented in the critique room immediately following critiques or can be set up in SAB 240 for photographing. Cameras and lighting equipment are available through the Department of Art Equipment checkout, room 019 SAB. Contact Mikael Petraccia to reserve equipment. While it is advisable to shoot process photos of you work with a smartphone, all final documentation must be shot with a DSLR camera using a high-quality lens.
Grading
Final grades are determined by the following formula:
| Attendance & Participation | 15% | |
| Technical Projects & Studies | 15% | |
| Completed Sculpture Projects | 60% | |
| Final Documentation & self evaluation | 10% |
Events on Campus:
Please see the UMass calendar for events including speakers, screenings, and exhibitions on campus
http://www.umass.edu/events/category/2441
Five College Events Calendar
http://calendar.fivecolleges.edu/FiveCol/calendrome.cgi
Field Trip(s):
TBA
UMass Department of Art Grading Policy
The Department requires that the following grading guidelines are included on all syllabi.
Grading will be in accordance with the UMass Amherst Studio Art uniform grading policy. Projects will be evaluated according to strength of concept, development of ideas, craft, degree of difficulty, and completeness. Evaluations will take into account not only the tangible things that are evident in the work, but also those things that are not so evident and are often ephemeral, such as passion, dedication, determination, and persistence.
The following standards will be used in assigning grades:
A
Truly extraordinary work, which has gone far beyond the description of the stated problem. Work that makes evident a significant understanding of the problem, shows exceptional competence in the required skills, extraordinary craft, and an advanced conceptual clarity and depth. The student exhibits an attitude of exploration, of open-mindedness, and a willingness to benefit from criticism.
A- or B+
Exemplary work, which is attended with initiative beyond the description of the stated problem. The problem is well understood and the work shows competence, excellent craft, and conceptual clarity and depth. The student exhibits an attitude of exploration, of open-mindedness, and benefits from criticism.
B
Good work that shows an understanding of the problem, displays a conceptual foundation, and is well crafted. Shows overall competency, as well as mastery in some areas. Is attended with an open and inquisitive attitude.
B- or C+
Acceptable work, but with some deficiencies. Shows an understanding of the problem, but there is a need for some improvement to be at the appropriate level for the class / assignment.
C
Work that meets the minimum requirements of the problem and course. The problem is only partially understood, and there is a clear need for improvement to be at the appropriate level for the class / assignment. Students should make every effort to meet with their TA to identify their strengths and weaknesses.
C- or D+
Work that does not show an understanding of the problem, and demonstrates deficiencies in the mastery of skills, self-motivation, and respect for criticism. Students should meet with the professor and discuss their course of study.
D
Unacceptable work, which does not meet the requirements of the problem or course, shows a serious deficiency in the mastery of skills, and suggests that this course of study may be inappropriate for the student.
F
A grade of “F” is obvious: clear failure to meet basic criteria of the assignments and course overall.
GENERAL GRADING CRITERIA
Attendance
Have you been present and on time in all classes?
Participation
Have you actively participated in class discussions, critiques, and studio upkeep? Have you used the class time productively and efficiently to produce your work?
Writing
Have you engaged with the subject matter and demonstrated your in-depth understanding of the text by addressing particular points in a clear way? Is your writing typed and turned them in on time? Have you checked grammar and spelling before submitting your papers?
Concept
Does your work demonstrate your understanding of the concepts underlying each activity, assignment, and project? Are your concepts and ideas interesting and compelling for the viewer?
Craft
Have you fully explored the potential of each medium? Have you used a variety of interesting materials? Have you deliberately chosen your materials and methods to enhance the concept of the piece? Have you made your piece with technical integrity, without visual distractions?
Work Process
Have you improved your craft? Have you actively sought help from instructors and peers when needed? Have you been receptive to criticism and suggestions from your instructors and peers, and incorporated those ideas in further developing and strengthening your work?
Safety
You must attend all safety demonstrations, display an understanding of safe shop practices and sign the accompanying training log before being permitted to operate any machinery. Under no circumstances should you attempt to operate machinery without proper training. If you are unsure about the operation of a specific tool, ASK FIRST.
Sculpture Studio Safety
The sculpture shops at UMass Amherst will close daily from 12:00 am – 6:00 am. During these time nobody will be permitted to work in the wood or metal shops. Safety training will be conducted in class, before operating any machinery you must demonstrate knowledge of safe operation.
For additional training sessions please contact the sculpture technicians:
Dan Wessman – Woodshop
Bob Woo – Metals, plaster, and Ceramics
You must remain alert at all times: the sculpture studios can be dangerous even when used correctly. The following should always be followed:
-
- Wear eye protection at all times when working in the sculpture studios.
- Wear well-fitting work clothes, loose clothing, jewelry, and long hair can present serious risks when working with power tools.
- Wear closed-toe leather shoes. Sandals and bare feet will not be permitted under any circumstances in any of the sculpture studios.
- No loose hair.
- No loose jewelry.
- Wear gloves when appropriate.
- Wear ear protection when operating loud equipment.
- Any use of aerosols or materials containing VOC’s should be done in the Spray Room. Never use these materials in the classroom or the patio.
- Always wear respiratory protection and provide adequate ventilation when using any chemicals or dry pigments.
- Never leave hand tools out when not in use. Clean and return them to their proper location in the tool room.
- Lift heavy objects carefully and with assistance.
- Clean up after yourself! Leave the studio cleaner than you found it.
- Store all materials in the material closet clearly marked with your name and the date. Materials stores longer than one month may be subject to forfeiture.
- Store all artwork in your studio. Any artwork left in the sculpture studio or in the shop will be moved to the dumpster.
- If you’re not sure about a procedure or equipment ask.
University Policies:
The institution requires that the following policies are included in all syllabi.
Academic Honesty
Academic dishonesty, in any form, will not be tolerated and you are responsible for educating yourself about the University’s official policy on academic honesty.
http://www.umass.edu/dean_students/rights/acad_honest.htm
If an instructor finds that a student has violated the University’s Academic Honesty Policy, the instructor has the right to lower the student’s grade,
or even fail the student for the course. Students have the right to appeal such a grade penalty by the instructor. The University Academic Honesty Board, which must be notified by instructors of any grade penalty, reviews all student appeals. The Board may sustain or recommend modification of the penalty given by a faculty member, or may recommend sanctions exceeding those originally given, such as suspension or expulsion from the University. The Board may also recommend sanctions for offenders who
have committed multiple violations of the Academic Honesty Policy but who have not appealed the faculty members’ decisions.
Accommodation Policy Statement
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is committed to providing an equal educational opportunity for all students. If you have a documented physical, psychological, or learning disability on file with Disability Services (DS) or Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH) you may be eligible for reasonable academic accommodations to help you succeed in this course. If you have a documented disability that requires an accommodation, please notify me within the first two weeks of the semester so that we can find reasonable accommodations.