Course Descriptions
SCULPTURE
This course develops a student’s ability to work safely in a Sculpture Studio. Students will learn to use hand tools, both electric and non-electric, and some larger floor model tools to produce unique original sculptures.
These new artists will learn about a variety of materials and techniques.
Industrial sized power tools will be demonstrated but their use by students will be limited to the students’ age and ability.
Included throughout the course will be presentations and discussions on sculptural processes, aesthetics and trends, focusing largely on the 20th and 21st centuries.
Students start with in-depth instruction in the safe and proper use of tools.
All conceived works are produced with the help of sketches and maquettes and this planning stage of the sculptural process is stressed. A ‘blueprint’ type of working drawing and a statement of intent are necessary for a complete project.
Assignments are given as general problems which can be addressed in numerous ways according to the student/sculptor’s own sensibilities. We deal with structural systems, cause and effect, symbolism, logic and purity.
The sculpture student is encouraged to look beyond the walls of our studio to seek inspiration in the community with regard to his/her projects.
WOODWORKING
This course is an investigation into carpentry and cabinet making.
Students are given an in-depth hands on introduction to tools and their uses. Discussions are on-going regarding types of woods and ancillary materials like fasteners and adhesives. We start out with structural ideas and concepts then we move on to simple blueprint style working drawings. Once a design has been thoroughly analyzed the student begins the physical aspect of the craft. Cutting, drilling, nailing, screwing, sanding, and numerous jointing techniques are focused on in the fabrication of your own wood project. Special attention is paid to finishing elements and details.
Note:
Both of these classes offer opportunities to discover new materials and new personal techniques for expanding physical capabilities while addressing the discipline of three-dimensional static and kinetic art forms as well as functional forms of structures.
Sculpture and woodworking overlap in all areas of tool use and many areas of design, preparation and execution