Course Catalog 2010-2011

Associate Professor Carrie Olson, Chair

Associate Professors Ronald Abram, Carrie Olson (Chair) and Micaela Vivero; Assistant Professor Sheilah A. Wilson; Visiting Professors Jeffry Mitchell (Fall) and Adrian French (Fall); Visual Resource Curator Jacqueline Pelasky; Ceramic/Sculpture Technician Stanley Wrzysczynski; Academic Administrative Assistant Dyan Couden

The Art department offers two different degree programs in Studio Art, a bachelor of arts (B.A.) and a bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.). All Studio Art (ARTS) majors are expected to complete two studio courses (110/170 and one course in a three-dimensional area) and one art history course (ARTH 151) as soon as possible after the major is declared. Students who plan to major in Studio Art are strongly advised to seek an advisor/mentor within the Art department at the time of their decision to major. Students who decide to major in Studio Art are required to present a portfolio to their advisor in the department to assist in the planning of their art curriculum. Students should expect to work three clock hours per week outside of class for each credit hour of a course.

Students desiring a B.F.A. degree should discuss their intentions with a member of the Studio Art faculty as soon as possible. Students must submit a portfolio for review in the second week of the second semester of the sophomore year. Upon acceptance of the portfolio and admittance into the B.F.A. program, the department will notify the Registrar. B.F.A. students are also subject to periodic review of their Studio work by the Art faculty. In addition to participating in the senior group exhibition, BFA students must also create and install a solo exhibition.

A minimum of six courses (five in Studio and one in Art History) should be taken as follows: ARTS 110/170 or 165, one course in a three-dimensional area, three elective Studio courses (one elective must be a 200-level Studio course), and one Art History course.

All juniors in Studio Art are required to make a casual 5-minute presentation of current artwork, along with a statement about why the work is important to them and why they have taken it in a specific direction. The presentation is made to the faculty and to the student's peers as a "mini-symposium" during the Fall or Spring semester of the Junior year.

Studio Art Foundation (ARTS-101).  Directed at both non-art majors and majors, Studio Art Foundation (SAF) is a basic introduction to artistic practice in contemporary culture. Through an interdisciplinary approach and a technical understanding of multiple mediums, the course crosses borders between two-dimensional, three-dimensional and time based artistic disciplines. Campus wide events (lectures, concerts, exhibitions) are used as points of departure in the class to emphasize the critical nature of art making with other content areas of study, theory and research. 4

Introduction to Drawing (ARTS-110).  A studio course in the fundamentals of drawing in several media. Problems in still life, rendering, and perspective will be covered, along with historical and contemporary approaches to drawing. 4

Introduction to Painting (ARTS-115).  Historical and contemporary approaches to painting technique will be covered in readings and discussion and by working with painting materials. 4

Introduction to Photography (ARTS-117).  The photographic philosophy and digital process will be approached from historical and contemporary viewpoints with problems in light, form, texture and composition. 4

Introduction to Ceramics (ARTS-121).  A broad introduction to all ceramics potential. Clay working in sculptural as well as vessel-oriented directions. Slide presentations and discussions with references made to ceramic history as well as to contemporary ceramic art. Students are introduced to a variety of hand building techniques and are encouraged to pursue their individual creative potential. 4

Introduction to Ceramics - The Wheel (ARTS-122).  An introduction to producing Ceramic forms, both utilitarian and sculptural, using the potter's wheel. Image presentations and discussions will introduce students to the contemporary and historical role of Ceramics in art and material culture. Students are introduced to a variety of throwing techniques and surface treatments and are encouraged to pursue their individual creative potential. 4

Introduction to Printmaking (ARTS-131).  As a foundation course, emphasis will be on historical and contemporary concepts in art through the media of printmaking. The course will provide exposure to printmaking processes with direct involvement in one of the following: intaglio, screen printing and relief. Tools, materials and techniques will be fully covered regarding the featured printmaking process. Art issues such as format and content of visual images will be stressed as well as technical procedures for implementing the print. 4

Introduction to Sculpture (ARTS-141).  This course is an introductory course into sculpture. It will concentrate on developing sculptural thinking and working habits, the safe use of basic tools, understanding ways of seeing and the translation of experience into an arts practice. 4

Special Topics in Studio Art (ARTS-165).  Special topic courses with a focus on particular aspects of studio art at the introductory level. 4

Introduction to Drawing for Majors (ARTS-170).  A studio course in the fundamentals of drawing in several media. Problems in still life, rendering, and perspective will be covered, along with historical and contemporary approaches to drawing. 4

Introduction to Ceramics for Majors (ARTS-171).  A broad introduction to all ceramics potential. Clay working in sculptural as well as vessel-oriented directions. Slide presentations and discussions with references made to ceramic history as well as to contemporary ceramic art. Students are introduced to a variety of hand building techniques and are encouraged to pursue their individual creative potential. 4

Introduction to Sculpture for Majors (ARTS-172).  This course is an introductory course into sculpture. It will concentrate on developing sculptural thinking and working habits, the safe use of basic tools, understanding ways of seeing and the translation of experience into an arts practice. 4

Introduction to Painting for Majors (ARTS-175).  Historical and contemporary approaches to painting technique will be covered in readings and discussion and by working with painting materials. 4

Introduction to Photography for Majors (ARTS-177).  The photographic philosophy and digital process will be approached from historical and contemporary viewpoints with problems in light, form, texture and composition. 4

Introductory Topics in Art (ARTS-199).  A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. 1-4

Intermediate Drawing (ARTS-210).  Continued experience in drawing with emphasis on contemporary techniques. Prime objective is increased capacity for responsive seeing and a deeper understanding of drawing as a total medium. Prerequisite: 110 or consent. 4

Life Drawing (ARTS-211).  Study from the human figure in charcoal and other media with emphasis on structure in line, value and color. Prerequisite: 110 or consent. 4

Life Drawing (ARTS-212).  Study from the human figure in charcoal and other media with emphasis on structure in line, value and color. Prerequisite: 110 or consent. 4

Intermediate Painting (ARTS-215).  Continued painting experience with emphasis on developing individual concepts. Prerequisite: 115 or consent. 4

Intermediate Painting (ARTS-216).  Continued painting experience with emphasis on developing individual concepts. Prerequisite: 115 or consent. 4

Intermediate Photography (ARTS-217).  A continuation of ARTS 117. Attention will be placed on generating, evolving and completing a cohesive body of digital photographic work. Prerequisite: 117 or consent. 4

Ceramic History and Contemporary Practice (ARTS-220).  The history of ceramics very closely parallels the development of civilization and culture across the planet. In this studio course, students will draw upon this long, rich history as inspiration for their own work and gain a deeper understanding of the context in which they and other contemporary artists are creating ceramic art. The primary emphasis of ceramic history and its impact on contemporary practice will be explored through image presentations, research, discussions and studio work. Students will use a variety of construction techniques and surface treatments to transform their ideas and research into objects and are encouraged to pursue their individual creative potential. No prerequisites. 4

Intermediate Ceramics (ARTS-221).  Students will hone the skills gained in previous ceramic courses and will focus on refining the application of learned techniques to produce visually and conceptually compelling work. Image presentations and discussions will lead to a deeper understanding of contemporary and historical ceramic art. Students will gain experience in different firing technologies and clay and glaze chemistry. Primary emphasis is on students' individual conceptual and technical development. Prerequisite: ARTS 121, ARTS 122 or Ceramic Multiples. 4

Intermediate Ceramics (ARTS-222).  Along with further exploration of clay as a sculptural material, introduction of basic wheel-forming skills and functional vessel forms. Different firing and glazing methods including electric, gas, raku and salt kiln experience. Primary emphasis on students' individual conceptual development. Prerequisite: 121 or consent. 4

The Ceramic Surface (ARTS-223).  In this studio course students will explore the numerous options for surface expression in ceramic art making. One of clay's unique properties is the ability to faithfully record impressions in its surface - from the fingerprint of a potter to patterned designs stamped into the surface. Today, mark making on clay has caught up with technology, incorporating digital processes into the roster of print technique possibilities. Students will learn to make their own glazes, effectively use slips, glazes, china paints, lustres, print-transfers, photo-decals and alternative firing techniques. Students will explore the relationships between content, form and surface through the creative process, group critiques, readings, image presentations and discussions. Prerequisite: A Denison University Ceramic course or consent of instructor. 4

Ceramic Multiples (Ceramics From Molds) (ARTS-224).  In this studio course students learn to create ceramic objects using plaster molds, how to make casting slip, and the basics of kiln firing. We will explore the relationship between Art, Design and Craft, and students will be encouraged to push the boundaries of where these categories begin and end. Producing ceramic objects from molds allows for greater refinement of the object, unlimited possibilities of form and the potential of creating multiple replicas or variations on one form. Because of inherent associations with industry, technology, and mass-production, objects produced from molds offer unique conceptual possibilities that students will pursue through the creative process, group critiques, readings and discussions. Prerequisite: Any Denison University Studio Art course or consent of the instructor. 4

Intermediate Printmaking (ARTS-231).  Students may work with any printmaking processes in which they have had experience or with the consent of instructor. Processes available to Printmaking II students include: relief, lithography, intaglio or screen printing. Emphasis will be on continued technical and conceptual development. Prerequisite: 131 or consent. 4

Intermediate Printmaking (ARTS-232).  Students may work with any printmaking processes in which they have had experience or with the consent of instructor. Processes available to Printmaking II students include: relief, lithography, intaglio or screen printing. Emphasis will be on continued technical and conceptual development. Prerequisite: 131 or consent. 4

Installation/Site-Specific Art (ARTS-240).  In installation art the space is considered like the blank sheet of paper of a drawing. Its goal is the transformation of spaces through the use of objects, images, color, etc. Site-specific art is art that is created in a certain space , where the place is part of the work and adds meaning to it. This Installation/Site-Specific Art studio class will focus on creating objects that will transform a variety of architectural spaces, in which the course and its participants will examine from multiple perspectives ranging from formal concerns to historical research and metaphorical opportunities. 4

Intermediate Sculpture (ARTS-241).  This course focuses on the search for art practices. The students have to develop projects starting out with specific themes that are discussed by the group, but the end product is personal depending on the individual conceptual and aesthetic development. 4

Intermediate Sculpture (ARTS-242).  Emphasis on individual creativity and conceptual development coupled with good craftsmanship and further technical knowledge. Media: plastics, cement, metal, wood. Prerequisite: 141 or consent. Safety glasses required. 4

Mixed Media Sculpture (ARTS-243).  Combining theory and practice in the sculpture studio, this topical intermediate sculpture course focuses its central objective around an overarching relevant interdisciplinary theme that varies per semester. Along with theoretical readings and presentations, a series of sculpture projects will be developed by each student to explore the selected research theme created with a range of techniques and materials. Course materials may include plaster, wax, fabric, found objects, wood, and metal. The works will acquire meaning based not only on the form, but also on the material the work is made out of and its connotations. Importance will be given to the investigation on the theme, to the process of sculptural creation and to the end products, the final sculpture. 4

Fiber Arts (ARTS-244).  This studio art course is an introduction to the basic expressive potential of weaving and macrame to create two- and three-dimensional works. The use of natural and/or artificial materials will be introduced and a combination between structural and non-structural materials, to make the composition work as an image, object or installation. The artworks created will be the result of an analytic process guided by information acquired, the interpretation of that information and experiences lived by each participant of this class. 4

New Media: Internet Art (ARTS-245).  This course will focus on the artistic generation of meaning through the technology of new media. Within the art curriculum the challenge will be to work with this technically advanced medium for the purpose of personal expression. Instruction will be in the form of lectures, tutorials and demos and there will be a lab for introducing theory and works of electronic art/music for discussion and inspiration. Questions concerning our relation to and with digital media and the nature of the electronic arts and their potential to be interactive will be probed throughout the semester. 4

Book Structures: Image and Text (ARTS-247).  This course will invite collaboration between diverse visual arts and the humanities through an investigation of the ways images and text can be brought together in book format. The course will cover the craft of bookbinding and the conceptual theoretical issues of the relation between visual art and literature. 4

Farmscape: Artistic Perspectives on Farmland Preservation (ARTS-256).  Farms are being paved over and bought out; farmers are an increasingly rare breed. Preserving precious farmland has become a critical challenge, and our well-being - not to mention our nutrition - may be contingent on this fundamental need. Farmscape provides a hands-on exploration into the many facets of farmland preservation, with an emphasis on photographic imagery of the landscape. Students will learn about farmer motivations to protect their land, the preservation tools they can use, and the stories behind the headlines about lost family farms, suburban sprawl, rural decline, and social factors that steadily reduce our agrarian culture. We will examine the utilitarian side of farming, but our focus will turn primarily to the view through the lens: documenting and representing farmland preservation through artistic media. This course immerses students in the visual imagination. 1-4

Special Topics in Studio Art (ARTS-264).  4

Special Topics in Studio Art (ARTS-265).  4

Performance Art (ARTS-267).  This studio art course will focus on processes of creating and executing actions that may have an artistic content. In this course the participants will generate actions that will be performed. Prior to the execution of artistic actions the participants will be exposed to a wide range of artistic performances from different backgrounds, ritualistic actions in different cultures from ancient to contemporary. We will be working on the approach to art practices from the production of meaning and the relationship between art and life. The main objective is to use actions as a way of discovering arts practices. This course fulfills the Oral Communication general education requirement and a Fine Arts Division requirement. 4

Intermediate Topics in Art (ARTS-299).  A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. 1-4

Advanced Drawing (ARTS-310).  Continued drawing experience with emphasis on developing individual skills, concepts and expression. Prerequisite: 210 or consent. 4

Advanced Painting (ARTS-315).  Continued painting experience. Prerequisite: 215. 4

Advanced Painting (ARTS-316).  Continued painting experience. Prerequisite: 215. 4

Advanced Photography (ARTS-317).  Students also are directed into a critical analysis of photography from a theoretical, technical and historical perspective and are introduced to the medium format camera. Prerequisite: 117, 217 or consent. 4

Advanced Ceramics (ARTS-321).  This course requires a working knowledge of the ceramic process. Students work in depth, developing a personal approach to the medium, acquiring greater competency in terms of concept and technique. Prerequisite: 121, 221 or consent. 4

Advanced Ceramics (ARTS-322).  This course requires a working knowledge of the ceramic process. Students work in depth, developing a personal approach to the medium, acquiring greater competency in terms of concept and technique. Prerequisite: 121, 221 or consent. 4

Advanced Printmaking (ARTS-331).  Students may work with any printmaking process in which they have had experience or with the consent of instructor. Processes available to Printmaking III students include: relief, lithography, intaglio or screen printing. Experimentation and innovation, both conceptually and technically, will be stressed for the advanced student. Prerequisite: 231-232. 4

Advanced Printmaking (ARTS-332).  Students may work with any printmaking process in which they have had experience or with the consent of instructor. Processes available to Printmaking III students include: relief, lithography, intaglio or screen printing. Experimentation and innovation, both conceptually and technically, will be stressed for the advanced student. Prerequisite: 231-232. 4

Advanced Sculpture (ARTS-341).  Prerequisite: 241-242. 4

Advanced Sculpture (ARTS-342).  Prerequisite: 241-242. 4

Directed Study (ARTS-361).  For the student of marked creative ability who wishes to pursue advanced subjects not otherwise listed, such as design, graphics, or history and criticism. 1-4

Directed Study (ARTS-362).  For the student of marked creative ability who wishes to pursue advanced subjects not otherwise listed, such as design, graphics, or history and criticism. 1-4

Independent Study (ARTS-363).  1-4

Independent Study (ARTS-364).  1-4

Advanced Special Topics (ARTS-365).  4

Advanced Topics in Art (ARTS-399).  A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit. 1-4

Senior Art History Project (ARTS-400).  Studio, B.A., B.F.A. 3

Visual Arts Practicum (ARTS-401).  Theory and creative practice in selected areas of the visual arts. Majors are required to enroll in the Visual Arts Practicum twice in their senior year in conjunction with a 300-level course in their area of specialization. This class is for Studio Art majors only or by permission of instructor. 4

Senior Research (ARTS-451).  4

Senior Research (ARTS-452).  4