Course Title: ART112 3-D Design
Term: Fall, January and Spring

Course Description

112. 3-D DESIGN/THREE CREDITS Major, Minor credit. Prerequisite for all art and design courses. An introduction course that investigates the handling of real space through the study of form, structure, texture, and surface. Historical and contemporary issues are explored in various media. Lab fee.

Course Learning Objectives

1. Students are introduced to basic three-dimensional processes and safe use of tools 

2. Students will engage in critical discussion to support their use of form and space 

3. Students are introduced to the basic elements / principles of three-dimensional work 

4. Students are introduced to historical & contemporary three-dimensional artists 

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Students will have the aptitude to use basic tools in constructing (3) 3-D projects 

2. Students will be able critique / journal about craft and concept with each project critique

3. Students will submit a source book of contemporary sculpture work examples that reference the three-dimensional elements and principles of design 

4. Students will reference historical and contemporary three-dimensional artists as it pertains to each class project in their written summary

Final Digital Portfolio

All art and design students are required to establish and maintain a Digital Portfolio in which all artwork created during your time at Converse is documented. Documentation techniques will be covered in the class and students expected to document all drawings created in the course. The work and portfolio will be reviewed and graded for accuracy and quality. 

​

Skill Building Exercises

Exercise 1: Students will explore the studios, safety in the studios, and learn (what I title) the “Ghetto Chihuly Project” (videos of Dale Chihuly working). Each student creates 3 pieces, which will precede the next project, Chihuly, Robinson Chandelier Project.

Exercise 2: Students will work with poultry netting: and learn to cut and shape thin metal in preparation for the Corset/Bodice project.

Exercise 3: Students will explore joinery using wire, sewing, hot glue, paper mâché, shrink wrap, etc. 

Exercise 4: Students will learn to add fine detail to their bodices such as line emphasis with beads, alternative use of everyday materials.

Exercise 5: Students will learn to create a subtractive sculpture using insulation foam. They will use various cutting and carving tools to sculpt the foam such as the bandsaw, handsaws, jigsaws, hot wire cutting tools, rasps, files and sandpaper. They will learn basic anatomy as it relates to making their creatures. Students will learn the concept of joinery as it relates to sculpture (mastic, hot glue, rods for stabilizing, etc.).

Exercise 6: Students will learn how to cut glass with a handheld glass cutter and use different colors to create designs in their projects. 

Exercise 7: Students will learn and practice the skill of grouting tile and glass.

Exercise 8: Students will be introduced to the art of repousse and chasing, they will create a design for their journal using tracing paper and photocopied images.

Exercise 9: Students will practice repousse with a photocopied fish taped to tooling foil.

Exercise 10: students will practice creating volume and filling the volumed areas with spackle to prevent it from being damaged.

Exercise 11: Students will practice setting stones in tooling foil.

Exercise 12: Students will practice “distressing” their work.

Exercise 13: Students will learn how to marble paper using spray paint and a water bath.

​

Course Projects

Project 1: Chihuly, Robinson Chandelier Project

Students will create a chandelier/ installation piece from recycled materials. Students will learn to repurpose recyclable plastics into an impressive work of art. Students will learn about multiples, repetition and joining techniques. They will be introduced to Dale Chihuly and Aurora Robson’s art .

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=RjauhXGHNCk

https://inhabitat.com/aurora-robsons-ethereal-plastic-art-uses-up-to-20000-recycled-bottles/aurora-robson-plastic-art-1/

Materials: plastic bottles and/or other abundant recycled materials, scissors/exacto knives, monofilament or string, hot glue and glue guns, paint or sharpies, an armature to hang (coat hanger loop, etc.). Ladders for installation.

Procedure: Photos and videos will be shown. Students may sketch out ideas in class or be impulsive and create as they move forward. They will install the project and document. They will learn how to document and photograph their images. Emphasis on using both high resolution and low on camera. 

​