ART 292 Sculpture: The Figure

Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Introduces the human figure as a springboard for creative study. Materials include sculpture modeling clay and mixed media, discovering inherent potential and limitations of these materials. Covers basic anatomy, human proportions, and the power of gesture in communicating an idea. Explores realism and abstraction. Apply principles of design and practice critical analysis of work through written and oral critiques. Includes skill-building exercises with materials, research of the figure and its role in art history and contemporary art, and final projects that demonstrate the synthesis of course content.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Recommended: ART 115, or ART 117, or ART 131 with a grade of C or better; or consent of Instructor.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Describe the physical and intrinsic characteristics and limitations of modeling clay and mixed media as a sculptural materials.
Understand the human body’s basic anatomy and proportions and how to apply and manipulate human form in sculpture to communicate an idea.
Use various tools and modeling methods to comfortably work with clay; critically select materials for use in mixed media constructions.
Use and apply three dimensional design terminology in the process of making figurative sculpture, in written evaluations of artworks, and during critiques.
Share new knowledge about the role of the figure in art, both in historical works and contemporary practice.
Work individually and cooperatively in class exercises and projects.
Practice attention to detail and demonstrate aptitude with hands, tools, and materials to create form.
Find solutions to visual and technical problems through design assessment and creative problem solving skills. .
Identify issues of quality, safety, and sustainability in the studio environment.

Additional Statewide General Education Outcomes

Interpret and engage in the Arts and Letters, making use of the creative process to enrich the quality of life.
Critically analyze values and ethics within a range of human experience and expression to engage more fully in local and global issues.

Content Outline

Introduction
- Historical overview of the figure in art
- Introduction to the figure in contemporary art
- Human anatomy
  - Bones and muscles
  - General proportions
Studio Practices
- Access, use, and upkeep of studio
- Proper and safe handling of materials
- Use of equipment
- Sustainability issues inherent in the studio
- Effective use of class time and open lab hours
Sculptural Processes
- Clay modeling methods
  - Additive
  - Subtractive
  - Manipulation
- Mixed Media
  - Selection of materials
  - Modifying materials
  - Joining materials and adhesives
- Idea generation
  - Research project ideas and present written project proposals
  - Sketch ideas and modify sketches
  - Build models and maquettes
  - Evaluate work critically throughout the process
Design Methods and Approaches
- Introduction to design process and ideation
  - Define - clarification of goals, restrictions
  - Brainstorm - discovery
  - Analyze - testing the brainstorm designs
  - Revise - modification to clarify or simplify the design
  - Refine - execution of finished work
- Form and function
  - Economy of design
  - Integrity of materials
  - Integrity of surface and use of texture
- Design considerations
  - Plane
  - Mass
  - Space
  - Introduction to other elements of design (texture, space, scale, etc.)
  - Introduction to principles of design (unity, balance, repetition, etc.)
- Introduction to content and personal expression
  - Abstraction versus representation
  - Using metaphor and symbol
  - Using historical and contemporary examples
  - Style as personal expression
Presentation
- Mounting work
- Critical eye toward quality of finished work
- Digital photographic documentation
- Written artist statements
- Oral and written critiques of finished work