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CCOG for ART 293A Spring 2024

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Course Number:
ART 293A
Course Title:
Figure Sculpture
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
20
Lecture/Lab Hours:
40
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Examines the human form through the study and creation of sculptures based on professional nude and clothed models. Introduces processes, techniques, and concepts related the creation of figure sculpture. Emphasizes structure, form and proportions of the human figure with attention toward personal artistic development. Recommended: ART 117. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Solve aesthetic and material problems in a creative fashion through appropriate use of sculptural standards, practices, tools and techniques related to figure-based sculpture.
  • Assess the value and quality of personal work in relation to the practices and standards of figure-based sculpture making.
  • Communicate through sculptural vocabulary in order to engage in critical conversations about art and sculpture.
  • Manage time and production processes efficiently and with consideration for the environment and community impact.

Integrative Learning

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to reflect on one’s work or competencies to make connections between course content and lived experience.

General education philosophy statement

The study of Visual Arts is essential to the development of the individual and one’s meaningful participation in society. At the heart of artistic practice is the ability to organize experience and recognize its meaning. The creation of artwork and appreciation of aesthetics is a source of great pleasure and also a valuable means to effective visual communication. Participating in Visual Arts is an important way for individuals to connect to the past and respond to the present with a stronger sense of engagement with culture and society.

Aspirational Goals

  • Cultivate a relationship with sculpture making and its connection to audience, ideas and culture(s) of the past and present.

Course Activities and Design

  • Create figure sculpture in a variety of compositional and perceptual strategies.
  • Generate ideas/concepts with an awareness of the intended content of the work produced.
  • Develop an awareness of the major structures and dynamics of the human figure as relate to issues of figure sculpture.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

  • Create appropriately crafted, challenging sculptural solutions to assigned projects.
  • Develop ideas through creative research, preparatory studies and written responses to artwork
  • Demonstrate consideration for responsible making (i.e. respect for the classroom community, studio and environment.)
  • Participate in class critiques and discussions.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Themes

  • Visual communication
  • Contextual and historical awareness

Concepts

  • Form and aesthetic considerations
  • Naturalism, stylization and abstraction
  • Content and meaning
  • Craft, technique and material choice

Issues

  • Process and material limitations and possibilities
  • Personal expression
  • Audience

Skills

  • Armature construction and structural strategies
  • Clay (oil or water based) modeling
  • Clay (oil or water based) forming and construction
  • Clay (oil or water based) finishing techniques
  • Mold making and reproduction
  • Sight measuring and proportion
  • Mounting and display strategies.
  • Understanding of aesthetic choices
  • Critique and self-reflection strategies