Sculpture

An introductory course in sculpture for students from other disciplines. Focus is placed on the development of 3-D design (form, space, object, composition) and on strengthening observational skills. A variety of materials and form-making processes are explored.

Credits: 2

Instruction in acetylene gas welding and all the tools required for direct metal fabrication of sculpture. The focus varies each semester (within the parameters of contemporary, nonfigurative sculpture) and includes the refining of technical form-making and welding skills.

Credits: 3

Emphasizes the conceptual aspects of sculpture while continuing the development of technical skills in various processes and materials. The course is structured around assignments that develop individual industry, research skills, creative expressiveness, and class participation.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: VIS1260 Or VSC1010

The specific visual and structural properties of wood are discussed with application to both functional and nonfunctional sculpture. Basic construction and forming techniques are introduced.

Credits: 3

Students are introduced to the specific visual and structural properties of wood, as well as techniques for working with wood from a sculptor’s perspective. Open to all visual arts majors.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: SCP2120 Or VSC2120

Projects investigate collage from a variety of approaches, then move to assemblage sculpture and finally diorama boxes and object transformation. This exploration of the unique possibilities of collage/assemblage may include work with found objects and fabricated forms.

Credits: 2

PREREQ: SCP2120 Or VSC2120

Clay modeling from the human figure. Drawing and 2-D media are used for support and insight into issues of figuration. Armature construction and relief sculpture are explored.

Credits: 3

Focuses on clay as a sculptural medium with emphasis on process and the development of sculptural ideas. Various techniques are taught, including slab building, modeling, and some mold making for clay.

Credits: 3

Provides students with a digital toolset for creating interactive sculpture today. Students explore the role of 2-D drawing tools and 3-D modeling software in the creation of sculptures and installations. The focus is on the potential of using virtual and physical tools together in the production of art works.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: VIS1260 Or VSC1010

An introduction to video as a creative visual, auditory, and spatial medium. Students learn the fundamentals of video production with the goal of making original work in the genres of single-channel tape, performance, and installation. At the same time, students are introduced to key works in the history of time-based arts in a weekly thematic program of viewing, listening, reading, and critique.

Credits: 3

A survey of contemporary artists and movements, ideas, and texts pertinent to current sculptural practice. A combination of lectures, reading-based discussions, workshops, and museum/gallery visits familiarize students with contemporary art discourse. Emphasis is on the evolving and expanding field of sculpture, including installation, performance, time-based media, and other object-making, material-based practices.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: VIS1260 Or VSC1010

In this introduction to the discipline of video art, students expand their knowledge of nonlinear editing as it pertains to the exhibition of video. Conceptual approaches may include non-narrative structures, installation art, and performance art as they relate to the moving image. Note: Students must have access to and be able to use a DV camcorder, webcam, camera phone, or other video-recording device that can capture moving images of decent quality and upload them to a computer for editing.

Credits: 2

A continuation of Ceramic Sculpture, further explorations in building large sculptures and making glazes. Designed for students focusing on clay as a medium for sculpture.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: SCP2270

Students produce forms in clay or wax and cast them in bronze. The traditional methods of lost-wax casting are explored, and students participate in all aspects of bronze foundry work.

Credits: 3

An introduction to performance art as a creative, visual, experiential, and time-based medium. Through structured projects, students learn ways to create and document performance pieces. Projects may include live performances, video and photo documentation of private actions, interactive pieces, and sculpture/installation works. Through presentation and lectures, students are introduced to significant historical and contemporary works. All mediums and backgrounds welcome.

Credits: 3

In this project-based digital fabrication course, students investigate the idea of shelters and structures, both built and imaginary, as a source for 3-D work ranging from the miniature to the environmental, from the substantial to the ephemeral. This course will utilize laser-cutters, CNC router and 3D printers.

Credits: 3

Instruction in acetylene gas welding and all the tools required for direct metal fabrication of sculpture. The focus varies each semester (within the parameters of contemporary, nonfigurative sculpture) and includes the refining of technical form-making and welding skills.

Credits: 3

In this first half of a two-course sequence, information and experience gained in SCP 2150 are used to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the way an object’s overall form is affected by the methods used in its construction. More complex joinery and shaping processes are presented and practiced.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: (SCP2150 Or VSC2150 ) Or (SCP2155 Or VSC2155 )

In this second half of a two-course sequence, information and experience gained in SCP 2150 are used to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the way an object’s overall form is affected by the methods used in its construction. More complex joinery and shaping processes are presented and practiced.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: (SCP2150 Or VSC2150 ) Or (SCP2155 Or VSC2155 )

Combines nontraditional photographic production with digital and hands-on fabrication techniques to investigate the fluid dynamic between image and form. Focusing on the politics, economics, and aesthetics of a data-driven culture, this course takes a critical project-based approach to bridging the virtual-physical divide. By exploring various imaging processes, students apply an additional layer of content in their sculpture.

Credits: 3

In this digital fabrication course, students explore the relationship between the three-dimensional world and digital technology. In this creative new-media environment, students are given a foundation for developing 3-D content and integrating it into their preferred field. Students generate digital objects, prepare them for real-world fabrication, and create virtual-reality simulations and photorealistic sculpture proposals. This course will utilize laser-cutters, CNC router and 3D printers.

Credits: 4

PREREQ: VIS1260 Or NME2100

Takes advanced students through the process leading to the fabrication and installation of a public art commission. Students answer a call for proposals; create a professional-level response, including a written statement, model, drawings, budget, and fabrication schedule; and present to a committee of experts for appraisal. This course is especially recommended to any student considering making a public art proposal for the Purchase College campus.

Credits: 3

Exploring techniques of Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed, this course uses the arsenal of Theatre of the Oppressed exercises as a process to further understand self, each other, and surrounding social systems. Individual project forms may vary (sculpture, writing, etc.). In addition, the class makes a forum theatre piece to be performed with the campus community.

Credits: 3

Students explore various techniques using glass as an artistic medium. Demonstrations, image presentations, and critiques augment the work done in class.

Credits: 3

An extensive study of a particular topic or technique in sculpture. Topics vary each semester.

Credits: 3

A workshop devoted to the production of independent video projects. Students are expected to have some facility with electronic cameras, sound, and editing techniques and to be highly motivated in the use of video as a creative tool. The course is strongly (though not exclusively) focused on video installation, exploring both its unique properties as a mixed-media, time-based form and its relationship to other contemporary 3-D practices.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: (SCP2420 Or VSC2420 ) Or NME2420

An introduction to carving as a discipline in sculpture. Initial emphasis is placed on technical issues of tools and process with the intent of using carving as a method of producing art objects. Historical and contemporary issues are also explored.

Credits: 3

Various methods used to make sculptural multiples are explored. Mold-making techniques are taught in clay, glass, paper, and mixed media. Assignments focus on achieving technical expertise and understanding the use of the multiple in contemporary sculpture.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: VIS1260 Or VSC1010

An introduction to and overview of the fundamentals of animation as a conceptual and technical medium. Students learn the historical and conceptual background of animation and create a series of works within the medium. In addition to digital video and still camera skills, the class explores stop motion, 2-D, and 3-D animation in combination with traditional practices, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking.

Credits: 3

Weekly field trips to gallery and museum exhibitions of contemporary sculpture in New York City. Students write responses on a regular basis, both analyzing the exhibitions seen and relating them to their own work. Several classes are held on campus to discuss each student’s current studio work.

Credits: 3

This first half of a two-semester course is intended to foster the discovery and sharpening of personal vision and the development of personal initiative and self-motivation. Students have the opportunity to work independently on self-generated projects, which are then presented for both group and individual critique. Required for sculpture majors.

Credits: 3

This second half of a two-semester course is intended to foster the discovery and sharpening of personal vision and the development of personal initiative and self-motivation. Students have the opportunity to work independently on self-generated projects, which are then presented for both group and individual critique. Required for sculpture majors.

Credits: 3

This intensive exploration of installation art consists of a series of temporary projects that explore site-specific work, which may include a variety of media. Taking into account the range of sensory experience, space and time take on a greater importance than in object-based art works.

Credits: 3

Sound is explored as material in the context of the visual arts, using DAT recorders, sampling, synthesis, processing, computers, sensor control, and MIDI systems. Projects may include making sonic instruments, sounding objects, and experimental video; ambient, interactive, performative, and multimedia installations; and surround-sound DVDs. Advanced technological means enable uncharted explorations in the time-based arts.

Credits: 3

A continuation of SCP 3630, for advanced sound and multimedia projects. Sound is further explored in ambient, interactive, performative, time-based, and site-specific installations. Tools available include the Kurzwell K2600 Architectural Synthesis System and Macintosh computers with mixing, synthesis, and DVD surround-sound mastering technology. Interactive programs in the studio include MAX, Jitter, and Cyclops.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: (SCP3630 Or VSC3630 ) Or NME3630

Students explore and create sound events and installations from a sculptural and an architectural perspective. This includes listening, recording, playing back, and simulating sound in space. Tools include multichannel systems, the KDFX processor, Ableton Live, Max, MIDI, Open Sound Control (OSC), and handmade instruments/circuits. Collaborations and workshops enable advanced students to plan, construct, budget, and document sonic events in public spaces.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: SCP3630 Or VSC3630 Or MCO1310 Or MCO3330 Or NME1060

Students gain technical professional experience by helping provide a safe and well-functioning studio environment for their fellow students. Studio assistants are expected to have advanced standing in their media area and a thorough understanding of current professional practices. Duties include basic maintenance and demonstrations of equipment, independent or group tutorials and workshops, weekly meetings, and other responsibilities assigned by the sponsoring instructional technician. A maximum of 4 credits in SCP 3950 (or a combined maximum of 6 credits in VIS 3998 and SCP 3950) may be applied toward the BFA.

Credits: 2

Students explore alternative or expanded practices in metal. These may include both processes and materials that do not overlap with currently offered classes. Materials may include aluminum, iron, and titanium. Processes may include furnace building, mold making, and metal casting. Demonstration, image presentation, and critique augment the actual work done in class.

Credits: 2

A select group of advanced students focus on independent projects working within a specific video genre. Explorations may include video animation, installation, performance, documentary, or another specific video application. Lectures and presentations augment the students’ hands-on work.

Credits: 3

Focuses on commitment and professional practice. Students generate portfolios and documentation materials of their own work. Public speaking is emphasized as students learn to articulate and clarify their own work. Teaching methods include lectures, discussions, readings, and field trips. Required for all students undertaking a senior project in sculpture.

Credits: 3

Extends the goals of SCP 4800, preparing students for the “real world” after graduation. Students research venues for their work, write grant proposals, investigate job possibilities, etc. Contemporary issues in sculpture are addressed through readings and discussions. Required for all students undertaking a senior project in sculpture.

Credits: 3

PREREQ: SCP4800 Or VSC4800