In my courses, students begin by learning technical skills with particular drawing or sculptural mediums. They build upon their knowledge through experimentation and play, particularly through mixed media projects. An independent aesthetic is bolstered by engaging in relevant readings, discussion, guest visits, and reflective writing in class, as well as independent visits to museums and galleries. Below are examples of student work.
Indiana University NW: Sculpture 1, 2, 3
The student work featured is from the following assignments:
- Sculpture 1: Meaning through Gesture: Students will develop their knowledge of a three-dimensional work process, materials and gesture in order to make a sculpture that visually reflects one of Richard Serra’s verbs from Verb list.
- Sculpture 3: "Sculpture in the Expanded Field" (Rosalind Krauss): Students challenge display conventions in order to develop a work that shows a unique relationship between the sculptural object, the space, and the viewer. (this was exhibited in the metal shop using a black light).
- Sculpture 2: in class Found Materials sculpture
University of Chicago: On Images
The student work featured is from the following assignments:
- In class Charcoal Still Life
- Protocol: Working with the following definition of protocol as “a system of rules that explain the correct conduct and procedures to be followed in formal situations” (Merriam Webster), students will devise three of their own protocols to enact in a series of 3 drawings.
- In class Mixed Media Still Life
- Surprise!: Students make a series or singular mixed media work that challenges display and/or material conventions to surprise the viewer and themselves.
- My Vision: Students will apply their knowledge of materials and their preferred ways of working in order to create a series that portrays a dream or memory of significance.
University of Chicago: On Objects
The student work featured is from the following assignments:
- In class Introduction to Form and Plaster
- Meaning through Gesture: Students will develop their knowledge of a three-dimensional work process, materials and gesture in order to make a sculpture that visually reflects one of Richard Serra’s verbs from Verb list
- Problem Categories: Students are expected to make a sculpture using both “non-art” and traditional art materials in a way that challenges expectations of use and purpose.
- "Sculpture in the Expanded Field" (Rosalind Krauss): Students challenge display conventions in order to develop a work that shows a unique relationship between the sculptural object, the space, and the viewer.
- In class documentation of Collaborative "Sculpture in the Expanded Field" exercise
College of DuPage: 2D Design
The student work featured is from the following assignments:
- Design Squares: Students draw an object in 1", 3" and 9" squares to explore varying compositions and principles of design. The final sequence should show some kind of transformation.
- Literal, Abstract, Symbolic Representation: Students will hone their skills of visual communication to depict a significant event or memory through literal, abstract and symbolic representational techniques.
- Color Wheel Reimagined: Students will explore color and color mixing in a unique color wheel of their own design.
- Album Cover Collage: Students will apply their knowledge of collage, design and color harmonies to create a unique album cover for a musician or song of their choice.
- Students works with visiting artist, Millicent Kennedy