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Please note that this syllabus is a living document and is subject to modification throughout the course...
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
- SAFETY FIRST! You are responsible for following all safety procedures and good practice when operating tools, machinery or present in the Fremont work facility. Look out for one another while in the shop areas. DO NOT work when overly tired, on medication or under the influence of any substance that may impair judgment and/or motor skills.
- Attend ALL lectures, workshops, labs and critiques.
- Participate in reading discussions
in and out of class.
- Complete weekly research, reading, and assignments, typically
involving the creation of experimental art works that follow the concepts,
methods or techniques recently discussed in class.
- Provide instructor with electronic documentation (images & text) of each assignment upon completion, final grades will not be submitted until all documentation is submitted.
DESCRIPTION
Introduction to materials and methods in developing experimental artworks. Emphasis on conceptual exploration in physical space and analysis of historical antecedents. Students will be introduced to a variety of tools and techniques in design and fabrication.This course is intended to provide DXARTS students with a solid foundation in the conceptual and technical considerations in design and fabrication.
GRADING & EVALUATION
Lecture, discussion, and in-class work time participation will be weighted approximately 50% of the overall grade.
The projects are weighted approximately 50% cumulative.
Your performance is evaluated by standard University guidelines, with special emphasis on the following criteria:
- Participation in all levels of course activities. Because of the hands-on naure of this course, being present and focused is critical to your success.
- Quality of ideas, work executed, and ability to articulate and explain your thought processes.
- Understanding the material and demonstration of technical ability.
- Personalizing the creation process in regard to experimental media in this context, and ability to synthesize concepts from various media forms and approaches covered.
- Willingness to explore, and take genuine artistic risks in your work.
- Amount of time, effort, and thought spent, and depth of inquiry and engagement.
- Successful completion of assigned work & documentation.
ASSIGNMENTS
There will be 3-4 (depending on time) projects assigned during the quarter, and a number of critical laboratory workshops,
plus readings, discussions and research on each assignment. Events and field trips may also be planned.
All of these must be attended, completed, participated in, or presented for critique to pass this course.
All work must be presented on the due date as scheduled. Overdue assignments will result in substantial grade penalties.
CRITIQUES
Critiques require special mention due to their uniqueness in art education. A significant amount of the learning process evolves from critiques; don't underestimate their usefulness to your success. Class critiques may run longer than the specified class time. While you are not required to remain, there has been a long tradition in arts education of lengthy discussions about student work. Critiques can be a considered as a gift to your fellow students, everyone should be cognizant of these guidelines:
- Be honest and open
- Be respectful
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the work from as many technical/cultural metrics as possible
- Everyone must participate
RESEARCH
Some basic areas of research and exploration include:
- Fabrications techniques with a variety of tools and materials
- Fundamentals of mechanical engineering
- Materials analysis from both an engineering and artistic perspective
- Sculptural form, with close attention to fabrication (non-subtractive) historical processes
- Contemporary artworks in new and tradiotional media that have significant fabricated components
Students are encouraged to explore a broad range of additional research topics throughout the quarter, both by instructor direction and individual initiative, based on individual interests and needs. This research can and should be self-motivated towards better realization of class projects. Each project will include the exhibition and critique of each work, and be preceded by an oral presentation and source materials discussion.
REQUIREMENTS
Based on standard University Guidelines and include special attention to the following:
- Creative experimentation with supreme emphasis on imaginative risk taking!
- Participation in required class activities is mandatory. Participation will be monitored closely.
- Group critiques will be held after completion of each project on the due date as scheduled.
Student participation in these critiques is vital to the experience, and the body of knowledge in this field.
Each student,team will be required to give a verbal presentation of their work, as well as critique the work of their classmates.
The instructor and TA are available for "in progress" critiques during office hours.
Office visits are by appointment only.
- You will be required to turn in digital documentation of all work done in class, this is part of your grade. This can include still images, video, or written text depending on the project. This must be turned in by the last day of class. In process documentation is strongly encouraged as well.
MATERIALS & COURSE FEE
There is $ 100.00 materials cost for this class (consumable materials, equipment maintenance, etc.) Additional materials may be required depending upon individual projects, these will be the responsibility of ech student. The amount of money you spend on materials depends on your resourcefulness and the nature of your ideas.
Open access to the Fremont studio/workshop facility is available to students of this class. Policy is stated in the DXARTS Fremont Usage Policy. All students are expected to follow all rules and procedures when present in the facility. Class time will be work time, come prepared to work on individual and/or collaborative projects.
COURSE POLICY
- SAFETY FIRST!
- If not sure, ASK! The Studio Manager oversees operations of the facility.
- Training is required before being allowed to use any tools and machinery. Handle all tools and machines with care!
- ALWAYS wear eye protection when using power tools or proximal to any power tool/machinery being used. Ear protection is required for many power tools.
- Wear work approriate clothing in the lab/workshop/studio, and be aware it may get dirty. Long or loose hair can be a hazard around machinery, cover or secure before working. No loose fitting clothing, be especially aware of drawstrings, Footwear should be sturdy and completely cover the foot, i.e., no open-toe sandals or shoes.
- Never work in the lab/workshop/studio when you feel overly tired or drowsy, or under the influence of alcohol/medication, etc.
- Report any and all malfunctions, damage, problems, etc. with tools or equipment immediately to the Studio Manager/Instructor/TA.
- Never use a power tool without someone else being in the lab/workshop/studio, never use a tool which you have not been trained to use, or which you do not
feel comfortable using. Never use a tool that is damaged. If you discover a tool that is damaged, report it to your instructor/TA/Studio Manager immediately.
- Clean-up your materials after each class period and out-of-class work sessions.
Return all tools and equipment at the end of your work period or appointed time for proper storage and safekeeping.
- Remember, you are responsible. This is part of your grade. You will be liable and responsible for the cost of repairs due to
any damage beyond normal wear and tear incurred during use of equipment. Handle all equipment with utmost care. Deliberate and negligent
use of equipment and tools can result in lowering your grade or even legal action by the University.
- USE OF ELECTRICITY: Some aspects of this course deal with discussions and concepts that can use electricity or electronics
as possible components in their solution. Though some basic background is given in relationship to the safe and effective use of
electronics in art, this is not an electrical engineering course and the University and instructor assume no liability in its use
by students. This course assumes students involved in the use and fabrication of electrical and electronic components in their work
have familiarity or prior knowledge in using electricity. It is assumed students will always use the best judgment possible and will
never attempt electrical work that is beyond the scope of their technical expertise or understanding. Use of electrical or electronic
components is in entirely elective, and in no way mandatory for effective completion of the course. Students assume all liability in its
use, and are entirely responsible and culpable for using electricity safely.
- No noxious chemicals in the lab, check with Studio Manager/Instructor/TA before using if unsure.
- No smoking in building or any DXARTS facilities.
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