STA 114 explores multiple ways to approach and analyze three-dimensional visual arts and design. It invites the use of history and theory as springboards to creatively and to critically generate and think through individual and collaborative projects. Placing an emphasis on the interplay between concept, material, and the fabrication process, students develop an understanding of how and why sculptural forms can effectively add to and challenge the breadth of cultural production today.

Students in STA 114 gain proficiency with a range of tools and skillsets – from analog to digital – used in the production of three-dimensional structures. It also exposes students to a range of materials that allow projects to be realized through additive and subtractive processes and/or casting. Like other foundation courses, Three-Dimensional Form also teaches students how to thoughtfully address the elements and principals of design, in this case as form defines and encloses space.

The 3-D area has access to a well-equipped woodshop. A woodshop assistant is available during class for further technical support.

Learning objectives:

– To develop thoughtful research practices
– To hone critical thinking skills to generate thoughtful art and design
– To hone critical thinking skills to analyze art and design
– To hone observational skills when generating and experiencing art and design
– To become conscious of material choices and fabrication processes as it relates to concepts and content
– To address and understand the use of the elements and principles of design, especially, but not limited to, mass, volume, gravity, scale, and space for this course.
– To develop skills and proficiency with certain analog and digital fabrication processes related to the production of three-dimensional forms.
– To be introduced to artists and designers from diverse cultural backgrounds working with three-dimensional form/production as related to degrees offered.
– To learn how theory and art history are used to generate and analyze art and design
– To learn the use of technologies including the Wood Shop and 3D printing/Computer Aided Design (CAD) software