Overview:

This is a hands-on course in designing and making 3-dimensional objects, from a contemporary fine art perspective. In our projects and discussions, we will explore visual & physical aspects, such as space, scale, structure, form, line, volume, weight, density, light/shadow, & texture (see 3D Art terms & examples). We will be working with a variety of materials – paper, clay, wire, wood, plaster, beeswax, and others. And we will look at 4 main approaches to creating 3-dimensional art: addition, subtraction, modelling, & substitution (see Traditional approaches to creating sculpture). 

The process of designing and making your projects is emphasized. Coming up with ideas to begin with requires openness and a sense of adventure & playfulness. Visualizing and planning your project can be difficult, and building anything usually involves many revisions and adjustments. All of this is part of the creative process and develops skills and flexibility critical to many areas of life & work.

Contact information:

Gina Telcocci, Instructor. Please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns at gtelcocci@santarosa.edu. My “office hours” are Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:00 – 12:30pm, after class. I am available to meet with anyone by appointment or drop-in during that time, in the Adjunct Faculty Office or room 760. Website – www.ginatelcocci.com     Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ginatelcocci/     Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/ginatelcocci/ 

Class Format:

The first hour of each class period will be the time during which assignments, media, and techniques will be introduced, or when class discussions may occur. I will use slides, videos, or demonstrations to introduce topics as well. Much of the rest of the class time will be spent working on projects in the studios - rooms 760 & 764. If you miss the class or arrive late, you will miss vital information on topics and assignments. Therefore, it is extremely important that you be present in class on time, for the entire class period, every time.  It is the student’s responsibility to know & understand the projects, topics, and due dates, and if not, to seek out the information.  

Have a sketchbook, pencil, and the required tools with you at the beginning of each class. You will be asked to use your sketchbook for sketches, notes, development of visual and conceptual ideas, plans, etc. I may ask to review the sketchbooks during a project, at midterm, or at end of the semester, along with your completed projects. Keep all of your work until the end of the semester, unless instructed otherwise.

In my classes I stress the importance of being here now with the projects, and focusing on the processes at hand. Towards that end, during class you are expected to turn off cellphones and refrain from using electronic devices. If you need to take a break from whatever you are working on, you are encouraged to look through the books we have in the studio. I will have books with examples of relevant works and other artists on hand.

If you finish a project early, take time to examine it closely. You may want to seek feedback from me or others in the class. You can spend the remaining time either refining the project, working on an alternate version of it, or perhaps developing a series of pieces from the original idea. 

Please do not hesitate to ask questions about terms that you are not familiar with, or about anything else relating to our work in the class. 

 Grading:                                                                     

Your grade will be largely based on your attitude and willingness to engage in the work, as evidenced by your attendance and by assignments turned in on time. Allow yourself to experiment and don’t be overly concerned with the outcome. I am more concerned about the processes you go through than in the products you end up with. Think of your work in this class as practice. I don’t expect you to make perfect objects. I do expect you to be open to new ideas, media, and techniques.

Your final grade will be determined by a combination of your completed projects, and your class participation. Roughly, this translates to 60% to 70% - grades for projects, 30% to 40% - participation. Anyone can make a good grade in this class with regular attendance, and by remaining open to and engaged with the coursework.

PLEASE BE ON TIME & STAY FOR THE ENTIRE CLASS PERIOD. Your grade will be affected greatly by your attendance, completion of projects, and participation in all aspects of the classwork. Every 3 to 4 absences will lower your grade a full point. Tardiness of more than 15 minutes (or leaving early) will be counted cumulatively: 3 tardy marks will be counted the same as 1 absence. Missing 1 hour or more of any class is the equivalent of 1 absence. Classtime is  9:00  to 11:50 am. There will be a 20 minute break approximately halfway through the class.

Below is a comparison of A, C, and F student performance:

an A student:      

Is in every class on time & stays for the entire period.
Is willing to attempt each project with an open mind.
Finishes each project, thoughtfully, within the parameters of the assignment, on time.
Spends time learning the terms and concepts for each project listed on the course calendar, and researches the       referenced artists to become familiar with their work.
Learns & practices safety in the use of tools and materials.
Participates willingly in group activities, such as critiques or collaborative exercises.
Clean ups after themselves, and is willing to pitch in, when necessary, to help the class.
Commits to do all the above with a positive, self-generative spirit and energy.

C student:         

Misses no more than 5/6 classes; is consistently on time and present for entire class. Finishes each assignment       by due dates.
Knows basic terms and concepts, is at least minimally familiar with referenced artists.
Participates in class discussions and projects.
Cleans up at the end of each class.
             
F student:         

Missed more than 6  classes, or was consistently late, or left early, or some combination.
Did not complete 3 or more of the assignments.
Is unwilling to undertake assignments or suggestions, is generally uninterested, and/or 
        uncooperative.
Does not clean-up, or participate in class discussions or projects.
Is disruptive or disrespectful.

Clean Up:

Your sculpture workspace is a shared studio. Please respect our class, yourself, and other classes by cleaning up your own space, helping us make sure the room is tidy when you leave, and that tools & supplies are in their proper places. The last 15 minutes or so of each class will be spent cleaning up. 

You are responsible for making sure that you clean any mess that you made or helped make, and clean & put away any tools or supplies. Tables & other surfaces, the sink area, floor, etc. should be clean & clear of junk before you leave our class. You are asked to put your chairs on the table when you leave in order to expedite the cleaning.

Notes:

Please sign up for a locker in the hall, which is free. You may get one by bringing your I.D. & class schedule and signing up in the art office. You will be generating objects and accumulating materials for this class during the semester and will need storage space – Take advantage of the lockers or you will have no secure space, & very little place to store anything. 

Take a few minutes to go to the CyBear Center to get a Student ID. You can use your Student ID to get discounts at most art supply stores, and many other venues. Photo IDs cost $3.00. Non-photo IDs are free.


Materials & Supplies: 

We will go over this list in more detail at our first class. The supplies can be found at a combination of places - our campus bookstore, local art supply stores, & hardware stores. You probably have some of them already. Several of the local art supply stores are giving discounts to SRJC students because of the recent fires. Be sure to check with any suppliers for discounts.

Required: 
sketchbook (spiral or perforated, any size) 
pencil and/or pen for notes & sketches
clay tools
marker(s) – sharpie, other
scissors 
cutting mat or cardboard
exacto knife and/or matt knife + a few extra blades
pliers – electricians and/or needlenose 
glue – Sobo (for paper) and/or other

Optional:
Protractor, compass, measuring & straightedge tools
wire snips
palette knife
glues – epoxy, sobo glue, silicone glue
carving tools – carving knife
chisel
gouge
dremel tool
cordless drill

Some materials, for instance paper, cardboard, and wire, will be provided for the projects. But you may bring in your choice of specific kinds of paper, wire, or other materials – colored or textured paper, copper or brass wire, etc. – for your completed projects. 

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