Virginia Commonwealth University

Craft and material studies courses

CRAF 591

Topics: Applied (Ceramic) Tile
3 credits

For sculptural or decorative applications: Learn to design, produce, and install ceramic tile during this two-week course while discussing relief carving, press-molding, and mosaic application techniques. In-class field trips will expose participants to completed examples. One finished work will be completed during the course of this session.
 
Students will be asked to bring an object to class, to be covered in tile. This may be an object purchased at a yard sale (ie. a picnic table or chair) or it may be an artist-produced sculpture or another found object of any sort. (Students interested in mural work/relief tile will be asked to bring in an appropriately-sized piece of plywood.) Tile or mosaic tesserae will be designed to cover the object during the first week of the course and, during the second week, we will learn to apply tile to objects. Frequent class discussions and slide talks will provide springboards for ideas.

Topics: Jewelry Making with Precious Metal Clay
3 credits

Participants will learn how to use the new precious metal clay to create pure silver metal jewelry and other objects with the use of a kiln. This is a nontoxic and nonhazardous method to create real jewelry from silver. Participants will be evaluated on their finished examples in a final critique and a one-page written paper. They will speak about their projects in the critique and briefly convey their ideas for how they will use what they have learned in their teaching. Participants will be expected to pay a course materials fee (estimated cost $100–$150) and to pay for any other materials used in the class.

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Topics: Mixed Media: Textiles
3 credits

Emphasis in this class will be the development of a body of work which incorporates both textile and alternative materials. No previous textile or sewing experience is necessary. Experimentation will figure strongly in this course and students are encouraged to employ their knowledge with non-textile processes and materials in combination with fabric and other textile elements. Looking at both pattern-based and didactic models, with a focus on image and content students, will expand their approach to mixed media to include textile components and techniques. Collage, printing, painting, ceramics, and glass can combine with dyeing, image transfer, and stitching. Issues of presentation, appropriation, reuse, and context will be investigated in relation to the production of applied versus non-applied objects. The course may be repeated for credit with the understanding that students undertake increasingly advanced projects

Topics: Integrating Text and Context in 3-D Forms
3 credits

This course is designed for those who would like to further explore fiber sculpture from thematic perspectives using experimental approaches. Studio activities will provide opportunities for students to develop “off-the-wall” art works that blur the distinctions between drawing, fiber arts and sculpture. Using everyday materials, students will apply 3-D processes to open-ended assignments that encourage individual choices and expand understanding in unexpected directions. Twentieth century and contemporary adaptations will be investigated and critiqued as students evaluate the boundary between image and object and how materials and methods convey content. Class structure will include introductions with examples, discussions, and regular individual and group critiques to deepen one’s unique vision and personal visual language. Students are expected to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of integrated media processes, complex interpretations of themes, and an innovative, experimental attitude.

Topics: Clay Introspective
3 credits

Through commitment, persistence and hard work, students will investigate the possibilities and processes involved in producing 3-D forms in clay. Both additive and subtractive methods will be explored. Form, surface design, content and craftsmanship will be emphasized. Informal and formal critiques will be important aspects of the class. A sketchbook of ideas, notes and personal expressions will be maintained and shared with the instructor at the beginning of each class. Students will become familiar with all phases of firing a kiln and will be responsible for firing their own work throughout the semester. Attendance and participation, including studio maintenance and cleaning, will affect the final grade. As always, students should expect to do some work outside of class. Class is limited to eight participants.

Topics: The Stitched Line
3 credits

This class offers intensive study of the use of embroidery and appliqué as drawing and image-making tools. Both hand- and machine-sewn techniques will be investigated. The related processes of image transfer, fabric dyeing and quilting will be discussed in relation to their use with embroidery and appliqué. Various aspects of design, color and presentation will be examined with an emphasis on idea development. Students will develop a historical understanding of embroidery and appliqué as artistic media in both the pattern-based and didactic traditions. They will foster a critical approach to pattern, form and narrative. No prior sewing skills are necessary, but would be an asset.

Topics: Glass Fusing, Slumping and Casting
3 credits

This class explores the realm of kiln-formed glass. This includes fusing techniques — creating designs using sheet glass, stringers, frits, liquid line and metal inclusions — and slumping — reshaping glass into functional and low relief shapes through the use of molds. Students will also create sculptural solid glass forms while learning the casting process. Techniques for sculpting, lost wax, plaster mold making and sand casting will be covered. Students will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of glass processes while creating many finished projects. All projects can be fired in a ceramic kiln. Supplies may be purchased from the instructor (estimated cost: $150).

Topics: Sculptural Papermaking
3 credits

This three hour credit course is designed for those who would like to expand their studio repertoire of 3-D hand papermaking applications and develop depth and complexity in thematic expression. Students will go beyond sheet information to explore possibilities of paper casting, working with modules, and constructing armatures. Emphasis will be placed upon integrating papermaking with other studio media, practicing conceptual strategies for enhancing creativity, and evaluating contemporary paper expressions. Previous experience with papermaking is helpful but not required.

Topics: Surface Design
3 credits

This intensive, focused class examines the use of dyes and pigments as surface design materials. Using a combination of drawing, printmaking, painting and monotype techniques, students will learn the basics of fabric design. Various aspects of design, color, pattern making, presentation and narrative will be examined with an emphasis on idea development. These dyes are colorfast, permanent and yield incredible color. Students will produce samples and lengths of finished fabric; those interested in repeating the class will be expected to work at an advanced level and produce several finished projects. No previous dyeing or painting experience is necessary. A fee of $45 covers dyes and fabric. More fabric will be purchased from the instructor during the class.

Topics: Experimental Fiber
3 credits

This course is designed for those who would like to explore fiber sculpture from thematic perspectives using experimental approaches. Studio activities will provide opportunities for students to develop "off-the-wall" art works that blur the distinctions between drawing, fiber arts and sculpture. Using everyday materials, students will apply 3-D processes to open-ended assignments that encourage individual choices and expand understanding in unexpected directions. Twentieth Century and contemporary adaptations will be investigated and critiqued as students evaluate the boundary between image and object and how materials and methods convey content. Class structure will include introductions with examples, discussions, and regular individual and group critiques to deepen one's unique vision and personal visual language. Students are expected to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of integrated media processes, complex interpretations of themes, and an innovative, experimental attitude.

Topics: Quiltmaking: Arts, Narrative and Image
3 credits

This class offers an intensive study of contemporary quilting techniques including piecing, applique, surface embellishment, and machine quilting. This course may be repeated for credit with the understanding that students undertake increasingly advanced projects. Emphasis will be on content, narrative, and idea development in both flat and 3D work. Students will develop a historical understanding of quilting as both a functional and an artistic medium as well as foster a critical approach to pattern, form, and narrative.

Topics: Ceramic Sculpture (Installation)
3 credits

The focus of this course is on making work that expands sculptural possibilities through emphasis on use of space. Students will develop effective ways to explore ideas through scale, repetition and site selection. In a small seminar format, discussions will include topics such as ways of shifting perception of the work we make by altering its placement. Contemporary sculpture will be examined with particular attention paid to artists using earth materials. Technical aspects of working in clay (sculpturally) will be addressed through demonstrations, from working on the potter’s wheel to mold-making. The instructor will tailor demonstrations around student questions and design ideas.  This course is beginner-friendly (in clay, sculpture or installation), seeking to expand borders between media and to guide the individual voice in an independent exploration. The end results of this course will be one strong, exhibition-ready work backed by a well-developed artist statement and many ideas for expanding art-teaching in the K-12 classroom. The work produced may be completely ephemeral, leaving no product behind, save a photograph.

Please email instructor with questions/concerns at j.j.mcCracken@gmail.com

Ceramics
3 credits

This intensive course is designed for the beginning to advanced clay student with an overview of all processes of a ceramics studio including, wheel throwing, handbuilding, glaze chemistry and mixing. There will be required projects with both the wheel and handbuilding disciplines [including a sculptural piece]. The students will also have the opportunity to be involved in a Raku firing and have some of their work glazed with cone 10 glazes at the teachers studio. A short paper will be presented to the class by each student. This class will be an exciting, informative, and great overview of the entire ceramic process! Small lab fee required.