Paul Wittenbraker , Instructor
Calder Art Center Office 1117
wittenbp@gvsu.edu

1-616-895-3578

http://faculty.gvsu.edu/wittenbp/3d

Functional Forms

3D
Three Dimensional Design
Art 151 Winter 2002

This course focuses on broad universal techniques of 3-dimensional forming. It focuses on "how things work" more than "the creation of new things for new circumstances". It is technical but these techniques are not automatic - they require a lot of effort. You will need to bring active effort to forming an understanding of "how things work". We will learn about these dynamics through experiencing, analysis, synthesis, and fabrication.
 Working in 3 dimensions is a complex practice. An effective way of addressing this is to hold certain things constant and focus solely on isolated aspects. We narrow the focus to experience the specificity of the practice. The means for this focus are specific exercises and projects in specific media. This course addresses structured, disciplined approaches to perceiving and forming in 3 dimensions. The purpose for this is to establish a common repertoire of skills for future making and thinking.

Goals of this Course

  1. To gain awareness of 3-dimensional form and its relation to broader human and individual thought and action.
  2. To gain skill and proficiency in the fabrication of basic 3-dimensional forms using a narrow range of media and structural principles.
  3. To understand the principles involved in visual perception and analysis, and demonstrate the ability to use and develop methods for applying these principles.
  4. To work successfully with form/space relationships in simple linear, planar, volumetric forms.
  5. To understand and be able to use compositional elements and principles in the structuring of a 3 dimensional form.
  6. Understand and use basic visual terms in talking about art.
  7. To enhance respect for craft and the presentation ofwork.


    Studio

    • Short and long term studies in varied media
    • In class discussion and critiques - individual and group
    • Long term projects assigned during course
    • Sketch book regular conceptual development
    • Design research project
    • Learn and use department foundation vocabulary

      retain all work done during the course for review

Materials and Supplies

The department organizes the bulk purchase of some of the materials for this course. This is of benefit to you by saving you money and procuring materials that can be difficult to find. By January the 22nd, pay the Cashier in Student Services Building $35 and let them know that it is for Art Supplies the Art and Design Department. Obtain a receipt from the cashier and turn it in to me.

Plan for up to an additional $50 for supplies you will need to purchase later.

    Containers and Organization

  • Maintain a system of organization for tools, supplies, drawings, paperwork and notes.
  • Have all pertinent course information, tools, and supplies readily available.

    Adhesives

  • transparent tape comes in handy at times
  • Masking tape
  • rubber cement (32 or 50 oz.)

    Tools

  • scissors
  • needle nose pliers with wire cutter
  • second pair needle or regular pliers optional
  • X-acto knife and box of replacement blades (sharp point)
  • Utility knife and replacement blades
  • assorted applicators, putty knives, brushes
  • self-healing cutting board
  • 18" or 24" metal ruler

    Paper and Abrasives

  • drawing media (pencils . . .)
  • Sketch book or packet- 8.5 x 11 or bigger, functional, plain, decent paper
  • illustration board (needed later)
  • 3 - 3.5 floppy disks
  • 1 package of assorted grit sandpaper (general purpose)
  • 2 sheets drywall mesh (a kind of sandpaper)
  • assorted spray and acrylic paint (as needed later)

 

 

Attendance

Being here and being here on time is expected. The department mandates that any absence exceeding 5 results in an automatic failure. Not being here will directly effect grading criteria, therefore be reflected in your grade.

Grading Criteria You will be evaluated on these criteria for the class at midterm and at the end of the semester. Numbers are used as a scale for quantifying learning and achievement.

chart of grading criteria (numbers at the right represent possible points for each criteria)

midterm

course end

A

Individual Responsibility for Learning

25

50
 
  1. Attendance- Be here on time ready to work
  2. Work in Class - Engage the work at hand / Be ready with materials and discipline for class work/ Maintain appropriate Studio Organization
  3. Work Outside of Class - work hard out of class to learn and practice what we are studying in class/ do out of class work
  4. Contribution - Input and impact on group dynamic, practice, and learning
  5. Willingness/Readiness to progress - Be ready with materials and discipline for class work / Go with the direction of the class / Follow the detail of projects and exercises/ Move on from old comfortable ways of doing things.

5 each

10 each

B

Demonstration of understanding of course content.

10

20
 
  1. Understanding the ideas and principles of design through analysis of forms.
  2. Ability to fabricate good forms.

5 each

10 each
Totals

35

70

These scores will be combined with project scores for total points for course grade.



 

 

 

3D
Three Dimensional Design
Art 151 Winter 1999