Siena Smith
Siena Smith (b. 1996, NYC) is an artist who works with drawing, weaving and collage to work out the complexities of everyday emotions, Black womanhood and ancestry. She earned her BFA in textiles from RISD and her MFA in fiber and material studies from School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She is interested in how pattern, material and texture of textile and 2D mediums carry the essence of Black Diasporic personal, cultural and spiritual histories. Smith has exhibited at NADA Miami (2022); George Washington Carver Museum, Texas (2021); White Cube, UK (2021); Martha’s Contemporary, Texas (2020–21); and Something Special Studios, New York (2020). She currently works and teaches in Providence, RI.
Courses
Fall 2023 Courses
TEXT 4813-01
JACQUARD DESIGN
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course investigates pattern in the context of jacquard weaving. Students develop their ideas on paper and execute their designs on the computer, which are used for drafting the structures as well. At least one design from each student is woven on the electronic jacquard loom. Students explore their patterns through color and material experimentation at the loom. During the course, each student develops a small portfolio of jacquard designs. Slides and samples of historical and modern application of the technique are also studied.
Prerequisite: TEXT 4806 - DOBBY WEAVING, TEXT 4826 - CAD IN TEXTILES
Elective
TEXT 4898-01
TEXTILE DEGREE PROJECT
SECTION DESCRIPTION
The student's project, designed in consultation with the faculty, can be in one of the textile areas or in combination with other disciplines at the school. The project, which will be evaluated by the faculty and visiting critics at the end of the semester, can entail a collection of designs or fine arts work representing the current conclusive state of student's work or an investigation of a new area. The level of concepts, skills, and commitment constitute a major part of the criteria in the evaluation of the work.
Mid-year graduates should seek department permission to fulfill 9 credits in Fall and Wintersession.
Estimated Cost of Materials: Varies based on use of advanced equipment; additional fees may incur.
This course is a requirement for Senior Textiles Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Textiles
Wintersession 2024 Courses
TEXT 4898-101
TEXTILE DEGREE PROJECT
SECTION DESCRIPTION
The student's project, designed in consultation with the faculty, can be in one of the textile areas or in combination with other disciplines at the school. The project, which will be evaluated by the faculty and visiting critics at the end of the semester, can entail a collection of designs or fine arts work representing the current conclusive state of student's work or an investigation of a new area. The level of concepts, skills, and commitment constitute a major part of the criteria in the evaluation of the work.
Mid-year graduates should seek department permission to fulfill 9 credits in Fall and Wintersession.
Estimated Cost of Materials: varies based on use of advanced equipment; additional fees may incur.
Please contact the department for permission to register. This course is a requirement for Senior Textiles Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Textiles
Spring 2024 Courses
TEXT 4819-01
FROM AN IDEA TO MEANING
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Through drawing and painting we will investigate different subject matter in the development of a personal vision and point of view to create meaningful and moving work. We will work from live models, still-lifes and objects, and explore the use of icons, symbols and images through experimentation with a wide range of media and processes including charcoal, pen and ink, acrylics, objects and collage. Beyond this, the main goal of the course is the development of a working process to strengthen conceptual and expressive abilities. This approach will allow students to communicate concerns with originality and creativity in ways that can later be applied to work in any discipline and medium.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. This course is a requirement for Sophomore Textiles Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Textiles
TEXT 4819-02
FROM AN IDEA TO MEANING
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Through drawing and painting we will investigate different subject matter in the development of a personal vision and point of view to create meaningful and moving work. We will work from live models, still-lifes and objects, and explore the use of icons, symbols and images through experimentation with a wide range of media and processes including charcoal, pen and ink, acrylics, objects and collage. Beyond this, the main goal of the course is the development of a working process to strengthen conceptual and expressive abilities. This approach will allow students to communicate concerns with originality and creativity in ways that can later be applied to work in any discipline and medium.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. This course is a requirement for Sophomore Textiles Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Textiles
TEXT 4821-01
JACQUARD FOR PATTERN
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This is an elective course for students who want to continue studying woven pattern. Using the NedGraphics software for pattern and Point Carre jacquard software for drafting woven structures, students will develop patterns through experimentation with material and color. The intended end use of the fabric will be a consideration throughout in the design decisions.
Prerequisite: TEXT-4820 and TEXT-4826
Elective