Sculpture Courses
SCULP 4721-02
JUNIOR SCULPTURE: STUDIO I
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course marks a crucial fulcrum in the pathway out of the sophomore experience and into independent work in sculpture. Thematically driven prompts will provide the scaffolding of three major work sessions that direct the conversation in the studio. These studio conversations will take the form of in-process critiques, formal group critiques, and scheduled individual meetings. Students may also expect intersecting projects with shorter timeframes when appropriate. There will be demos in advanced methods and techniques when appropriate. The visiting artist lecture series is a vital component of this course.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Junior Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture
SCULP 472G-01
GRADUATE STUDIO II
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Students pursue individual work under advisement of resident faculty, visiting artists and critics during the semester. Individual objectives are clarified and professional practices are discussed. Group interaction and discussions expected.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Sculpture
SCULP 4739-01
JUNIOR SCULPTURE: STUDIO II
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course is a continuation of the vital pathway into independent work in Sculpture. Thematically driven prompts will provide the scaffolding of three major work sessions that direct the conversation in the studio. These studio conversations will take the form of in-process critiques, formal group critiques, and scheduled individual meetings. Students may also expect intersecting projects with shorter timeframes when appropriate. The visiting artist lecture series is a vital component of this course.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Junior Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture
SCULP 4739-02
JUNIOR SCULPTURE: STUDIO II
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course is a continuation of the vital pathway into independent work in Sculpture. Thematically driven prompts will provide the scaffolding of three major work sessions that direct the conversation in the studio. These studio conversations will take the form of in-process critiques, formal group critiques, and scheduled individual meetings. Students may also expect intersecting projects with shorter timeframes when appropriate. The visiting artist lecture series is a vital component of this course.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Junior Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture
SCULP 473G-01
GRADUATE STUDIO III
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Students pursue individual work under advisement of resident faculty, visiting artists and critics during the semester. Individual objectives are clarified and professional practices are discussed. Group interaction and discussions are expected.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Sculpture
SCULP 4745-01
SOPHOMORE SCULPTURE: STUDIO I
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This beginning sculpture studio encounter is organized to train students to workshop their ideas and concepts with the basic materials and processes of the sculpture studio. In this department we teach visual vocabulary on the basic principle of, Thinking while making and making while thinking. The assignments in the Fall Sophomore studio parallels the exercises in technical skills taught in Wood and Metal Shop Practice I. Students will begin working in sculpture specific metal fabrication methods. Students may expect to gain proficiency in gas, TIG and MIG welding techniques, along with hot and cold forming methods. The second half of the fall semester is focused on sculpture specific wood fabrication methods. Students will acquire skills in methods of cutting and joining alongside methods of forming and lamination.
Estimated Cost of Materials: Students are required to purchase a substantial selection of tools.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture
SCULP 4745-02
SOPHOMORE SCULPTURE: STUDIO I
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This beginning sculpture studio encounter is organized to train students to workshop their ideas and concepts with the basic materials and processes of the sculpture studio. In this department we teach visual vocabulary on the basic principle of, Thinking while making and making while thinking. The assignments in the Fall Sophomore studio parallels the exercises in technical skills taught in Wood and Metal Shop Practice I. Students will begin working in sculpture specific metal fabrication methods. Students may expect to gain proficiency in gas, TIG and MIG welding techniques, along with hot and cold forming methods. The second half of the fall semester is focused on sculpture specific wood fabrication methods. Students will acquire skills in methods of cutting and joining alongside methods of forming and lamination.
Estimated Cost of Materials: Students are required to purchase a substantial selection of tools.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture
SCULP 4746-01
SOPHOMORE SCULPTURE: STUDIO II
SECTION DESCRIPTION
The Spring semester of Sophomore Sculpture Studio is organized to continue training students to workshop their ideas and concepts while learning basic materials and processes of the sculpture studio. In this department we teach visual vocabulary on the basic principle of, Thinking while making and making while thinking. The assignment projects in the Spring studio parallels the exercises in technical skills taught in WOOD AND METAL SHOP PRACTICE II. Advancing from basic fabrication methods learned in the previous semester, students will progress into workshops in modeling, molding and casting. Students will learn the basic language of form through the lens of basic mold-making methods working in wax, plaster and clay advancing to contemporary silicones and plastics. This workshop will culminate with lost wax ceramic shell casting in our foundry.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture
SCULP 4746-02
SOPHOMORE SCULPTURE: STUDIO II
SECTION DESCRIPTION
The Spring semester of Sophomore Sculpture Studio is organized to continue training students to workshop their ideas and concepts while learning basic materials and processes of the sculpture studio. In this department we teach visual vocabulary on the basic principle of, Thinking while making and making while thinking. The assignment projects in the Spring studio parallels the exercises in technical skills taught in WOOD AND METAL SHOP PRACTICE II. Advancing from basic fabrication methods learned in the previous semester, students will progress into workshops in modeling, molding and casting. Students will learn the basic language of form through the lens of basic mold-making methods working in wax, plaster and clay advancing to contemporary silicones and plastics. This workshop will culminate with lost wax ceramic shell casting in our foundry.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture
SCULP 474G-01
GRADUATE SCULPTURE THESIS PROJECT
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Students present a body of work supported by a written thesis to a thesis committee for evaluation.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Sculpture
SCULP 4781-01
SCULPTURAL PRACTICES I
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course is an introduction to the six major practices that are essential to the study of Sculpture. These practices include an introduction to wood, digital imaging, plaster, performance, installation, and metal. Over the course of the year, students will be exposed to four week intensives designed to augment their major studio experience. The course begins with wood to expedite the speed of moving from ideation to physicality. From wood, the group moves to digital imaging where basic skills in video editing, photographic documentation, and projection within the built environment are explored. Plaster as a medium is paired with performance as an activity, both of which underscore the importance of the body within the field of Sculpture. Once students have produced objects, videos, and performances, the group moves into considering the fundamentals of installation and metal fabrication so that the architectures that house myriad artworks can be understood as part of the modality of Sculpture. Students can expect to learn proficiency and safety in all of these areas. Students can expect to expand these skills in advanced studio electives in the Junior and Senior years. This course is required for all Sophomore Sculpture majors.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture
SCULP 4781-02
SCULPTURAL PRACTICES I
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course is an introduction to the six major practices that are essential to the study of Sculpture. These practices include an introduction to wood, digital imaging, plaster, performance, installation, and metal. Over the course of the year, students will be exposed to four week intensives designed to augment their major studio experience. The course begins with wood to expedite the speed of moving from ideation to physicality. From wood, the group moves to digital imaging where basic skills in video editing, photographic documentation, and projection within the built environment are explored. Plaster as a medium is paired with performance as an activity, both of which underscore the importance of the body within the field of Sculpture. Once students have produced objects, videos, and performances, the group moves into considering the fundamentals of installation and metal fabrication so that the architectures that house myriad artworks can be understood as part of the modality of Sculpture. Students can expect to learn proficiency and safety in all of these areas. Students can expect to expand these skills in advanced studio electives in the Junior and Senior years. This course is required for all Sophomore Sculpture majors.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture
SCULP 4782-01
SCULPTURAL PRACTICES II
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course is a continuiation of Sculptural Practices I. Students are introduced to the six major practices that are essential to the study of Sculpture. These practices include an introduction to wood, digital imaging, plaster, performance, installation, and metal. Over the course of the year, students will be exposed to four week intensives designed to augment their major studio experience. The course begins with wood to expedite the speed of moving from ideation to physicality. From wood, the group moves to digital imaging where basic skills in video editing, photographic documentation, and projection within the built environment are explored. Plaster as a medium is paired with performance as an activity, both of which underscore the importance of the body within the field of Sculpture. Once students have produced objects, videos, and performances, the group moves into considering the fundamentals of installation and metal fabrication so that the architectures that house myriad artworks can be understood as part of the modality of Sculpture. Students can expect to learn proficiency and safety in all of these areas. Students can expect to expand these skills in advanced studio electives in the Junior and Senior years. This course is a requirement for Sophomore Sculpture Students.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture
SCULP 4782-02
SCULPTURAL PRACTICES II
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course is a continuiation of Sculptural Practices I. Students are introduced to the six major practices that are essential to the study of Sculpture. These practices include an introduction to wood, digital imaging, plaster, performance, installation, and metal. Over the course of the year, students will be exposed to four week intensives designed to augment their major studio experience. The course begins with wood to expedite the speed of moving from ideation to physicality. From wood, the group moves to digital imaging where basic skills in video editing, photographic documentation, and projection within the built environment are explored. Plaster as a medium is paired with performance as an activity, both of which underscore the importance of the body within the field of Sculpture. Once students have produced objects, videos, and performances, the group moves into considering the fundamentals of installation and metal fabrication so that the architectures that house myriad artworks can be understood as part of the modality of Sculpture. Students can expect to learn proficiency and safety in all of these areas. Students can expect to expand these skills in advanced studio electives in the Junior and Senior years. This course is a requirement for Sophomore Sculpture Students.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture
SCULP 4783-01
SCULPTURE SEMINAR I: METHODS, MATERIALS, MAKERS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This seminar connects sophomore Sculpture majors to significant parts of the ever-expanding discipline of contemporary sculpture. Over the semester the class will explore how methods of artistic production, materials of artistic transformation, and practices of makers participating in various artistic movements have created and sustained the conversations so integral to contemporary sculptural practice. Through a series of film screenings, assigned readings, slide talks, and discussions, students will gain a familiarity with the historic events and trajectories that continue to produce associative canons and relational movements, forming the foundation of their chosen discipline. The course trajectory is coordinated with topics covered in Sculptural Practices I and II and Sophomore Sculpture: Studio I.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $50.00
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture
SCULP 4783-02
SCULPTURE SEMINAR I: METHODS, MATERIALS, MAKERS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This seminar connects sophomore Sculpture majors to significant parts of the ever-expanding discipline of contemporary sculpture. Over the semester the class will explore how methods of artistic production, materials of artistic transformation, and practices of makers participating in various artistic movements have created and sustained the conversations so integral to contemporary sculptural practice. Through a series of film screenings, assigned readings, slide talks, and discussions, students will gain a familiarity with the historic events and trajectories that continue to produce associative canons and relational movements, forming the foundation of their chosen discipline. The course trajectory is coordinated with topics covered in Sculptural Practices I and II and Sophomore Sculpture: Studio I.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $50.00
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture
SCULP 4784-01
RESEARCH STUDIO I: ARCHIVES, HISTORIES, AND URGENCY
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course utilizes experiential learning and hands-on research to connect sophomore Sculpture majors to resources held in the collections the RISD Museum, the Nature Lab, and the holdings of the Fleet Library, including the Visual and Material Resource Center. Over the course of the semester, students will select, compare, research, and contextualize objects of study from these collections as part of the larger material and conceptual framework of their trajectory in Sculpture. In addition to supervised, hands-on study, students will deepen their relationship to the themes and discourses including the relationship between Modernism and Imperialism, politics and aesthetics, digital communication and global image distribution, museum collections and cultural appropriation, power and knowledge, economic superstructures and available material resources, among others.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $150.00
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture
SCULP 4784-02
RESEARCH STUDIO I: ARCHIVES, HISTORIES, AND URGENCY
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course utilizes experiential learning and hands-on research to connect sophomore Sculpture majors to resources held in the collections the RISD Museum, the Nature Lab, and the holdings of the Fleet Library, including the Visual and Material Resource Center. Over the course of the semester, students will select, compare, research, and contextualize objects of study from these collections as part of the larger material and conceptual framework of their trajectory in Sculpture. In addition to supervised, hands-on study, students will deepen their relationship to the themes and discourses including the relationship between Modernism and Imperialism, politics and aesthetics, digital communication and global image distribution, museum collections and cultural appropriation, power and knowledge, economic superstructures and available material resources, among others.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $150.00
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture
SCULP 4785-01
RESEARCH STUDIO II: COMMUNITY, SITE, AND ETHICS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
In Junior Research Studio students will be guided through a series of experiences and encounters in the community, at large that help them understand the local manifestations of larger systems. Along the way, we will ask questions and learn inquiry methods that enable an understanding of how these encounters, the conversations they spawn, and assigned readings we take on help anchor, shape, and guide the aesthetic, material, and media choices we make in our artwork. A continuation of the use of research methods in the context of a studio setting is exercised individually and in groups. Reflection is used as a tool for development. Students are challenged to explore relationships between chosen materials, subject matter, processes, and display in order to establish research practices that help them make the work they want to make.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $200.00
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Junior Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture
SCULP 4785-02
RESEARCH STUDIO II: COMMUNITY, SITE, AND ETHICS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
In Junior Research Studio students will be guided through a series of experiences and encounters in the community, at large that help them understand the local manifestations of larger systems. Along the way, we will ask questions and learn inquiry methods that enable an understanding of how these encounters, the conversations they spawn, and assigned readings we take on help anchor, shape, and guide the aesthetic, material, and media choices we make in our artwork. A continuation of the use of research methods in the context of a studio setting is exercised individually and in groups. Reflection is used as a tool for development. Students are challenged to explore relationships between chosen materials, subject matter, processes, and display in order to establish research practices that help them make the work they want to make.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $200.00
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Junior Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture