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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
SENIOR SEMINAR: PRO PRACTICES
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Building on the methods of research and synthesis learned in Junior Sculpture: Research Studio, this is an intensive semester designed to strengthen students’ knowledge of professional practices for maintaining a creative practice past graduation. Students will develop a packet of materials which include a portfolio of work, artist statement, resume, and artist CV. This course will advance their research into a range of opportunities specific to the discipline of sculpture and their own individuated practices.
Each week students will be introduced to a variety of resources and skills necessary in preparing for upcoming and future opportunities such as residencies, granting organizations, graduate schools and fellowships. Additionally, topics of exhibiting works in various spaces such as galleries (artist-run, for-profit, university, etc.), museums, alternative art organizations and public art venues will be presented. There will also be workshops for preparing project budgets, archival storage of work and formatting for digital organization. This seminar aims to give students a strong foundation for professional practices prior to their final semester at RISD so they can focus on their body of work in Senior Degree Project and feel prepared to graduate.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $300.00
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Senior Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture
SENIOR SEMINAR: PRO PRACTICES
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Building on the methods of research and synthesis learned in Junior Sculpture: Research Studio, this is an intensive semester designed to strengthen students’ knowledge of professional practices for maintaining a creative practice past graduation. Students will develop a packet of materials which include a portfolio of work, artist statement, resume, and artist CV. This course will advance their research into a range of opportunities specific to the discipline of sculpture and their own individuated practices.
Each week students will be introduced to a variety of resources and skills necessary in preparing for upcoming and future opportunities such as residencies, granting organizations, graduate schools and fellowships. Additionally, topics of exhibiting works in various spaces such as galleries (artist-run, for-profit, university, etc.), museums, alternative art organizations and public art venues will be presented. There will also be workshops for preparing project budgets, archival storage of work and formatting for digital organization. This seminar aims to give students a strong foundation for professional practices prior to their final semester at RISD so they can focus on their body of work in Senior Degree Project and feel prepared to graduate.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $300.00
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Senior Sculpture Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Sculpture
SONIC MAPPING: NARRATIVES, SOUNDSCAPES AND ARCHIVES
SECTION DESCRIPTION
The "Sonic Mapping: Narratives, Soundscapes, and Archives" course is an educational journey into the fusion of soundscapes, location, and narrative creation. It offers an in-depth exploration into the process of gathering field recordings, developing a thematic sound collection, and leveraging this collection as a cornerstone for storytelling and musical creation. Centered around the concept of "Sonic Mapping of Locations," this course challenges students to engage in active listening, effective recording, and imaginative composing, transforming fleeting sounds from varied environments into engaging auditory narratives and sonic compositions. Students will need a laptop computer (Mac or Windows). Previous experience with digital audio software recommended.
Elective
SOUND DESIGN: SPACES
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course offers an in-depth exploration of sound as a medium for designing and conceptualizing real, irreal and hyperreal spaces. Through critical listening, readings, and discussions, students will investigate the possibilities and constraints of sound in shaping environments. Using RISD’s 25.4 spatial audio array, participants will engage in a hands-on technical exploration of spatial audio, while developing individual interpretations of what constitutes "the real" as a threshold. This evolving concept will be examined through creative practice, inviting students to challenge and expand their understanding of space through sound. Class time will focus on creating, reflecting, and sharing work, with a strong emphasis on sound design and spatial audio programming using Ableton Live. Prior experience with Ableton is not required. Students will need a laptop computer (Mac or Windows).
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00
Elective
SPATIAL AUDIO: ENVELOPMENT AND IMMERSION
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Spatial Audio focuses on the creation of immersive 3-D sound experiences. In this course, students analyze and explore how the sensation of space is activated in the listener by making works using spatial audio techniques. These methods include high order ambisonics, vector-based amplitude panning, multichannel surround, and binaural audio, among others. Throughout the semester, a series of exercises addressing technical and theoretical issues provide students with the necessary experience to produce midterm and final projects. Coursework involves computational approaches to sound design and composition with instruction in the audio programming language Max and digital audio workstation Reaper. Students have recurring access to a 25-channel loudspeaker array for the development of works. Readings from psychology, philosophy, the arts, and sound studies support class discussions and critiques. Students will need a laptop computer (Mac or Windows). Previous experience with digital audio software recommended.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00
Elective
ENVIRONMENTAL SOUND: USING BUILT AND NATURAL SETTINGS IN MUSIC COMPOSITION
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Environmental Sound challenges the principles of studio-based music composition by using natural and built settings as stimuli for multi-channel sound creations. The course encourages students to explore the foundations of conventional composition, such as rhythm, harmony and melody, and investigate the concepts of space as it relates to sound. Students apply these concepts to their own compositions using recordings captured during the session, to create immersive audio experiences that reference and compliment the world around them. Students explore the concept of aleatoric sound, and are prompted to listen to, and capture, the ‘silence’ around them using mobile recording devices. Individual and group activities will include critical listening and evaluation of conventional and abstract audio sources, with the intention to build and diversify the shared vocabulary for expressing their emotive responses to sound. Taught using a modular, scalable, roving multi-channel audio playback system, students learn technical setup, multi-channel digital composition, plus audio recording, processing and sequencing. The course will be taught using digital audio workstation (DAW) software Reaper and Ableton Live. No music theory or composition experience is needed. Students will need a laptop computer (Mac or Windows).
Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00
Elective
SCULPTURAL FIBERS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
In this experimental sculptural textile studio elective, students will explore methods for building form through textiles. Through experiments and demonstrations students will gain a variety of foundational skills that will inform individual exploration and investigation of the relationship between textiles and three-dimensional form. Techniques will include rope-making, knot-making, weaving, felting and stitching explored alongside sculptural techniques such as armature building and casting. Furthermore, students will be introduced to a variety of surface treatments, including basic painting, dyeing and embellishment techniques. Through lectures, demonstrations, readings and discussions we will investigate various issues at the intersection of textiles and sculpture in a curious and experimental approach.
Please contact the instructor for permission to register; registration is not available in Workday.
Elective
DIGITAL EMBROIDERY
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Digital embroidery transforms hand-crafted couture into a work of fine art. Just like a tattoo where an image is created with needles and color, so embroidered fabric or paper is needle-stitched with colored threads. A basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop is helpful, but we will also cover the fundamentals of creating a preparatory design file in Adobe Illustrator. This vector design file will then be artistically translated into a Pulse embroidery file that can be saved and sewn out as as a multiple or repeat pattern. The resulting personalized textile can be applied to fabrics for apparel or interior applications as well as fine art. A series of small assignments will build up a repertoire of techniques and culminate in a final project that summarizes the student's ability and artistic innovation. This course will explore top of the line Tajima Pulse software with the goal of creating personalized images that will be sewn out on a 15-needle Tajima commercial embroidery machine.
Elective
FIBERS AND DYEING
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course introduces the student to a wide variety of materials and processes involved in the production of both hand and industrially produced textiles. Topics include fiber properties and identification, spinning and yarn construction, natural and synthetic dyeing, traditional textile constructions and new technologies. Both historical and contemporary examples are studied, ranging from textiles in design to fine arts textiles. Class time is divided between lecture and lab work. Lectures are supplemented with readings, workshops and museum visits. Students conduct research on a class related topic of their choice and give presentations about their subject. Each student also prepares spinning and dyeing samples to be presented in an individual archive.
This course is a requirement for Sophomore Textiles Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Textiles
FIBERS AND DYEING
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course introduces the student to a wide variety of materials and processes involved in the production of both hand and industrially produced textiles. Topics include fiber properties and identification, spinning and yarn construction, natural and synthetic dyeing, traditional textile constructions and new technologies. Both historical and contemporary examples are studied, ranging from textiles in design to fine arts textiles. Class time is divided between lecture and lab work. Lectures are supplemented with readings, workshops and museum visits. Students conduct research on a class related topic of their choice and give presentations about their subject. Each student also prepares spinning and dyeing samples to be presented in an individual archive.
This course is a requirement for Sophomore Textiles Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Textiles