Course Description
Direct carving in wood or stone.
Athena Title
Sculpt Subtractive Process I
Prerequisite
Any 2000-level course
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- By completing carving projects in stone and wood, students will apply hand tools, drills, saws, and pneumatic tools to remove material accurately and safely, as demonstrated through finished sculptures and studio critiques.
- Through iterative project development, students will refine technical proficiency and problem-solving skills in three-dimensional carving, as demonstrated in progressive project documentation and instructor feedback.
- By analyzing the properties and limitations of stone and wood, students will evaluate the appropriateness of different techniques for achieving desired sculptural effects, as demonstrated in written reflections and studio discussions.
- Through participation in group critiques, students will assess their own work and the work of peers, provide constructive feedback and incorporating suggestions into subsequent projects, as demonstrated through revised sculptures and verbal contributions.
- By researching historical and contemporary carved works, students will integrate aesthetic, cultural, and technical knowledge into their projects, as demonstrated in presentations and reflective statements.
Topical Outline
- Students begin with small carvings and advance to larger, more ambitious sculptures.
- Typically, students complete two to three major artworks during the semester.
- Assessment focuses on technical accuracy, project completion, and effective application of carving techniques.
- Students create drawings, sketches, and models to plan and develop their sculptural concepts.
- These preparatory exercises support creative problem-solving and iterative refinement of projects.
- Students explore the hardness and characteristics of various stones and wood.
- Instruction includes safe and appropriate use of hand tools, drills, saws, and pneumatic tools.
- Assessment considers mastery of technique, safe practices, and adaptation of methods to material properties.
- Students develop an understanding of the carving process, its aesthetics, and how to integrate these methods into their artistic practice.
- Focus includes discipline, attention to detail, and appreciation of the work required to execute stone and wood carving projects.
- Regular group critiques provide opportunities for students to present, evaluate, and revise their own work and that of peers.
- Students demonstrate improvement and conceptual development through written reflections, studio discussions, and revised projects.
