Sculpture

Offered in:

ATLANTA

SCPT 101 Introduction to Sculpture
This studio course explores traditional and contemporary sculpture materials and processes. Emphasis is on both additive and subtractive methods of working. Goals include acquiring technical skills, understanding the physical and expressive possibilities of diverse materials, and learning safe, appropriate use of tools and materials. Prerequisite: DSGN 102.

SCPT 110 Beginning Sculptural Practices I
A thorough understanding of basic forming techniques is essential to the creation of sculpture. This course provides an introduction to forming with wood and metal. Emphasis is on acquiring technical skill and learning the safe and appropriate use of tools and materials. Study also addresses the impact of material and technique upon form and content. Historical and contemporary forming in wood and metal provide a theoretical basis for the studio work. Prerequisite: DSGN 102.

SCPT 115 Beginning Sculptural Practices II
The use of malleable materials and forming processes has a long tradition in sculpture and remains vital today. In part II of this sequence, students will develop technical skill in forming a variety of soft media. Study includes an introduction to modeling and mold making and explorations into nontraditional media and forming processes. Students will learn how their choice of material and process affect the physical, conceptual and psychological aspects of their work. The study of historical and contemporary practice provides a theoretical basis for the studio work. Prerequisite: SCPT 110.

SCPT 203 Additive and Subtractive Sculptural Processes
This course addresses processes for working in subtractive and additive methods of sculpture. Students learn traditional subtractive techniques using manual tools, including pointing, blocking, surfacing and finishing processes. The additive process is presented through techniques of fabrication and assemblage in a variety of materials including wood, found objects and mixed media. Prerequisite: DSGN 102.

SCPT 204 Moldmaking and Casting Sculptural Processes
The practical aspects of mold making and casting from molds, including mold construction in a variety of materials and techniques, are presented in this course. Students learn usage and applications of waste, slump, piece and rubber molds. Casting processes are conducted in a variety of materials, such as plastics, cast concrete/synthetic stone, metal and glass, as well as less traditional casting media. Prerequisite: DSGN 102.

SCPT 205 Figure Modeling in Clay and Plaster
Students explore traditional materials and processes for figurative sculpture using a live model. Emphasis is placed on traditional additive and casting methods of working. Slide presentations, critiques and instruction in the safe, appropriate use of tools augment studio work. Prerequisite: DSGN 102.

SCPT 210 Introduction to Woodcarving
This course introduces students to subtractive methods of carving wood. Students learn basic techniques and principles of carving, as well as safe tool use techniques. The course combines discussion and consideration of figurative and nonfigurative forms. Prerequisite: DSGN 102.

SCPT 212 Introduction to Forging
Forging metal has been an integral part of sculpture throughout time. Students in this course learn the basic skills needed to successfully manipulate metal through the forging process. An understanding and application of safe tool usage will be examined. Students will also be introduced to the historical and contemporary contexts of forging. Prerequisite: DSGN 102.

SCPT 223 Introduction to Sculptural Processes: Cold Glass
Emphasis is placed on contemporary approaches to cold glass work, moving past the media’s typical utilitarian uses and focusing on glass as a sculptural material. The techniques of cutting, etching, laminating, and sandblasting will be covered. Students analyze historical and contemporary issues in glass; both in terms of media usage and concept development as a point of departure to create unique work that exploit the unique properties of glass. Prerequisite: DSGN 102.

SCPT 225 Introduction to Sculptural Processes: Warm Glass
Students in this course learn to manipulate glass with hand and power tools. They also use available slumping and fusing technologies with digitally controlled glass and annealing kilns to explore the medium and its conceptual applications. Prerequisite: DSGN 102.

SCPT 230 Stone Carving
Students are introduced to the traditional techniques involved in carving stone and are expected to learn the safe, appropriate use and care of tools. Studio activities include the use of drawing as an ideation tool and the creation of maquettes as a tool to understand the development of form. Lectures, discussions, reading assignments and independent research complement studio work and develop conceptualization skills. Prerequisite: DSGN 102.

SCPT 240 Introduction to Proposals, Maquettes and Models
Maquettes, models and 2-D support materials are an important part of sculpture as well as public art. This course will focus on the technical application and construction of support material used in proposing successful projects. Students will learn a variety of hands-on skills and techniques to clearly communicate developed concepts in a visual context. Prerequisite: DSGN 102.

SCPT 250 Digital Applications in Sculpture I
This course explores the relationship between digital tools and sculptural practice. Lectures and hands-on activities are supplemented by 2-D vector based programs, digital photography software and 3-D modeling programs. Students learn how to use the computer as a design tool for sculpture and to prepare files for various outputs. Prerequisites: DSGN 102, CMPA 100 or CMPA 110 or ELDS 225.

SCPT 271 Introduction to Foundry
This course is an introduction to basic foundry techniques, designed to teach students the principles and vocabulary of cast metal. Through a variety of projects, students demonstrate the ability to translate and develop a sculptural idea through the processes of modeling, mold making, casting and finishing, including patination, polishing and other metal finishing techniques. Prerequisite: DSGN 102.

SCPT 275 Direct Metal Sculpture
The history and application of direct metal sculpture techniques is the focus of this course. Basic welding and forming techniques provide the basis for the exploration of 3-D form and sculptural practice. Emphasis is placed on the proper and safe use of equipment associated with creating welded sculpture. Students explore how line, plane and volume can be used as modes of sculptural expression. Prerequisite: DSGN 102.

SCPT 303 Sculptural Trends and Concepts
By examining the chronological development of sculptural practices and applications in a studio environment, students in this course gain a stronger understanding of the origins of contemporary sculpture while examining their personal role in relation to applications, contexts and trends. Studio projects will be based on research and understanding of sculptural developments since 1945. Prerequisite: SCPT 115.

SCPT 305 Portrait Sculpture
The sculptural portrait in the academic tradition, and the use of the sculpted head and figure for expression, are the starting points for this exploration of contemporary portraiture issues. Students will expand their observational skills to produce detailed and accurate works from direct observation. Additionally, this course addresses specific issues related to the completion of realistic portraits in direct and indirect methods, including bronze, cast resins, plaster, clay, and alternative materials. Prerequisite: SCPT 205.

SCPT 306 Intermediate Figurative Sculpture
Traditional materials are utilized to sculpt the human figure in the academic tradition. Detailed and accurate works will be created with emphasis on accurate proportional rendering of the figure(s). The course will cover specific issues related to the completion of realistic figurative sculpture, such as use of preliminary studies, references and anatomical resources, professional armature construction, use of materials, molds, and more. Prerequisite: SCPT 205.

SCPT 308 Material Manipulation and Visual Language
Through a deeper understanding of the connection between materials, processes and concepts, and with an emphasis on the exploration of materials and sensitivity to their appropriate application, this course is designed to expose students to materials and their manipulation as a means to connect material vocabulary and personal expression. Prerequisites: ARTH 207 and SCPT 115.

SCPT 310 Intermediate Carving
In this course, students work with a broad array of manual and powered tools that facilitate the subtractive production process. Students have the opportunity to carve in nontraditional materials, such as regular and aerated concrete, medium to high-density urethane and styrene foam, and various laminate materials such as wood, paper, glass and more. Prerequisite: SCPT 210.

SCPT 315 Technology in Sculpture
The integration of modern technology has become a common functional and conceptually relevant part of contemporary sculptural practice. Students in this course learn the essential assembly skills necessary to implement basic mechanical, electronic, pneumatic and other commonplace mechanical processes and electronic technologies into sculptural works. Prerequisite: SCPT 110.

SCPT 320 Intermediate Sculptural Practices
Contemporary sculptural practice demands expanding the potential meaning and message within 3-D forms. Traditional and contemporary historical research provides students the foundation to explore the elements of personal vision. Themes are developed thorough a series of student-generated and faculty supervised proposals and works. This course will act as a point of reflection for the sculpture major, offering the opportunity to develop proficiency in previously utilized materials and techniques. Prerequisites: SCPT 115 and any 200-level SCPT course.

SCPT 323 Intermediate Sculptural Processes in Glass
Building on previous experience with the media, students further explore the use of glass in sculptural applications through methods that cover both cold and warm techniques. This studio class offers the opportunity for students to focus on a particular glass process that reflects their aesthetic interest and sculptural vision. Prerequisites: DSGN 102, and either SCPT 223 or SCPT 225.

SCPT 360 Installation Art
This course explores many of the 20th-century sculptural issues related to installation art. Topics may include indoor and outdoor site-specific work, sculpture on a grand scale, and 3-D public art. Students are required to execute an installation piece complete with proposals and preliminary models. Prerequisite: SCPT 115.

SCPT 371 Intermediate Foundry
Expanding upon foundry knowledge acquired in previous study, this course serves as the basis for exploration into the expressive possibilities of cast metal. Emphasis is placed on the integration of conceptual direction with a variety of metal casting and patination techniques. Prerequisite: SCPT 271.

SCPT 375 Advanced Metal: Foundry and Welding
Students will develop advanced technical skills in welding and metal casting to create meaningful objects that express personal vision. Emphasis in this course will be on preliminary designing and construction of ideas and individual expression. All instruction will cover the safe and proper use of equipment and tools. Prerequisite: SCPT 370.

SCPT 379 Public Art Issues, Theory and Practice
This elective course is intended to provide an introduction to the broad subject of public art and the associated contemporary issues. Combining lecture and studio components, students will develop an understanding of the unique niche of public art, its history and its potential for their careers. Prerequisites: DSGN 102, SCPT 240.

SCPT 402 Sculpture in Context: Public Art
A project-based approach towards working in the public realm is utilized in this course. By producing project proposals based on Request for Proposals, students will examine the issues of public space, the role and interaction of the audience, the concept and context of form in the public realm. Prerequisite: SCPT 360.

SCPT 405 Sculpture in Context: Body as Concept
The human body continues to be the object of much of the world’s art in our times. This studio course addresses the body as a concept and examines this concept’s complexities and contradictions. The work in this course will approach the human body as the object of science, as a construction of memory, and as an expression of gender and status identity. Students will be charged with creating engaging and thoughtful work through metaphor, symbolism, analogy, spectacle, humor and site. Prerequisite: SCPT 205.

SCPT 406 Advanced Figurative Sculpture
This course will continue exploration of the figure through traditional and contemporary materials and processes. Although students will be working from direct observation, emphasis for the course is on the expressive potential of the media and the figure itself. Large-scale works will be encouraged and alternative materials and surface treatments will be explored. Prerequisite: SCPT 306.

SCPT 410 Advanced Carving Exploration
Synthesizing their technical, visual, conceptual, and historical interests into carved expressions that manifest a personal vision, students will have the opportunity to explore in-depth one material, such as marble, or to experiment with a wide array of traditional and nontraditional materials and their combinations. This course also requires students to research and utilize contemporary subtractive processes and state of the art technologies. Prerequisite: SCPT 310.

SCPT 420 Advanced Sculptural Practices
This course focuses on consistent visual vocabulary, media, process, clarity of thought and conceptual/theoretical issues and facilitates student preparation for the final year of study. Students will demonstrate significant research to support personal vision and serious aesthetic investigation resulting in a portfolio of work that integrate form and content. Prerequisite: SCPT 320.

SCPT 450 Computer Modeling for Sculptural Practices: Advanced Projects
Students explore their own personal visions using digital tools and computer software programs designed for the development of 3-D forms, spaces, objects, sites and processes. Students develop a critical basis for the evaluation of their use and explore the possibilities and implications of digital tools and processes. Prerequisites: CMPA 100, SCPT 250.

SCPT 460 Sculpture in Context: Time and Movement
Through an understanding of the 3-D world through experiments in 4-D elements, students examine what is possible in relation to kinetic approaches, time-based materials, and available technologies. By researching and exploring 4-D approaches, including performance and installation, as well as nontraditional material usage and technology, students develop projects that are experiential rather than object-based. Prerequisite: SCPT 360.

SCPT 488 Tool Making for the Sculpture Studio
Students will learn how to make the tools that they will need to furnish their own studios as professional sculptors and artists. Students will evaluate their own needs against their budgets, skills, and the demands of their specific artistic practice. A variety of contemporary studios will be considered as examples. Prerequisite: SCPT 320.

SCPT 490 Senior Seminar in Sculpture
The goal of this course is to develop a cohesive body of sculptural work, representative of the student’s personal vision. This work will be the result of both directed study given by the professor and independent research on the part of the student. Through the process of regularly scheduled critiques, the professor will guide the student through conceptual and formal problems to bring realization to the student’s individual direction. Students will examine their creative goals as artists and develop a personal aesthetic philosophy. Prerequisite: SCPT 420.

SCPT 499 Special Topics in Sculpture
The topic of this course varies from quarter to quarter. Each seminar focuses on various issues in the field of sculpture and allows students to pursue individual projects related to the subject of the course. Prerequisites: Vary according to topic.

SCPT 704 Sculptural Studio Processes
Sculptural expression in the 21st century is no longer limited to an object and can embrace limitless 3-D expressions. The primary goal of this course is to create an awareness of the breadth of expression and the possible forms sculpture can take. Through readings, lectures, discussions and studio projects, this course will explore the integration of materials, processes, content and form.

SCPT 710 Graduate Sculpture Seminar
Current issues and themes of contemporary art practice are examined in-depth. Lectures, reading assignments and discussions cover a range of topics and are informed by recent art criticism and theory with links to other fields, such as, philosophy, psychology, art history and cultural criticism. Students are encouraged to contribute to the dialogue and introduce topics of individual significance.

SCPT 713 Sculpture Studio I
Discovering one’s visual, historical, and philosophical interests is the first step toward developing a personal creative direction. In this course students explore their interests through self-directed research and experimental studio production. Individual meetings with faculty and group critiques with peers stimulate ideas, analysis, and growth.

SCPT 717 Sculpture Studio: Concept and Content
Content and context have an interdependent relationship to the production of contemporary sculpture. This course examines how the construction of content has been fused and imprinted in contemporary art. It also addresses how contextual issues such as site, spatial relationships, and social settings inform the creative process.

SCPT 723 Sculpture Studio II
Students realize their personal direction through continued self-directed research and studio production. Individual interests are specifically identified and studio explorations narrow in scope. Weekly meetings with faculty and group critiques with peers stimulate analytical discourse and growth. Prerequisite: SCPT 713.

SCPT 743 Sculpture Studio III
Synthesizing one’s cultural and personal interests into cohesive creative expressions is the hallmark of maturing sculptors. Students develop a unified body of work that embodies this goal. In depth, self-directed research guides creative production while weekly meetings with faculty and group critiques stimulate intense analytical discourse. Production is reviewed by faculty panels at mid-quarter and at the end of the quarter. Prerequisite: SCPT 723.

SCPT 749 Sculpture M.A. Final Project
All M.A. sculpture students are required to create a personal, cohesive body of work and write an extended artist’s statement. Students have the opportunity to combine historic and contemporary references with focused, self-directed expression, articulating ideas and contextual theories through refined critical self-analysis. Prerequisite: SCPT 743.

SCPT 770 Sculpture Self-promotion
Professional business practices and etiquette are the keystone skills to a successful career in the arts. Students are introduced to a variety of professional business art practices in the context of a working studio. Discussions include selecting and approaching galleries and producing professional quality promotional materials. The legal issues of art including consignment and contract, copyright laws, and censorship also are addressed. Digital portfolios and electronic representation represent an important new form of promotion. Students learn to prepare images for electronic distribution. Prerequisite: SCPT 723.

SCPT 773 Sculpture Studio IV
Students produce a cohesive body of creative work by synthesizing their interests into a series of integrated expressions. In depth, self-directed research guides creative thought and production while weekly meetings with faculty and group critiques stimulate intense analytical discourse. Faculty review panels monitor and facilitate professional growth. Prerequisite: SCPT 743.

SCPT 775 Advanced Sculpture Studio
Students prepare work for their thesis exhibition. They engage in a process of continual refinement to result in a cohesive body of work that summarizes their conceptual direction and technical mastery. Studio practice together with intense analytical discourse of current studio work and thesis draft prepare students for the visual and written components of their thesis. Prerequisite: SCPT 743.

SCPT 780 Special Topics in Sculpture
The topic of this course varies from term to term. Each course focuses on various issues in sculpture and allows students to pursue individual projects related to the subject of the course. Prerequisites: Vary according to topic.

SCPT 790 Sculpture M.F.A. Thesis
This class is the culmination of the student’s research and studio work. The thesis exhibit is the final examination of the student’s critical thinking skills and abilities. The MFA thesis provides the opportunity for the student to make a professional presentation of their work and defense of the themes and direction of their personal vision.