Three-Dimensional Design: Clay and Mixed-Media Sculpture IntroductionThree-Dimensional Design is intended to help students explore various 3D disciplines. In this course, you will learn the basics of sculpture in clay through hand-building, coil construction, and the pottery wheel. You will then apply this knowl-edge to new media projects, using paper mache, cardboard tape, wire, and other matrials. Students must meet benchmarks within each unit, and will also be given the opportunity to explore individual projects that follow the guidelines for each unit.

Within each unit you will be expected to produce preliminary sketches, participate in in-process and final critiques, and create a final product. You will be expected to take notes during lecture time and during critiques. You will also be asked to complete homework assignments in which you will find inspiration from current and past artists, architecture, and every day objects.

Grade Breakdown

Projects- 50%50% of your grade will be earned by completing unit and personal projects. Projects are graded on overall quality of work, time management, under-standing of concepts and student rubric reflection. Sketchbook/Homework- 30%30% of your grade will be earned by completing preliminary sketches for project brainstorming, taking notes from lectures, and completing home-work assigments. Participation- 20%20% of your grade will be earned through atten-dance, time management, completion of exit slips, and inclusion in class discussions and critiques.

Materials Students must come to class with materials in order to complete assignments. Failure to come to class prepared will result in a reduction in the participation grade.

You can get these materials at: Artist and Crafsman Supply 3961 White Plains Road, Bronx, New YorkUS, 10466

Michaels 840 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham Manor, NY 10803

Materials you need: Sketch book- Blank pages, no lines!! Any size is fine- this is your sketchbook, so pick something you’ll like! Just make sure it is big enough to com-fortably write and draw in.

Pencils (Artist pencils are preferred, but are not required. Staedtler, Kimberly 2B-8B)

Erasers (Pink pearl erasers, kneaded eraser, magic black eraser, Staedtler white)

Plastic shopping bags (5-10)

Rubber bands

1-2 rolls of masking tape

Classroom Policies

You are expected to come to class on time and prepared to work. There is always something for you to work on- so no one should say “I have nothing to do”. This is not a hard class to suc-ceed in if you do your work! Laziness, unpre-paredness, defiance, etc. will not be tolerated and will be reflected in your grade.

You are not permitted to have your cellphones in class. If you have your cellphone out during class, it will be confiscated and given to the main office.

Please do not bring food to the Art Room. You can have a drink with you, however you cannot eat in the Art Room due to the materials used and the shared space.

My number one rule is to BE RESPECTFUL!Be respectful of me, of each other, of the art room, of the materials and of other people’s proj-ects. Disrespect of any kind will not be tolerated; the Art Room is a safe space for you to be cre-ative and feel comfortable exploring techniques and ideas. Negativity is counterproductive!

Rude language, bullying, and violence of any kind is not permitted in the Art Room.

Failure to follow these policies can result in a reduction in your grade, referrals to the office or counsellors, e-mails and/or phone calls home, etc.

How to Participate in a Critique

1. Ask questions! Try to understand why the artist did what they did before you criticize them.

What inspired you to create this work?What techniques/materials did you use?Do you regret any stylistic choices? What was successful? What was unsuccessful?Did you make changes during the creative pro-cess?What Elements and Principles of Design did you try to highlight while creating this piece?

2. Now that you know some background informa-tion, take a minute to think about how the artwork makes you feel.

Does this project make you think of anything else?Are you able to draw parallels from this work to your own project?Did you notice anything during the artist’s pro-cess that is commendable? (changes, questions asked, etc.)Do you think the artist was successful in achiev-ing what they set out to accomplish?

3. Give advice or reflect. In my experience, I was successful with...I’m not understanding your process/decisions, could you do ___ to make your intensions clear-er?This was successful/unsuccessful because___

Stay away from “I like” statements!

Sketchbook Assignments

Sketchbook assignments are important for both the creative process for in-class projects, but also count as 30% of your grade. Sketchbook assignments will be completed both in class and as homework.

Sketchbooks are intended to help you plan and brainstorm before beginning a long-term project. They will help you problem solve, make lists, jot down ideas, observe objects and your surroundings and take notes.

Sketchbooks will be collected every two weeks for grading. At the start of each two-week session, you will receive a list of assignments that should be completed by the next collection. The list of assign-ments will also be written in the classroon. Assign-ments can be completed in class if there is extra time, or at home.

This is your first set of sketchbook assign-ments! To be completed by September 16th1. Get your sketchbook2. Decorate the cover of your sketchbook. You can draw, collage, use stickers, etc. 3. Write your name and class section on the inside cover of your sketchbook.4. Include this syllabus.5. Include notes about pinch pots and coil pots. 6. Research coil pot construction. Sketch patterns, motifs, themes, shapes, colors- anything that you want to include in your own coil pot. 7. Find a sculptor you are interested in. Write a brief summary about their artwork- what kind of sculp-ture, subject matter, location, time period, etc. and include either a sketch or print out of your favorite piece of their artwork.

Sketchbook assignments should be numbered and dated to help me (and you!) keep track.

Your sketchbooks will be graded over the weekend and will be returned the following Monday.

It is your responsibility to hand in and retrieve your sketchbook from the sketchbook bin.

All projects that are in-progress must be wrapped (if they are clay) properly and stored in your desig-nated area. You are responsible for retrieving and returning your project each day- failure to do so could result in the accidental destruction of your project.

All graded projects will be placed on the return table. Students are responsible for retrieving proj-ects and taking them home. Once completed, projects cannot be stored in the art room (unless we are saving it for the art show)- there is simply not enough room.

If you have any questions, please stop by my room any time. I am here to help you- to become better artists and better students. I want you to succeed and love art!

I hope you all have a wonderful start to your year!

Welcome to the Art Room!

Ms. McMahon