Works are sculpted at various scales and independent projects are undertaken in consultation with the faculty. Critiques involving the meaning and sculptural significance of the works are an integral part of the ongoing class activity. This course introduces the student to stone carving, one of the basic methods of forming sculpture.
Students learn to prepare, maintain , and use the tools of the carver.
They are introduced to the characteristics of suitable carving materials. Emphasis on the exploration of the formal and expressive potential of carved stone. It also provides a thorough foundation in foundry practices, including wax preparation, investing, pouring bronze or aluminum, chasing, finishing, and patinating finished metal casts. Projects are assigned to help the student experience and understand the unique expressive values of mass, space, plane, line, texture, along with such visual phenomena as balance, rhythm, scale, movement, and transformation. This course also serves to introduce the student to a variety of materials and techniques.