Studio Projects: Art and Religious Practice

Description

This program will be based in two visual arts studios: printmaking and fine metalworking. Working back and forth between 2D and 3D, between image making and object making, we will study basic design, studio skills and art history. Our study of art will provide a lens through which we will focus on Judaism and Christianity. Since the purpose of religious ritual is to repeat and rehearse stories, many of the artworks in our study will be functional. We will examine the religious utility of images and objects such as devotional prints, mezuzahs, prayer beads, chalices, and hand-made religious texts. In most cases the effect of religious objects and images is the same: to see and remember.

One way to look at both art and craft is that both historically have been made and used in the service of religious practice to capture fleeting moments of ritual. How can we better understand religion by examining, and making, images and objects that reflect these rituals? How has visual art encouraged spiritual experience and religious practice?

In fall quarter, students will gain basic fine metals and intaglio printmaking skills, as well as focusing on writing. In winter, students will explore intermediate skills in both studios, as well as undertake a substantive independent research project. This program is designed for sophomores with an interest in studio art, art history, philosophy and religion who are interested in a focused and demanding combination of studio work, writing, reading and seminar discussion. Half of students' time will be focused on artistic practice; half will address a rigorous study of religions and art history. We hope to work as a community of artists to examine ideas that have a rich historical background as well as pressing contemporary significance.