Image and Form: Myth, Ritual, and Story

REVISED

Fall 2011 and Winter 2012 quarters

Faculty

Susan Aurand ceramics, visual arts , Evan Blackwell visual arts, ceramics

Fields of Study

aesthetics, art history, cultural studies and visual arts

Preparatory for studies or careers in

studio arts, arts education, art history, arts management, and writing for the arts.

Description

Throughout history, art has given physical form to our beliefs about our origins and nature, and to our efforts to correctly position ourselves in the cosmos. This program will examine how art embodies our cultural and individual myths, rituals and stories. We will study this historical function of art and explore it in our own lives through intensive studio work in painting and ceramics. 

In the fall, students will develop technical skills in painting (using watercolor, acrylics and oils), in sculptural ceramics, and in mixed media sculpture. Students will be introduced to a variety of ceramic construction processes, clay and glaze materials, firing processes, and use of studio equipment. The class will consider the characteristics and allusions of clay in all its states as a sculptural and expressive medium. Students will advance their technical skills through weekly skill workshops and assignments. In addition, each student will create a series of two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional artworks exploring a personal theme related to myth, ritual or story.

In winter, the class will further develop and build on much of the work we started in the fall. We will continue to study myths, rituals and stories and examine how cultural context affects meaning in different forms of expression. Students will expand the conceptual basis of their work as they continue to explore and build skills in both painting and ceramics. Nonconventional approaches and methods of manufacture and installation in both painting and ceramic sculpture will be encouraged. Winter quarter will culminate with individual theme projects and presentation of student work.

Students entering the program must have a solid background in representational drawing (including perspective, shading, and preferably some prior experience in figure drawing), but no prior experience in ceramics or painting is required.  The program is designed for students who have a strong work ethic and self-discipline. The program will function as a working community of artists. Students will be expected to work intensively in the campus studios and to be engaged and supportive of their peers.

Location

Olympia

Online Learning

No Required Online Learning

Books

Greener Store

Required Fees

$150 per quarter for field trips and supplies.

Special Expenses

Students should be prepared to spend approximately $200 per quarter on art supplies.

Offered During

Day

Program Revisions