Fall 2020 - CA 369 D100

Methods and Concepts: Selected Topics (3)

Model Making

Class Number: 7726

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CA (or FPA) 160. A course materials fee is required.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A studio course presenting topics in art-making practices as they relate to practical, conceptual, aesthetic and historical issues in contemporary art. This course may be taken more than once for credit under a different topic.

COURSE DETAILS:

We will focus on practical and conceptual aspects of 3D model making and experiments with form. We will make digital and material (cardboard and found materials) models that can be used for conceptualizing, planning and communicating sculptural works, installations, and exhibitions, or, in some cases be considered artworks in their own right. Although our emphasis is practical and hands on, we will also incorporate discussion, artistic examples, and critical readings to consider what it means to work from a model versus improvised form. The very notion of the model is not neutral. We live in a world where most things we engage with were modeled, or designed at some point. Engaging with a classificatory logic, or model, risks overlooking or smoothing-away qualities that are resistant to predetermination. Our question is: how can artists use these media both practically and artistically. We will look at artistic examples including works by Siah Armajani, Imi Knobel, Isa Genzken, Sol Lewitt, Lygia Glark, Helio Oiticica, Iman Issa, Bodys Isek Kingelez, Mike Kelley, Tishan Hsu, and others.

We will use “Sketchup” as our primary computer program. Visual artists (as well as designers, builders, architects) use Sketchup 3D drawing software to output 2D plans and animated walk throughs for artworks, exhibitions and public art proposals. Using a Sketchup model or floor plan provided by the gallery is often a stage of creation, planning and communication when making exhibitions. To ensure that we are not in front of the screen the whole time, and to observe how different ways of working affect the creative process, class assignments will also include models made of card-board, paper, and other everyday-materials. The course is an opportunity to gain skills that will be useful in a number of artistic and professional situations and that form the basis for the acquisition of further related skills. Sketchup can also be used for storyboarding and shot planning for video projects. Learning rendering software to add more realistic lighting and textures to your objects and scenes will be an option in the second half of the class. Students could optionally purchase a rendering program or use a free program. The pro’s and con’s will be discussed in class.

The course is suited for beginners but if you already have 3D modeling experience it will be possible for you to jump in at an appropriate level to your skill. At the end of the course, students are familiar with basic 3D drawing, assigning and importing photos and textures, lighting, exporting 2D images, animations, and flat patterns for paper models and optionally for simple 3D renders and 2D Laser cutting. From this foundation students should be able to continue using SketchUp in future projects, as well as have a foundation in the logics of 3D drawing and rendering programs.

Special Notes on the Online Delivery of the class in Fall 2020

Teaching and studying studio art remotely is a new situation, we hope to focus on the positive potentials of this new, temporary, configuration. We realize there will be individual situations that present challenges or differences and we are committed to being flexible when needed, and we imagine students will take on the same ethos. The class time will be structured around in class presentations, discussions, workshops, with regular breaks for working on assigned projects in class time. One on one sessions with Faculty and Teaching Assistants as well as break out groups with class mates will also form part of the structure.

Grading

  • Class Projects 50%
  • Presentations on assigned topics and demonstrating skill and knowledge levels 30%
  • Participation (contributions to discussion around assigned readings, in-class assignments, and critiques) 20%

NOTES:

Evaluation

  • students are evaluated based on their technical, creative and conceptual understanding and interpretation of assignments
  • willingness to engage with the course material in thoughtful, critical and creative ways
  • commitment to researching contemporary art and artists and linking projects to critical discourses in contemporary art
  • work ethic, motivation and meeting benchmarks acquiring skills
  • thoroughness and quality of preparedness and participation
  • contribution to a generous, responsive, engaged class environment

REQUIREMENTS:

The minimal technology requirements for successfully completing this course are: 

This course will also require access to the following software:

  • Zoom (Free)
  • Sketchup (will be provided)

This course recommends you access the following software as you may find it useful in some projects.

  • Adobe Suite (currently available for free use)

Note that CA 369 course components will be held synchronously, it is advantageous if you available at the times listed.

Students are encouraged to become familiar with SCA's more technical guidelines and suggestions for required computing resources link is here and if you are needing help there is an email to use.

If this course is a requirement to your degree and you are unable to meet one or more of the technology or synchronous time frame requirements, please contact the course instructor for possible alternative arrangements.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

  • you will need a table space for working and a surface to cut on (could be a large inexpensive kitchen cutting board, a couple of linoleum tiles, or a self healing cutting mat available at art supply stores.)   
  • Access to a camera (you can use your camera phone provided you can download the images onto your computer and they are a good resolution )
  • utility knife with retractable snap-off blades and/or a finer knife with replaceable blades.  We recommend a good solid one. 
  • a ruler for measuring and cutting (a metal ruler or metal edge is best)
  • glue gun (and glue sticks)
  • masking tape or painters tape
  • Start collecting some materials, recycled cardboard, paper, tin foil, sticks, objects, etc. things that might come in handy/ your box of potential model making materials.

REQUIRED READING:

The practical aspects of learning of Sketchup are supported by linkedln learning courses (through SFU library) which allow the student to progress in their own time and at their own speed. The courses is also guided by a series of canvas postings where assignments will be explained and relevant artists and readings will be assigned.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).