Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - CA 160 D200

Introductory Studio in Visual Art I (3)

Class Number: 6983

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Tue, Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    GOLDCORP

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A hands-on studio course modeled on the progressive development of artistic practice from simple mark-making to full scale installation. Through a process of continuous transformation, an original idea is developed in a sequence of methods, materials and scales. Some research is required. A course materials fee is required. Students with credit for FPA 160 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

CA 160 is a studio-based course that provides a practical and theoretical foundation for contemporary visual art. The course is organized through a series of projects concentrating on the fundamental aspects of the visual art process and the nature of materials. The projects guide the student through experimentation in a range of mediums in both two and three dimensions. Each project is the basis for the next project, and thus projects become steps or increments in a whole studio approach, leading to the end of the semester.

The course texts and in-class discussions focus on developing the student’s ability to discuss art works with a critical awareness of issues of materiality and representation. The work of a variety of contemporary artists is introduced through in-class presentations. As an integral part of your creative activity, students are expected to contribute to class discussions and critiques of each project through engaged, informed and constructive criticism. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with contemporary art through assigned readings and visits to galleries, museums and other exhibition sites.

 

Grading

  • Class projects 60%
  • Artist project/presentation 10%
  • Other assignments such as: Notes, gallery reports, "sketchbook" documentation of course projects and their development 15%
  • Preparedness and participation in class discussions 15%

NOTES:

This class emphasises the evolution of projects, rather than exclusively their individual outcome. In general, to account for the full range of the students development, class project grades are calculated after all the projects in the course have been completed at the end of the semester. A mid-semester check in and in-class feedback will help inform the student of their performance in regard to the expectations of the course. There is also a strong emphasis on in class participation, including participation in discussion and critiques.

If you are sick or have other reasons you must miss class please email the professor. If you are sick please do stay home and work from home when your health permits.

It is your responsibility to find out what you have missed. Lateness and missed classes will result in a lower grade.

Grading takes the following into account

-Growth and development over the course of the semester

-comprehension of the assignments

-creative response to assignments

-Resourcefulness (thoughtful and inventive problem solving)

-Tenacity (not giving up when faced with confusion or lack of inspiration, ability to move on to a place of interest)

-Ability to experiment and have fun while challenging yourself (not just reiterating the same themes and styles you tend toward)

-Collaborative skills (using the classroom as a community of peers as part of problem solving and knowledge development)

-Ability to keep up with projects including working outside of class time

-Respect for peers

-Proper handling of studio tools, equipment

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

The projects have been designed to use simple, inexpensive materials.  Some materials will be supplied by the School.  However, there are some supplies which you will need to accumulate for use in the construction of your projects.  You will share storage with others in this course.  If you wish to leave equipment and materials, it is advisable to have them marked or in a lockable tool box.        

Required by the 2nd week (if you have questions we can discuss in class) : 

-soft pencils (at least 1x B2, 1 x B6, such as Progresso Graphite Pencils)

-basic paint set with yellow, red, blue, white and black, acrylic or gouache or water colour (for example at time of writing there is a set available at DeSerres:  Pebeo

Primary Acrylic Studio Set - 5 x 100 ml $24.97)

-at least one paint brush ½” or larger (you can find inexpensive synthetic sets)

-utility knife (retractable snap-off blades)

-scissors

-sketchbook (at least 11X14 in size, does not have to be special paper, whatever is affordable and works for you--for instance from Opus,  you could use this 48 page “Opus Essential Paperback Sketchbook Kraft, OPUM1114PBK, Size: 11X14, $10.40 / EA” would work fine.

REQUIRED READING:

Coursepack. Available on canvas.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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