Sculpture

Welcome


Sculpture takes many forms at SMCC. In our newly renovated studio on our South Portland campus, just steps from the ocean, students learn the foundations in 3D Design and 3D Design II foundation studio courses. Just up the hill, students bend sheet metal and weld steel to create individual and collaborative art projects in Metal Arts courses in Jewett Hall. Over the bridge at Portland Pottery, students can enroll in courses in Ceramics and Jewelry & Metalsmithing. All courses explore the technical, conceptual and historical aspects of sculpture, and are taught by professional educators and artists.  

Course Descriptions

ARTS 140 3D Design I: Sculpture Studio

This course introduces the fundamentals of three-dimensional design and will ask students to construct and question visual relationships. Emphasis will be on developing an understanding of the basic elements of design: line, plane, volume, mass, movement, shape, form, space, value, texture and color. We will look closely at design organizational principles such as proportion, repetition, rhythm, emphasis, balance, symmetry and hierarchy. A range of materials (paper, cardboard, clay, plaster, wire and found object) and processes (constructing, modeling, carving, casting and fabricating) will be utilized to introduce a variety of approaches to 3D problem solving. Students will also be introduced to three-dimensional critical vocabulary where focus will be on communicating ideas and forming distinctions and connections through verbal and written formats. This class is open to all levels and from all departments within the college community.

Prerequisite(s): none

Corequisite(s): none

ARTS 240 3D Design II: Sculpture Studio

This course will continue the visual and conceptual investigations introduced in 3D I: Sculpture Studio, with a focus on expanding and redefining a student's ideas and experiences of art making. Students will work on idea generation and development which will move from varying states in the design process: definition of the visual problem, search (brainstorming, multiple sketching, association), selection of materials and techniques, execution (production and fabrication), and evaluation. Students will use a range of materials including clay, plaster, wire, cement, earth, paper, mixed media, found object and wood. Fabrication methods may include mold making, casting, fiber techniques of coiling and wrapping, carving, and additive work.

Prerequisite(s): ARTS-140

Corequisite(s): none

ARTS 150 Metal Arts I

This course is designed to provide a safe outlet for artistic expression using metal as the medium. Basic sheet metalworking, hand tools, bending equipment, cutting equipment and welding power source usage will be studied. Students will utilize the studied art forms to design and build individualized works using primarily mild steel as the medium, and will develop their artistic expression and aesthetic awareness while learning the safe use of metalworking through creative projects. Prerequisite(s): MATH-020 Corequisite(s): none

ARTS 250 Metal Arts II

This course will explore visual and conceptual aspects of sculpture through the use of steel. A series of structured and independent assignments, material demonstrations, lecture, and critique will enable students to investigate the potential for this media to offer a wide range of prospects in terms of context (object, installation, and environment) to support the content of their work. Students are expected to integrate this knowledge with their subjective concerns in order to further the depth and understanding of their studio practice. The content and physical nature of the work will be self directed; however, there will be a series of technical assignments that build on the knowledge gained through ARTS 155.

Prerequisite(s): ARTS-150

Corequisite(s): none

ARTS 165 Collage, Assemblage, & Found Object

This course will look at the development of collage and assemblage in Western Art and explore the influence of these pivotal developments on contemporary image making and material use from Cubists, Dada, Surrealists, Post War Abstract Expressionists, Modern, and into the Post Modern. This course is a bridge for 2-D studio courses (drawing, painting, printmaking, photography) and 3-D (sculpture, design, and metal arts) involving students in the use of test, color, surface, image, texture, shape, context, and form. Prerequisite(s): none Corequisite(s): none

ARTS 120 Ceramics I

This course is an introduction to ceramics class that will give students the basic skills to create work in clay. The students will learn hand building, wheel-throwing and glazing techniques, in addition to learning about the history of clay and the different methods of firing that have evolved over time. This course will be held at Portland Pottery, located at 118 Washington Ave in downtown Portland. Students will be responsible for purchasing a required supply kit consisting of tools and clay. The supplies will be pre-packaged and sold directly to students at Portland Pottery on the first day of class. Prerequisite(s): none Corequisite(s): none

ARTS 125 Jewelry & Metalsmithing I

This course will introduce students to basic concepts, design and execution of jewelry using non-ferrous metals. Students will learn a variety of techniques, and use them to design and fabricate a body of jewelry and metal objects. We will touch on the vast history of the medium and introduce the exciting range of contemporary jewelry and metal movements. No prior jewelry or metalsmithing experience is required. This course will be held at Portland Pottery, located at 118 Washington Ave in downtown Portland. Students will be responsible for purchasing a required supply kit consisting of tools and materials. The supplies will be pre-packaged and sold directly to students at Portland Pottery on the first day of class.

Student Artwork