Course Code & No. - Section:
SCLP 210 - Section 1
Term & Year:
Fall 2020
Course Ref. No. (CRN):
80024
Course Workload
3 credit art course
Instructor:
Rick Parsons
Phone(s):
x 7587 or 970-948-5555 (Rick’s cell for emergencies)
Email:rparsons@sierranevada.edu
Office Hours:
M-W by appointment
Class Meeting Time:
M-W 9:00 – 10:45 pm
Lab (you must attend one 3D lab per week)
M-W 11:00-12:45
Blog:sncsculpture.blogspot.com
Course Description
The students will be introduced to three-dimensional practices within contemporary fine arts. These practices include form making through additive and reductive processes along with strategies in installation art. Students will learn to use tools and techniques associated with theses processes. Students will be introduced to historical models of sculptural processes and other art practices through three-dimensional material.
Student Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be able to:
· Understand tools and tool safety
· Exhibit an understanding of studio safety
· Work with wood
· Work with plaster
· Work with steel
· Critique sculpture
Methods of Assessing Student Outcomes
Students will be required to complete assigned projects by their due date and participate in class discussions. Students will also be assessed on participation in critiques and studio operations such as cutting, manipulating, forming of a variety of materials. This course is an introduction to materials, tools and techniques used in the evolution of form and content. Idea development is a key aspect of creating sculpture and will be addressed, along with a variety of materials and techniques used by contemporary sculptors. Both traditional and non-traditional approaches to the materials and concepts will be introduced.
Instructional Strategies
This course will incorporate instructor demonstrations; help with assigned projects and lab time to complete assignments. Occasionally there will be slides and video showings.
Required Texts and Materials
There is no required text. Student must provide leather work gloves.
Recommended Texts and Materials
1) Nature and Art, Andres Feinger
2) Basic Woodworking, Sunset Press
3) Modern welding, Andrew Althouse
4) The Sculpture Reference, Arthur Williams
5) Sculpture Principles and Practice, Louis Slobodikin
Laptops, Cell Phones, and General Respect for your Peers
Please do not use cell phones or laptops in class except for art related research. Students that disrespect their peers or the integrity of the class by using their cell phone or laptops for non-art related reasons will be assigned an absence.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory, as this class is participatory. The final for this course is mandatory. Plan to stay the entire semester and attend the final.
Grading Policy
All excused absences must be documented. You are allowed two unexcused absences without penalty. Any unexcused absence beyound this will cause your grade to drop one full letter grade. This means if you have an A and you have more than 3 unexcused absences you will receive a B. In art classes you must be present to learn. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you will be marked absent. You must stay and participate in class as well. If you leave early, you will also be marked absent.
Completion of assigned projects, due at the start of class. No late projects will be accepted! NONE! No unfinished projects will be accepted. Project grades will be averaged.
100% 1) Plaster assignment: Found-object abstraction
100% 2) Steel Drawing in Space
100% 3) Wood assignment – Band Saw Box
100% 4) Casting
100% All assignments are averaged.
Grading Scale
95-100 A
90-94 A-
85-89 B
80-84 B-
75-79 C
70-74 C-
65-69 D
60-64 D-
0-59 F
Studio Usage
Only students registered in a sculpture class at SNC may use the studio. Do not bring in your friends to play.
End of the semester
At the end of the semester please gather all your things that are in the studio and remove them. All work left behind will be discarded.
The Mission Statement:
Sierra Nevada College graduates will be educated to be scholars of and contributors to a sustainable world. Sierra Nevada College combines the liberal arts and professional preparedness through an interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes entrepreneurial thinking and environmental, social, economic and educational sustainability.
The Core Themes:
Liberal Arts Professional Preparedness Entrepreneurial Thinking Sustainability
Sanctions for Cheating and/or Plagiarism
The Honor Code
The faculty of SNC believes students must be held to high standards of integrity in all aspects of college life in order to promote the educational mission of the College and to encourage respect for the rights of others. Each student brings to the SNC community unique skills, talents, values and experiences which, when expressed within the community, contribute to the quality of the educational environment and the growth and development of the individual. Students share with members of the faculty, administration and staff the responsibility for creating and maintaining an environment conducive to learning and personal development, where actions are guided by mutual respect, integrity, responsibility, and trust. The faculty and students alike must make diligent efforts to ensure high standards are upheld by their colleagues and peers as well as themselves. Therefore faculty and students accept responsibility for maintaining these standards at Sierra Nevada College and are obligated to comply with its regulations and procedures, which they are expected to read and understand.
Consequences of Violating the Student Honor Code
SNC students and faculty share the responsibility for maintaining an environment of academic honesty. Thus, all are responsible for knowing and abiding by the SNC Faculty/Student Honor Code published in the current SNC Catalog. Faculty are responsible for presenting the Honor Code and the consequences of violating it to students at the start of their classes AND for reporting all incidences of academic dishonesty to the Provost. Students are responsible for knowing what constitutes CHEATING, PLAGIARISM and FABRICATION and for refraining from these and other forms of academic dishonesty. Violations of the Honor Code become part of a student’s academic record.
1st Offense: Student receives a zero for assignment/exam and counseling with faculty on the honor code, consequences for violating the honor code, and the value of academic honesty in learning.
2nd Offense: Student fails course and receives counseling with faculty on the honor code, consequences for violating the honor code, and the value of academic honesty in learning.
3rd Offense: Student is expelled.
ADA Accommodations
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, students with a documented disability are eligible for support services and accommodations. If a student wishes to request an accommodation, please contact the Director of Academic Support Services, Henry Conover, at (775) 831-1314 x7534, hconover@sierranevada.edu or go to the OASIS offices on the third floor of Prim Library within the first week of the semester.
The SNC Email System
The SNC email system is the official communication vehicle among students, faculty members and administrative staff and is designed to protect the confidentiality of student information as required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 Act (FERPA). Students should check their college email accounts daily during the school year.
Students have a right to forward their SNC e-mail to another e-mail account (for example, @hotmail or @gmail). However, confidentiality of student information protected by FERPA cannot be guaranteed for SNC e-mail forwarded to an outside vendor. Having email redirected does not absolve a student from the responsibilities associated with official communication sent to his or her SNC email account.
Prim Library Resources
Using the library’s resources effectively (not just Internet resources) contributes to developing each of SNC’s core themes by exposing students to high quality academic resources, diverse opinions, new ideas, and a future that includes building on a liberal arts education. In this course, you will be expected to utilize the library’s resources (either on-site or remotely) as you complete your assignments.
1. Lib Guides: http://Libguides.sierranevada.edu These web pages contain instructions about how to use resources available at Prim Library, how to evaluation the appropriateness of information from the Internet for a research paper, how to cite sources, and other topics related to finding and using information.
Class Schedule
Week One-Week Three: Found Object Abstraction
Week Three-Week Five: Steel Drawing in Space
Week Six-Week Eight: Wood Assignment (Bandsaw box) and all things wood
Week Nine-Week Twelve: Lost-wax Casting (* Dec. 11*) TBA- Class as Medium
********** Thanksgiving Break November 25-29 ************
Fine Arts Shop Saftey Manual
An important part of your experience in woodworking will be learning to follow practices and procedures that will prevent injuries to YOURSELF and OTHERS. Pay close attention to the instructions and demonstrations given. Study the directions given in this manual for using tools and machines. As you learn to use them the correct way, you also learn to use them the safe way.
Carefully study the safety rules that follow. Your instructor may also recommend some additional rules. If you follow the rules and directions carefully, many of them will soon become safety habits that you will perform almost automatically.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
SECURE APPROVAL. Secure your instructor's approval for all work you plan to do in the shop. He or she is the one to decide if the work can and should be done, and will be able to suggest the best, easiest, and safest way to do it.
CLOTHING. Dress properly for your work. Remove coats and jackets, and roll up loose sleeves. It is advisable to wear a shop apron that is snugly tied.
EYE PROTECTION. Wear safety glasses or a face shield when doing any operation that may endanger your eyes. Be sure you have enough good light to see what you are doing without straining your eyes.
CLEAN HANDS. Keep your hands clean and free of oil or grease. You will do better and safer work, and the tools and your project will stay in good condition.
CONSIDERATION OF OTHERS. Be thoughtful and helpful toward other students in the class. Be sure that the work you are doing does not endanger someone else. Caution other students if they are violating a safety rule.
TOOL SELECTION. Select the proper size and type of tool for your work. An expert never uses a tool unless it is sharp and in good condition. Inform your instructor if tools are broken, have loose handles, or need adjustments.
CARRYING TOOLS. Keep sharp-edged and pointed tools turned down. Do not swing or raise your arms over your head while carrying tools. Carry only a few tools at one time, unless they are in a special holder. Do not carry sharp tools in the pocket of your clothes.
CLAMPING STOCK. Whenever possible, mount the work in a vise, clamp, or special holder. This is especially important when using chisels, gouges, or portable electric tools.
USING TOOLS. Hold a tool in the correct position while using it. Most edged tools should be held in both hands with the cutting motion away from yourself and other students. Be careful when using your hand or fingers as a guide to start a cut. Test the sharpness of a tool with a strip of paper or a scrap or wood. DO NOT USE YOUR FINGERS.
WORKING SPEED. Do not "rush and tear" through your work. The good worker knows that a steady, unhurried pace is safest and produces the best work.
BENCH ORGANIZATION. Keep your project materials carefully organized on your bench with tools located near the center. Do not pile tools on top of each other. Never allow edged or pointed tools to extend out over the edge of the bench. Close your vise when it is not in use and see that the handle is turned down. Keep drawers and cabinet doors closed.
FLOOR SAFETY. The floor should be clear of scrap blocks and excessive litter. Keep projects, sawhorses, and other equipment and materials you are using out of traffic lanes. Immediately wipe up any liquids spilled on the floor.
MATERIAL AND PROJECT STORAGE. Store and stack your project work carefully in assigned areas. If the storage is overhead, be sure the material will not fall. Straighten the lumber rack when you remove a board. Do not leave narrow strips protruding from the end of the storage rack, especially at or near eye level.
LIFTING. Protect your back muscles when lifting heavy objects. Have someone help you. Lift with your arm and leg muscles. Secure help with long boards, even if they are not heavy.
FIRE PROTECTION. Many finishing materials, thinners, etc. are highly flammable. Others are toxic. It is important that these materials be used only in approved areas. In addition, close cans of finishing materials and thinners immediately after use. Use flammable liquids in very small quantities. Be sure the container is labeled. Dispose of oily rags and other combustible materials immediately, or store them in an approved container. Secure the instructor's approval before you bring any flammable liquids into the shop.
INJURIES. Report all injuries, even if they are slight, to your instructor.
POWER EQUIPMENT SAFETY RULES
Modern power woodworking machines can save large amounts of time. Learning how to use them safely will be an important part of your experience in the shop. Whether or not you are permitted to use power equipment will depend on your maturity and ability, along with policies established by your instructor.
Before operating any power tool or machine you must become thoroughly familiar with the way it works and the correct procedures to follow in its use. As you learn to use a machine the correct way, you will also be learning to use it the safe way.
Study the procedures outlined in the following chapters carefully. Pay close attention to the demonstrations and directions given by your instructor. Know and understand the following general safety rules that apply to power machine operation. You must also learn the specific safety rules that apply to each machine.
1. Always be sure you have the instructor's approval to operate a machine. Your instructor knows you and the machine, and can best decide whether you have "what it takes" to operate the machine safely.
2. Wear appropriate clothing. Remove coats or jackets, and roll up loose sleeves.
3. You must be wide-awake and alert. Never operate a machine when you are tired or ill.
4. Think through the operation before performing it. Know what you are going to do, and what the machine will do.
5. Make all the necessary adjustments before turning on the machine. Some adjustments on certain machines will require the instructor's approval.
6. Never remove or adjust a safety guard without the instructor's permission.
7. Use approved push sticks, push blocks, feather boards, and other safety devices. Some operations may require the use of a special jig or fixture.
8. Keep the machine tables and working surfaces clear of tools, stock, and project materials. Also keep the floor free of scraps and excessive litter.
9. Allow the machine to reach its full operating speed before starting to feed the work.
10. Feed the work carefully and only as fast as the machine will easily cut.
11. Maintain the MARGIN OF SAFETY specified for the machine. This is the minimum distance your hands should ever come to the cutting tool while in operation.
12. If a machine is dull, out of adjustment, or not working properly, shut off the power immediately and inform the instructor.
13. When you are operating the machine, you are the only one to control it. Start and stop the machine yourself. If someone is helping you, be sure they understand that they are expected to know what to do and how to do it.
14. Do not allow your attention to be distracted while operating a machine. Also, be certain that you do not distract the attention of other machine operators.
15. Stay clear of machines being operated by other students. See that other students are "out of the way" when you are operating a machine.
16. When you have completed an operation on a machine, shut off the power. Wait until it stops before leaving the machine or setting up another cut. Never leave a machine running while unattended.
17. Machines should not be used for trivial operations, especially on small pieces of stock. Do not play with machines.
18. Do not "crowd around" or wait in line to use a machine. Ask the present operator to inform you at your work station when finished. Common standards of courtesy may slow you down, but they will make the shop a safer and more pleasant place to work.
Safety Rules for Table Saws
1. Be certain the blade is sharp and the right one for your work.
2. The saw is equipped with a guard and a splitter. Be sure to use them.
3. Set the blade so it extends about ¼in. above the stock to be cut.
4. Stand to one side of the operating blade and do not reach across it.
5. Maintain a 4 in. margin of safety. For example, clamp a small piece of stock to a larger piece to cut safely.
6. Stock should be surfaced, with at least one edge jointed before being cut on the saw.
7. The position of the stock must be controlled either by the fence or the miter gauge. NEVER CUT STOCK FREE HAND.
8. Use only new stock that is free of knots, splits, and warp.
9. Stop the saw before making adjustments to the fence or blade.
10. Do not let small scrap cuttings accumulate around the saw blade. Use a push stick to move them away.
11. Re-sawing and other special setups must be inspected by the instructor before power is turned on.
12. The dado or any special blades should be removed from the saw after use.
13. Students helping to "tail-off" the saw should not push or pull on the stock but only support it. The operator must control the feed and direction of the cut.
14. As you complete your work, turn off the machine and remain until the blade has stopped. Clear the saw table and place waste cuttings in the scrap box.
Safety Rules for Band Saws
1. Wheel guard doors must be closed, and the blade properly adjusted, before turning on the machine.
2. Adjust the upper guide assembly so it is ¼in. above the work.
3. Allow the saw to reach full speed before feeding the work.
4. The stock must be held flat on the table.
5. Feed the saw only as fast as the teeth can easily remove the wood.
6. Maintain a 2 in. margin of safety.
7. Plan saw cuts to avoid backing out of curves whenever possible.
8. Make turns carefully and do not cut radii so small that the blade is twisted.
9. Stop the machine before backing out of a long, curved cut.
10. Round stock should not be cut unless mounted securely in a jig or hand screw.
11. If you hear a clicking noise, turn off the machine at once. This indicates a crack in the blade. If the blade breaks, shut off the power and move away from the machine until both wheels stop.
12. Turn off the machine as soon as you have finished your work. If the machine has a brake, apply it smoothly. Do not leave the machine until it has stopped running.
Safety Rules for Saber Saws
1. Make certain the saw is properly grounded through the electrical cord.
2. Select the correct blade for your work and be sure it is properly mounted.
3. Disconnect the saw to change blades or make adjustments.
4. Place the base of the saw firmly on the stock before starting the cut.
5. Turn on the motor before the blade contacts the work.
6. Do not attempt to cut curves so sharp that the blade will be twisted. Follow procedures described for band saw operation.
7. Make certain the work is well supported. Do not cut into sawhorses or other supports.
Safety Rules for Jig Saws
1. Be certain the blade is properly installed. It should be in a vertical position with the teeth pointing down.
2. Roll the machine over by hand to see if there is clearance for the blade, and if the tension sleeve has been properly set.
3. Check the belt guard to see that it is closed and tight.
4. Keep the hold-down adjusted so the work will not be raised off the table.
5. When the saw is running, do not permit your fingers to get directly in line with the blade. The work can usually be held on either side of the cutting line.
Safety Rules for Portable Circular Saws
1. Stock must be supported in such a way that the kerf will not close and bind the blade during the cut or at the end of the cut.
2. Thin materials should be supported on benches. Small pieces should be clamped in a vise or onto a bench top or sawhorse.
3. Be careful not to cut into the bench, sawhorse, or other supporting devices.
4. Adjust the depth of cut to the thickness of the stock, and add about 1/8 in.
5. Check the base and angle adjustment to be sure they are tight. Plug in the cord to a grounded outlet and be sure it will not become fouled in the work.
6. Always place the saw base on the stock, with the blade clear, before turning on the switch.
7. During the cut, stand to one side of the cutting line.
8. Large saws will have two handles. Keep both hands on them during the cutting operation. Small saws should also be guided with both hands when possible.
9. Always unplug the machine to change blades or make major adjustments.
10. Always use a sharp blade with plenty of set.
Safety Rules for Portable Electric Drills
1. Select the correct drill or bit. Mount it securely to the full depth of the chuck.
2. Either clamp a scrap piece under work to prevent splintering the underside, or drill from both sides.
3. Stock to be drilled must be held in a stationary position so it cannot be moved during the operation.
4. Connect the drill to a properly grounded outlet.
5. Turn on the switch for a moment to see if the bit is properly centered and running true.
6. With the switch off, place the point of the bit in the punched layout hole.
7. Hold the drill firmly in one or both hands and at the correct drilling angle.
8. Turn on the switch and feed the drill into the work. The pressure required will vary with the size of the drill and the kind of wood.
9. During the operation, keep the drill aligned with the direction of the hole.
10. When drilling deep holes, especially with a twist drill, withdraw the drill several times to clear the shavings.
11. Follow the same precautions and procedures as when drilling holes with the drill press.
Safety Rules for Drill Presses
1. Check the speed setting to see that it is correct for your work. Holes over 3/8in. should be bored at the lowest speed.
2. Use only an approved type of bit. Bits with feed screws or those with excessive length should not be used.
3. Mount the bit securely to the full depth of the chuck and in the center. Remove the key immediately.
4. Position the table and adjust the feed stroke so there is no chance of the bit hitting the table.
5. The work should be placed on a wood pad when the holes are drilled all the way through.
6. Work that will be held by hand should be center punched.
7. Small or irregular shaped pieces must be clamped to the table or held in some special fixture.
8. Feed the bit smoothly into the work. When the hold is deep, withdraw it frequently to clear the shavings and cool the bit.
9. When using special clamping setups, or a hold saw or fly cutter, have your instructor inspect it before turning it on.
10. Always have your instructor check setups for routing and shaping.
Safety Rules for Sanding Machines
1. Be certain the belt or disc is correctly mounted. The belt must track in the center of the drums and platen. Do not operate the disc sander if the abrasive paper is loose.
2. Check the guards and table adjustments to see that they are in the correct position and locked securely in place.
3. Use the table, fence, and other guides to control the position of the work, whenever possible.
4. Small or irregular-shaped pieces should be held in a hand clamp, or a special jig or fixture.
5. When sanding the end grain of narrow pieces on the belt sander, always support the work against the table.
6. Sand only on the side of the disc sander that is moving toward the table. Move work along this surface so it will not burn.
7. Always use a pad or push block when sanding thin pieces on the belt sander.
8. Do not use power sanders to form and shape parts when the operations could be better performed on other machines.
9. Sand only clean new wood. Do not sand work that has excess glue or finish on the surface. These materials will load and foul the abrasive.
Safety Rules for Chop Saw
1. Stock must be held firmly on the table and against the fence for all crosscutting operations. The ends of long boards must be supported level with the table.
2. Before turning on the motor be certain that all clamps and locking devices are tight and the depth of cut is correct.
3. Keep the guard and anti-kickback device in position. Do not remove them without your instructor's permission.
4. Always return the saw to the rear of the table after completing a crosscut or miter cut. Never remove stock from the table until the saw has been returned.
5. Maintain a 6 in. margin of safety.
6. Shut off the motor and wait for the blade to stop before making any adjustments.
7. Be sure the blade is stopped before you leave the machine.
8. Keep the table clean and free of wood scraps and excessive amounts of sawdust.
9. Secure approval from your instructor before making ripping cuts or other special setups. When ripping stock it must be flat and have one straight edge to move along the fence.
10. When ripping, always feed stock into the blade so that the bottom teeth are turning toward you. This will be the side opposite the anti-kickback fingers.
Name:___________________________________________ Date:___________________________
Instructor:________________________________________ Course__________________________