Sculpture, Ceramics, Digital and Time-Based Media - Studio Practice 4

This is a 40 credit year long module in contemporary, three-dimensional and time based studio practice. This module will involve a developed skill set and range of media, dictated by the research ideas inherent in the students research proposal. This will involve knowledge of working three-dimensionally and working through a range of material, digital, time based and contextual processes.

Initially the student will develop and put in place an ambitious, broad ranging, self-initiated and self-directed research pathway, reflective of their individual applied concerns. The student will source, identify and collate materials, techniques, processes and media, fundamental to the exploration of their particular interests, ideas and narratives. The research methodology established by the student will constitute the core pillars and applied principles in the formulation of their evolving studio practice.

The student will also demonstrate a broad awareness of relevant contemporary, three dimensional, contextual and time based practices, as well as underlying philosophical and theoretical issues relevant to their individual concerns.

Through reflection, research, practice and critique, the student will build confidence in their knowledge and application of conceptual and technical issues. Research will be translated into physical and tactile processes, through working with materials, space and media, which will extend the students insight and knowledge of relevant subject areas. In pursuing this research and practice, the student will significantly develop their own visual language.

Judgement and skill will be demonstrated through analysing, evaluating and developing these strands into a program of practice that best illustrates, addresses and contextualises the students personal concerns. This will involve engaging in processes of critiquing, editing and refining their work towards an ambitious process of visual articulation and expression. The module will culminate in the presentation of the students work for public exhibition/installation at the end of the semester.

The module is designed to address historical and current models of practice so as to best equip students in coping with the demands of creating work in their future professional practice.

Some of the threads and modes of research employed within Sculpture, Ceramics, Digital and Time-Based Media include; drawing; researching; spinning ideas; understanding dimension in its broadest sense; Exploring and experimenting with diverse materials; Learning traditional and new techniques and technologies; Learning skills, fabricating objects; sourcing, recording and editing imagery, video and sound; performing actions; Designing spatial statements through 'installation', performance, and objects in space; Applying physical materials and processes to addressing the personal; Utilising materials and processes appropriate to working within a range of environmental and social contexts; Exploring social and political agendas as they pertain to society and to the self, in ways that may be historic, contemporary and/or future orientated.

1. Develop and display a dedicated, informed and professional engagement with workshop practice, studio practice, the manipulation of materials and media required to manufacture artwork, and advanced knowledge of the Health and Safety issues involved.

2. Demonstrate a dedication to research and to the design of professional, independent and original working methodologies in the exploration of personal concerns, and display an ability to creatively explore and articulate underlying concepts and issues through discussion tutorial and critique.

3. Judge and interpret relevant research in relation to contemporary concerns, methods and principles within a range of contemporary art practices, and indicate sophisticated comprehension of how visual art functions in society and the systems and support structures in place within the professional context.

4. Design a comprehensive body of original work in preparation for assessment and public exhibition that demonstrates empathy in relation to the viewer's involvement, and demonstrait advanced standards in the exploration and collation of ideas and evidence a highly developed appreciation of the language of contemporary art.  

5. Design, plan, produce and risk assess a final exhibition of work, demonstrating an understanding of health and safety concerns and procedures.