BELOW IS A DESCRIPTION OF THE CLASSES AVAILABLE IN THE TEXTILE AREA (Surface Design):
ART 2303 TEXTILE SURVEY
This course provides an overview of the types of processes used in the creation of fiber art. Dye work, weaving, silk painting, block printing and book making are examples of the topics covered but each year survey is updated to keep it fresh and interesting. There is emphasis on good composition and use of color and a focus on both the functional and aesthetics aspects of textile design. An understanding of fiber art as a fine art is a major goal of this class.
ART 2326 – FABRIC DESIGN STUDIO ONE (SCREEN PRINTING)
All aspects of the screen-printed process on cloth are covered in this course. Beginning with very simple stencils such as paper, contact paper and masking tape, students explore how to create designs on fabric. Photo emulsion printing, polychromatic, deconstructive and color separation printing are covered as well. Students will discover how professional fiber artist’s use screen printing in their work and come away with a great appreciation of using screens to create personal artwork both functional and fine art.
ART 2336 – FABRIC DESIGN STUDIO TWO (DIRECT APPLICATION)
There are infinite possibilities in the painting and printing of cloth and this course examines at least 35 different ways to apply pigments and fiber reactive dyes to fabric. A technical book is created as well as three major works, which allows the student to fully integrate what they are learning into their own personal work. This is excellent course for all art education students as many lessons plans are possible with the material covered. In addition, theatre and interior design students benefit as well. As always, good composition skills and development of color expertise are a major focus to the class.
ART 3306 – FABRIC DESIGN STUDIO THREE (DESIGN FOR INDUSTRY)
Many students in the textile program will consider a career in the textile industry. This covers a wide range of possible positions in many diverse industries. Fashion design, wall paper design, hotel, airline, yacht and automotive fabric design, greeting card design and the formation of new fabrics and yarns are just some of the options open to students with a textile degree. This course explores many aspects of designing for industry including proper rendering, color ways, coordinates, design boards, fashion illustration and the use of Adobe Photoshop as it pertains to textiles. This is the class where students learn to prepare a portfolio for interviews with perspective employers and clients.
ART 3316 – FABRIC DESIGN STUDIO FOUR (ADVANCED WORK)
Students who have successfully completed studios one and two can take this course to further their study in the creation of textile art. Using the technical knowledge gained in other classes, students are given various problems to solve using well thought out concepts. The students choose the methods, which best fit, the solution to the projects given. A minimum of 4-5 works of art shall be completed over the course of the semester.
ART 4306 – FABRIC DESIGN STUDIO FIVE
The content of this course alternates from year to year. Two topics are covered depending on which cycle is in place. Fabric construction and embellishment can be the focus of this course. Students learned basic sewing skills and use these skills to create quilts and other constructed wall pieces. Surface embellishment is also explored both by hand and machine. Beading is covered in the class using both embroidery and loom weaving techniques. Students must create an appropriate constructed environment to place the woven beaded image. Good sewing skills, excellent composition and design capabilities are the focus of the class with 4-5 pieces created. On alternate years, the focus is still sewing construction but with an emphasis on fashion design. Students begin with learning how to use a commercial pattern but move on very quickly to there own creations. Garment as metaphor is addressed and the pieces created does not have to be functional. Basic pattern skills are developed as well as the students personal voice in the creation of wearable versus non-wearable art.
ART 4316 – FABRIC DESIGN STUDIO SIX
The preservation of traditional fiber techniques is the focus of the course. Also known as Materials and Methods students explore techniques not related to surface printing or weaving. These include knitting, crochet, knotting, netting, felting, coiling, papermaking and book arts, fusible fibers as well as others. Students learn to use these processes to create one of kind works of art. The focus is not on the functional aspects of these techniques but how students use them to create outside the box. An understanding of traditions through historical research and a commitment to the contemporary use of these time-honored traditions are the major focuses of this course.
ART 4326, ART 5306 AND ART 5316 – FABRIC STUDIOS SEVEN THROUGH NINE.
It is extremely important that upper level students have an opportunity to work independently on a concept of their choosing and create a cohesive related body of work, which becomes part of the theme of their senior show. Students also need prepare their artist statement and resume and document their work prior to graduation. These upper level studios give students the opportunity to work in this fashion. A proposal must be submitted at the beginning of the semester with a clear and well thought out plan for the entire semester. The concept must be fully explained and a time line of how the work will be completed must be included. A minimum of four related works must be completed by the end of the semester. A contract is formed between the student and the instructor, which is signed by both and is used in the final discussion of the work and grading. Students must meet with their instructor at least once a week but more is preferred. A steady completion of work throughout the semester is required.
This is an excellent opportunity to complete a body of related work for the senior show.
