Academy of Visual Arts Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Visual Arts Programme V.A.2270 Intersculpt No. of units: 3 Pre-requisite: V.A.1090 Introduction to Visual Arts II

I.1. Course Description & Rationale (200–300 words): Computers and digital technology allow us to work within a virtual space. Three-dimensional software allows us to play with form and space without dealing with the consequences or natural properties of the actual form in an actual space. In this virtual world the artist can explore and expand their art practice into this virtual world and through it by harnessing its advantages to create new forms and new spaces. This course will introduce students to digital technology as a means to expand their capabilities to produce and visualize alternative projects in the various art studios. This course explores the extended field of sculpture into the digital realm. Students will be exposed to basic to advanced 3D software used to create suitable models for production with the laser cutter and CNC (computer numeric controlled) machines. Students will also be able to create projects that are meant to be utilized in other art and design practices, such as: precise mould making, template making for fabrication/collaboration, copper plate and wood block preparation for printmaking and glass etching to name a few. This course is project based and will focus on technical demonstration and a continuous presentation of visiting artist/ designers and faculty from all disciplines to inspire in the students the abilities to think fluidly about how ideas can be filtered through this technology. They will then take on more complex projects based on their ability to use the software. This course is designed to show what the machines can do to extend the students’ creativity into an alternative mediums and processes. The core objective of this class is to give students an ability to play with such technology so as to expand their creative output in whatever studio they may practice within.

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I.2. Course Content: No. 1.

Technology and sculpture: - How artist and designers use digital technology as a part their creative and productive process; - How technology can help enhance traditional studio and design practice; - How technology can and should be used for exploration and discovery; - Importance of observation of entire production process to inspire further development.

Hours 12

% 23

2.

Production of Work: - Machinery and other hardware; - 3D and other feasible software; - File formats and conversions for milling and cutting; - Sourcing and preparing material for the milling and cutting process; - The cutting/milling process.

32

61

3.

Exemplar artistic practice: - Introduction to artists and designers working with 3D technology; - Encounters with art- and design work produced through technological processes.

8

16

52

100

I.3. Intended Course Learning Outcomes (CILOs): (Please take note of the PILOs for the overall BA programme in the Programme Document.) Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to: No. 1.

Intended Course Learning Outcomes (CILOs) Identify personal studio practice that lends itself to CNC and Laser cut technology;

2.

Independently create simple files for output to the milling machine and laser cutter;

3.

Produce well designed and executed objects and or relief using CNC or Laser cut technology;

4.

Explain the significance of the entire production process as a creative process; and

5.

Adhere to standards of professional practice and ethos.

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I.4. Alignment of CILOs with PILOs: Learning Outcomes

Please indicate alignment by checking ‘√’ the appropriate box CILO1

CILO2

CILO3

CILO4

CILO5

CILO6

PILO1.1  PILO1.2    PILO2.1 PILO2.2 PILO2.3 PILO3.1  PILO3.2  * There may not be 6 CILOs, in which case, just leave columns empty.

I.5. Alignment of Teaching and Learning Activities with CILOs: No. 1.

Teaching and Learning Activities Studio and workshop visits: - Visiting faculty from other studios will come and talk about how the technology can enhance/supplement production process; - Students will visit active production studios, and factories that utilize similar technology in order to observe the technology in an industrial and non academic setting; - Relevant exhibition visits and/or artist studios that utilize relevant technology.

CILO 1, 4, 5

Hours 4

2.

Workshop on development of digital files: - Introduction to basic software; - Small exercises that allow students to practice software; - Exercises will be recorded in visual journal for future reference during class and in future development.

2, 5

20

3.

Preparation of material, assembly and finishing of projects: - Wood shop use to prepare materials; - Supervision of cutting/milling process; - Gluing, sanding, cutting of work after process is finished; - Maintenance of milling and laser cut machines.

3, 5

16

4.

Demonstrations of workable projects: - Small in-class projects based on workable projects.

1, 5

12

3

I.6. Assessment: No.

Assessment Methods/Activities

Weighting

1.

Course work: The students are to produce three in class projects and one final project.within the course and present it to the course audience. The work will be assessed for: - Craftsmanship and structural integrity of work produced; - Balance between design of file and material outcome; - Ability to communicate practical and conceptual benefits of the technology; - Presentation of work with the aid of AV media.

50%

Alignment with CILOs 2, 3, 4

2.

Visual journal: The students are also required to keep a journal on their course activities. Exercises will be given and assessed to stimulate interaction with the journal and dialogue with the instructor. The journal will be assessed for: - Ability to communicate students’ understanding of the class, techniques demonstrated and general creative development by the inclusion of drawing, writing, picture taking and theoretical and practical research done; - Quality of entries, and time taken by student to present their ideas clearly and effectively.

20%

1

3.

Professional attitude: Professional Attitude does not necessarily define its own learning outcomes, but takes a look at ‘how’ the other, non-attitudinal outcomes are achieved. Assessment will always be based on direct personal contact with the student. Assessment methods include personal conversations – formal and informal –, class observation, individual and group-tutorials, and such like. Assessment evidence is continuously produced through attendance and participation class-records, public presentations, peer-reviews, evaluation of sketchbooks or visual diaries, personal notes of students and teachers, etc.

30%

5

For more information, please refer to the BA (Hons) in Visual Arts’ Programme Document.

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I.7. References (up to 10 books): Carver, Gavin. Computer visualization for the theatre: 3D modeling for designers. Boston: Elsevier/Focal Press, 2003. Droblas, Adele. Adobe Premiere Pro CS4 Bible. Hoboken: Wiley, 2009. Gau, Yuh-Shying. Optimal tool set selection and tool path planning for 3- axis CNC milling. [electronic resource], 1997. Krar, Stephen F. CNC: technology and programming. New York: Gregg Division/McGraw-Hill, 1990. Lopez, Luis. Advanced Adobe Photoshop CS4 basics. Boston: Thomson/Course Technology, 2008. Shelly, Gary B. Adobe Photoshop CS: comprehensive concepts and techniques. Boston: Thomson/Course Technology, 2007. Smith, Graham T. CNC machining technology. London: Springer, 1993. Sarris, Nikos, and Michael G. Strintzis. 3D modeling and animation: synthesis and analysis techniques for the human body. Hershey: IRM Press, 2005.

I.8. Academic Integrity: Students will endeavour to only claim work that they have actually produced themselves. Claiming the work of others is considered plagiarism, and will be dealt with under the academic policies of the university.

I.9. Health and Safety: Every effort will be made to comply with the intent of Hong Kong’s law or acts and the University’s policies to maintain a safe and healthy working environment.

I.10. Final Note: The instructor reserves the right to modify the class and the syllabus or the schedule to adjust to the dynamics of the particular group or to take advantage of opportunities that may arise.

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