Soft & Malleable
Styrene, 13"x 81"x 3.5", 2017
Dates: On Thursdays (March 4 - April 22, 2021)
Time: 6:30-8:00 P.M (EST)*
Number of Classes: Eight (8)
$120
ABOUT THE TEACHING ARTIST:
Damien A. Vera
Bio:
Vera is a New York City born artist. He received his Bachelor of Science in 2007 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and studied under sculptor Barney Hodes. He had been an Instructor at the Art Students’ League of New York from 2008-2017 and currently works for The New School: Parsons. He has shown in multiple venues throughout the east coast and had long-term installations at venues such as Riverside Park South, New York, NY, and Leonia Sculpture Garden, Leonia, NJ. His practice primarily focuses on the use of representative modeling and metal forming techniques to explore his subject matters. C.V. found HERE
Contact: contact@damienavera.com
Website: http://www.damienavera.com/
Instagram: @damien_vera
Course Description:
This workshop will explore the use of non-traditional sculpture materials and finishes to create 3D compositions. Focusing on Artists and 3D works from the last 30 years, we will explore not only how to use these materials effectively, but the reasoning behind their choice of use. This course aims to expand your knowledge base in material used in sculpture and installation as well as to understand the choice behind the use of a particular material for one's composition.
Objective:
To attain an introductory knowledge of non-traditional materials used in contemporary art
Expand a students knowledge base in material used in sculpture and 3D works
Construct a final project using the knowledge attained in this course
Session Layout:
8 classes/sessions
Session 1: 1 hour
Sessions 2-7: 1 1/2 hours
Session 8 (final): 2 hours
March 4, 2021
March 11 - April 15, 2021
March 22, 2021
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Session 1 - Introduction
Working With What We Got
Materials: Zoom and Breakout rooms
Description: Introduce yourself to your classmates- talking points: where you are from, your art/sculpture experience, interest and reason for taking this class
Assignment for Next Session: Find in the last three decades 2-3 artists you enjoy and why
Session Framework: (Sessions 2-7)
15-20 mins - Lecture/ Powerpoint
15-20 mins - Demo (Demo may be mixed with lecture depending on time)
40 mins - Assignment review/critique (depending on how many students there are)
~10 mins - questions and assignment/prep for next session
Presentation Framework (Sessions 2-7)*
2 min - present assignment
3 min - 5 min critique
Session 2 - Using the Everyday
Assemblage and Found Object in Sculpture
Description: A brief look at how and why artists use ready made objects in their work. We’ll explore the use of familiarity and patterns
Assignment: Using found objects, create simple pieces
Artist Highlighted
Jean Shin
Huma Bhabha (part I)
Sarah Lucas
Anthony Akinbola
Session 3 - Image and Form
Combining Image and Sculpture
Description: Explores artists’ uses of print images and photographs on 3d forms. What techniques can be used to combine the two and the pitfalls to watch out for
Assignment: Create a small piece using found images and form
Artist Highlighted
Brno Del Zou
Justine Khamara
Oliver Herring
(time permitting)
Susy Oliveira
Aldo Tolino
Ross Turner
Session 4 - This Isn’t Even My Final Form
Finished and Coatings
Description: This Session will look at a sampling of finishes and coatings use to transform works and alter their surface
Assignment: Make 3 Test samples of different coatings you wish to use for you work
Artist Highlighted
Pawel Althamer
Beñat Iglesias Lopez
Session 5 - Impermanence:
Temporary installation
Description: This session focuses on temporary installation and site specific pieces that utilize the constraints and nature of their environment.
Assignment:Make a small temporary installations using the surroundings available to you
Artist Highlighted
Nari Ward
Sarah Sze
Damián Ortega
Do Ho Suh
(time permitting)
Eva Hess
Session 6 - Transformation and Use:
Putting It All Together
Description: Building upon previous sessions, this will focus on how to combine and transform non-traditional materials in sculptural works.
Assignment:Final Project: using the information gathered in the previous sessions, development a piece or installation to present in Session 8
Artist Highlighted
Borinquen Gallo
James Lake/Chris Gilmour
Ross Turner
Huma Bhabha (Part 2)
Wim Del Voye
Session 7 - Final Project Check-in
Description: This is to serve as a check-in to review the progress of your Final Project.
Assignment: Final Project Due Next Session
Session 8 - Final Project Presentation
Description: Presentation and Critique of final project. Along with your classmates, we will be joined 2 guess critics to talk about your work
Guest Critics: TBA
Materials (recommended)
Papervol*
Metal powders*
Roofing (steel 24 gauge or less)
Paper
Photographs (printed or otherwise)
Various found objects
Random pieces of wood
Tools (recommended)
2 part epoxy
JB Weld
Metal Shears
Ruler (various)
Butter knives
Pop rivets and riveter*
Aviation Power Hole Punch Kit*
Various hardware (nuts, bolts, screws)
Random wood
Hammer
Dead Blow Mallet*
Rubber mallet*
Shears
Clamps (ideally C-Clamps. the more, the better)
*optional
DISCLAIMER
• By Registering to this class participants agree with Sculptors Alliance Registration Agreement and Waiver
