DESA1001 Major 1
The details for the course, Major 1 (DESA1001), apply to all of the following topics. Specific descriptions for Syllabus and Proposed Assessment that apply to each topic are detailed below.
Ceramics
Syllabus
A series of hand building and wheel-based projects of one to two weeks duration, which illustrate and explore the various construction, forming, decorating and firing processes that are the basic ‘toolkit’ of the ceramic artist and designer. The emphasis is not on product and final resolutions, but on gaining an understanding of these processes, and creatively exploring possibilities inherent in them. The Glaze, Clay, Kilns course commences during this semester and is completed in Major 2.
Contact: Head of Ceramics Workshop, Janet DeBoos
Furniture
Syllabus
The program is structured around projects and lectures designed to introduce both a range of skills and technologies and a range of conceptual and thematic aspects. The study and application of jointing systems is introduced, together with relevant wood-shaping techniques, marking-out systems, woodfinishing and technical drawing. All are integrated into a series of set projects intended to provide an introductory experience of making and to begin heightening awareness of the design potential of the medium. Each major also requires the completion of two written Research Assignments. These assignments are chosen to be directly relevant to both the Workshop experience of the student and their conceptual and design development.
Contact: Head of Furniture Workshop, Rodney Hayward
Glass
Syllabus
The Glass Workshop focuses on a one-to-one approach to teaching and is designed to foster individual potential and creativity. Through the first semester, students will be set specific projects in developing and understanding technical processes, critical thinking and artistic as well as design awareness. The focus in the first year is on kiln forming, hot glass skills development and an overview of the field of contemporary studio glass. Fundamentals taught in practical kiln forming areas include fusing, kiln use and cold working techniques. In the hot shop students learn the basics of the material including gathering and manipulating hot glass as well as exercises which provide a vocabulary of working with solid and blown glass forms.
Contact: Head of Glass Workshop, Richard Whiteley
Gold and Silversmithing
Syllabus
A program is structured around projects designed to introduce a range of skills. Students concentrate on set exercises to give the widest possible introduction to the basic hand tools. Later, there is an increasing emphasis on the development of personal concepts and the planning of future work programs. The program includes a significant component of design work and the development of techniques of metal working.
Contact: Head of Gold & Silversmithing Workshop, Johannes Kuhnen
Sculpture
Syllabus
The program introduces students to a diversity of ideas and materiality relevant to the practice of sculpture. Students start to explore their own creative responses through making. They develop an understanding of processes appropriate to sculpture through set projects, which explore a range of conceptual, thematic and design considerations. Focus sessions in studio theory introduce students to an extensive range of artists, ideas and approaches to making through historical president and contemporary practice. Studio introductions cover a wide variety of approaches to fabrication, construction and modeling and casting in materials including steel, wood, clay, found and mixed media. Students are introduced to most of the large plant within the Sculpture Workshop in this unit. Outcomes can embrace abstraction as well as figuration. Students develop an awareness of occupational health and safety issues introduced through studio procedures and management.
Contact: Head of Sculpture Workshop, Wendy Teakel
Textiles
Syllabus
Students are introduced to the fundamentals of the discipline through a program of structured projects, which aim to develop technical, conceptual and art/design/textile skills. Through the semester students will work creatively with a range of materials and techniques to develop an understanding of textile processes and how they can be used in relation to art and design. the history, theory and contemporary field of textiles will be considered and discussed in lectures, seminars and workshops with staff and visiting artists, to provide a context for the practical studio work.
Concept development, fostering artistic awareness and exploration of visual art and design approaches will be integral to the projects. Students also participate in excursions to galleries, studios and workshops to develop their understanding of the contemporary field.
Contact: Head of Textiles Workshop, Valerie Kirk
The information published on the Study at ANU 2010 website applies to the 2010 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2009 website.
