1/26/16 3D Design

Today's Class- Today was our first real class of the semester, held under trying circumstances thanks to the recent snow storm.  However, almost everyone made it in and we got the full work day in.  The first graded project is to create a simple three dimensional shape, make 100 identical copies, and to build a larger sculpture out of them.

How to make this up- The first step was to create a prototype module.  Some sketched out ideas on paper first, others just started cutting and folding paper.  Above are three simple samples I brought in.   Once you have a prototype, create a template or pattern you can use to create multiple copies and trace the shape onto bristol board.  Cut the shape out, fold it, and glue it to make the three dimensional module.  The requirements are that at least one side of the finished module should be 1.5 inches long, and no sides should be longer than 1.5 inches long.  It is simplest to make each module from a single piece of bristol board, but if you prefer a module can be made from multiple pieces of paper.  For example, the one above on the right is a cylindrical piece inside of a four sided piece.

The next step is to construct a larger sculpture out of 100 modules.  You may form them into a recognizable object, make a geometric design, or go purely abstract.  You may build it on a base, or just create a freestanding sculpture.  Examples of both are below.  It must be glued together as a permanent shape. Take into account the overall shape, positive and negative spaces, surface textures, and other design elements.  Below are several good student examples from previous semesters.

Homework- The completed Make 100 graded project is due at the beginning of class on February 9, 2016.  

For next class 2/2/16- We will go over more basic design principles and then complete a portfolio assignment with a focus on the concept of symmetry and asymmetry.  Bring pencil and a sketchbook (or loose paper for working out ideas), a piece of foam core or mat board about 8" x 10" to act as a base, several pieces of bristol board, scissors or x-acto knife, and glue.  

1/19/16 3D Design

Today's Class- Today was our first meeting of the semester.  I reviewed the syllabus and had the class fill out a survey regarding their art interests and experiences.  We reviewed these as a class, and went over the museum assignment.

How to make this up- Everyone was in attendance today.

Homework- Nothing yet.

For next class 1/26/16-  We will go over some basic design principles and then start the first graded project of the semester, making identical modules.  Bring bristol board, pencil and eraser, scissors or x-acto knife, and glue.

Below are examples of the Make 100 project from previous semesters. 

Welcome to the Spring 2016 Semester

This is the blog site that I have set up for my classes at Kean University.  Each week I will post information about my class.  This semester I have a section of 3D Design (FA 1101) and anything related to that class will appear with orange text.  Any information not specific to that class will appear in black text.

Posts will likely go up the evening following the class meeting.  The title will include the date and the name of the class.  Along with a brief overview of the day's activities, I'll include a detailed description of the exercises and projects worked on in class, along with photos of student examples from previous semesters.  I will also include any homework assignments and the due dates.  Each week I will list all the materials needed for the following week's class.  About a month's worth of posts will appear on the home page, but the earlier ones can be accessed using the archive functions in the column to the right.

This in not an online class and this site is not a substitute for coming to class.  However it does make it easier for people who do miss a meeting to make up the work, which some so even before the next meeting, as well as to prepare for the next class.  Even a student who never misses a class may find it useful- to see additional examples of completed projects, or to check the due date for an assignment, or to get a reminder of what to bring in.  It's available 24/7 without having to wait for me to reply to your e-mail.  However, if you have any questions that aren't answered by a visit here, you are welcome to e-mail me and I will likely get back to you within a day.