Metal Fabrication is designed to teach and develop formal and conceptual metal sculpture making skills. There will be assignments that address specific techniques and concepts. Technical demonstrations and advice will be given throughout the quarter. Class time will consist of working in the studio and participating in critical discussions of each other’s work. Each student will make a presentation on an influential artist. You will each present an artist that has been influential to your own work. This presentation will include showing slides and discussing the chosen artist's work in relation to your own. Readings will also be assigned and discussed. A quiz will be given to test safety practice in the shop. Four finished pieces are required to pass this course.

Most of your materials will be supplied via your course fee. Other materials may be used in conjunction with steel but you will probably have to supply these yourself. Check with Bruce Kirk before trying to weld, burn or otherwise use anything that is not steel to be sure that it is not hazardous or dangerous.

Your evaluation will be based on project evaluations, attendance and participation in class discussions and other activities. Expect to spend at least 8 hours working outside of class time. You are always welcome to work more. Reserve your Friday class time as a work period. Attendance will be taken. More than three absences will result in a no pass grade. Lateness will also be taken into consideration. Be on time!!!

You will be expected to keep a notebook of your working ideas. These ideas can be anything that relates to your work or to your day-to-day life, which in turn affects your work. At some point during the quarter we will discuss your notebook and how you use it to sketch out ideas and plans for your pieces.

Evaluation:
Your evaluation will be based on the progress of your work, your attendance, you artist presentation and your participation in class discussions. Motivation, commitment and hard work are the ingredients that will help you do well in this course. Open mindedness and creative exploration also count so be willing to experiment.

Week 1
March 29 Syllabus/General Discussion/Write a statement outlining your objectives for this class. This will include what you want to learn and for advanced students propose what you would like to make this quarter. Due Wednesday. Name four contemporary artists you would be interested in researching and presenting. If you cannot come up with the names of four contemporary artists then go to the library and find four artists you like. Otherwise you will be assigned an artist to present. Bruce will introduce basic safety in the Metal Shop. He will continue this discussion on Wednesday so come to the next class prepared to work. Assignment: Make a Gift that you can carry in your pocket. This is due April 7th.

March 31 Present your objectives and drawings of ideas for pieces that you want to make this quarter. Hand in the names of the artists you are interested in presenting and we’ll chose who to present and when. Safety Demo, Hand Tool Demo and Cutting Processes. Read David Smith: Technique and Working Methods to discuss on Monday. Continue working on Gift Project.

Week 2
April 5 Discuss David Smith reading. Demonstration Continue working on Gift Project.

Week 3
April 12 Diane/Nathan Read Robert Smithson: “A Tour of the Monuments of Passaic New Jersey,” and Studio Safety Handouts. Work on Projects.
Jane Mulfinger candidate for Public Sculpture-presentation at noon, Seminar Room.

Week 4
April 19 Stephanie/Emily Discuss “A Tour of the Monuments of Passaic,” Quiz.
Dee Hibbert Jones candidate for Studio Sculpture-presentation noon, Seminar Room

Week 6
May 3 Lucas/Anita Discuss Serra “an Interview.” Individual Meetings. Workday

May 5 Workday

Week 7
May 10 Woo/Elliot Workday. Read Robert Morris: “Notes on Sculpture.”

May 12 Critique Projects. New Assignment: Make A Sculptural Piece that Relates to Your Body. Due June 2nd.

Week 8
May 17 Sean/Julia Discuss “Notes on Sculpture.” Begin writing an Artist Statement describing the work that you have produced in this class. Focus on your ideas, influences and critical thoughts and hopes for your work. Due November 26th

May 19 Workday

Week 9
May 24 Alex/Minerva Individual Meetings. Workday

May 26 Individual Meetings. Artist Statements Due. Workday

Week 10
May 31 Holiday

June 2 View and Critique Final Projects Clean Studio and Prepare for Open Studios

June 4 Open Studios

Additional Notes:
This quarter we will be interviewing several candidates to fill two sculpture positions. You are all encouraged to attend their lectures. These dates and schedules will be posted in the welding studio.

Welding Supplies:
Apex Welding 324 River Street 423-0808
Steel: Dietrich Iron Works 140 Ingalls Street 426-5577

Misc. Hardware :San Lorenzo Lumber 235 River St. 426-102, Westside Hardware 855 Almar Ave 426-7650, Ace Hardware 703 Front St. 427-2285, Orchard Supply Hardware 1601 41st Ave, Capitola 475-7701, West Marine 2450 17th Ave 476-1800 Flea Markets, Dumps, Thrift Shops