Departmental Philosophy
The Academy functions as a creative bell jar, an environment to explore, define, and develop potential. The process of questioning is the personal conduit to the comprehension of our social, political, and moral environment. Sculpture is produced through the continual evolution between idea and form that embodies this spirit of inquiry. The Sculpture Department can be defined as an attempt to instigate changing perceptual experiences through three dimensions. The intent is to learn about one’s own work through criticism, dialogue, and interaction with individuals pursuing related goals with equal intensity. Artists work within a context delineated by the cultural, ideological, and political systems of their time. A critical grasp of historical issues and iconography is essential to extend and provoke the parameters of contemporary art.
Cynthia Randolph
2005
video
Program
The departmental emphasis is upon studio production with a full-time commitment to the expansion of ideas. The curriculum centers around individual and group critiques with the head of the department, visiting artists, curators, and critics. All students are given reading and writing assignments, to research and explore contemporary art issues. These readings and writings mirror issues raised by visiting artists, the Artists-in-Residence, and student concerns.
Matt Monroe, Electric Orange Living Room
2006, mixed building materials, vacuum, lawn mower, TV, ground Cheetos
12 x 4 x 14 feet
Facilities
The Sculpture Department is housed in a 6,500 square foot complex, comprised of individual studio spaces and shared work facilities. Equipment for metal fabrication includes M.I.G., T.I.G., Arc and oxy-acetylene welders, hydraulic shear, brake, slip roller, and pneumatic tools.
In 1999, new facilities were built within the Sculpture courtyard to provide a safe environment for the experimentation of epoxies and polyester resins, fiberglass, and plastics. Two 12’ x 15’ cross draft booths, equipped with outside air breathing systems, are part of this facility. Wood construction is also easily accomplished due to the department’s direct proximity to the Academy Woodshop.
Audrey Russell, Large Cat
2005, Nylon rope, wire, mesh, plywood
9 x 12 x 4 feet
Jeffrey R. Schweitzer, Video Set 1
2006
video installations, dimensions variable
Klutch Stanaway. Video Installation.
2005 Graduate Degree Exhibition.