Abby Kojola		 Arts 480,481
Advanced Studio
Professor: Karen Snouffer
Office: Bexley Hall 104
PBX's: 5457 or 5459 (art office)
snoufferk@kenyon.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

     This course gives the advanced art student and art major the opportunity to become focused on his/her work now that the student has become more confident in the area of concept development and technical skills. Our coming together as a group will enhance one's process of art making through the vehicles of critiques, discussions of readings, personal research and slide and video presentations. Sharing of ideas, frustrations, fears, goals and humor -- believe me humor is very important -- will be accomplished through risk-taking, cooperation and group problem solving. All of these activities will demand PASSION and HARD WORK. this class requires motivation and discipline on your behalf. I believe in our having a good time in here; likewise, I am dead serious about your being unfailingly committed to the body of work you create. My philosophy of art making is based on a philosophy that encouragement condones a productive atmosphere rather than a non-productive one. However, I have great trouble offering support (and therefore a decent grade) when a student is not giving the utmost to his/her art work.

MY EXPECTATIONS OF YOU:

  1. To focus your goals in art making by addressing its content, appropriate techniques and its final presentation.
  2. To refine your abilities of critical discourse--about your work and others' as well; to contemplate why you are making art and to be able to express this, both in written and spoken word.
  3. to seriously consider how you as an artist fit into this culture and what has preceded you in the world of art; to be aware of the contemporary art scene.
  4. To begin thinking of and preparing for presenting yourself in the world as a professional artist.
  5. To convince me that art making is your number one priority of expression and you are passionate about being with and attending to your work daily and weekly.

REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Develop a body of studio work that reflects a willingness to take risks, while having the goal to take work to full and excellent completion.
  2. Begin to work on creating a concise and clearly written artist's statement. Drafts will be written and discussed with the class and the instructor.
  3. Participate in group and one-on-one critiques.
  4. Discuss topics on issues which may arise in class: eg., bringing visuals such as slides or videos and/or offering readings (very possibly from Art in America, Art Forum, Art News or other art periodicals.
  5. Learn to take slides of your work that result in professional documentation.
  6. Take field trips to galleries in Columbus and possibly Cleveland or cincinnati--to be discussed.
  7. Attend art openings and slide presentations at Olin Gallery
  8. Interact with and benefit from visiting artists. Names and dates of visits will be announced.

GRADING:

I will be grading three portfolios: one after five weeks, one after ten weeks and one after 14 weeks. Evaluation of art work is based on the following:

Content and Commitment: originality, imagination, risk, passion for and focus on the ideas; willingness to push the concepts, time spend in studio

Design Elements: success of formal elements in the work; continuity; contrast; unity; composition; the foundations of all works of art

Craftsmanship: degree of craftsmanship within your chosen medium(s); support of the message by the craft

Included in the three portfolio grades:

Attendance: There are no excused absences in this class. Only severe illness or family emergencies are excused. Missing a class immediately before or after a break is unacceptable.

Progress: How much have you grown in the areas of concept, technique, problem-solving and research skills?

Attitude: Are you enthusiastic and open to learning from the faculty and your peers? Do you participate in the group's energy through discussions and critiques? Are you willing to take risks?

My goal in this class it to work with you so that you may create a compelling body of work while growing in confidence. I encourage you to speak with me if you have any concerns regarding your work or other issues for you as a Kenyon art student. In return for the support offered, I expect you to value this education as a gift and take full advantage of the committed faculty who are here to help you.

My door is always open to you and you are welcome to contact me at my office or at home.

 

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