Exploration, idea generation, critical thinking, craftsmanship-this is where aspiring artists acquire the tool chest that will drive their artistic development. The Studio Foundation Department introduces students to a wide variety of studio techniques and media that cut across traditions and technologies. Its curriculum is required of all first-year students before they choose a major. Coursework helps students gain an understanding of the critique process on which much of the MassArt curriculum is based. They learn to take their projects through all stages of the creative process, from inception to design construction, presentation, and revision.
The Studio Foundation Department structure, content and delivery encourages all first-year students at MassArt to begin to develop their own ideas and to give such ideas for. This program provides the groundwork for professional practice and for initial discovery and identification of the roles of artist/designers within a larger social and global context. Studio Foundation courses aim to prepare students to choose a major concentration and enter their sophomore year with a broad base of skills that are fundamental to professional artists, designers, and educators. There is the clear expectation that this foundation will continue to be built and refined, particularly during the sophomore year. The Studio Foundation Department emphasizes interdisciplinary applications in each course and focuses on improving the students’ critical thinking skills relative to their studio work.
The Studio Foundation Department has an active program of visiting artists and exhibitions that brings students into contact with local, national, and international artists and designers. Studio, gallery, and museum visits complement the curriculum.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Gather information and conduct research
- Apply research as studio process
- Study observational thinking in 2D, 3D, and 4D practices
- Study and apply craft
- Identify and develop problem solving skills
- Develop concept
- Develop imagery
- Develop goal setting and independent work habits
- Develop abstract and concrete reasoning and expression
- Identify, develop, and articulate subjective interests
- Develop and articulate critical thinking and response (objective and subjective)
- Study and practice the fundamentals of two-dimensional design
- Study and practice the fundamentals of three-dimensional design
- Study and practice the fundamentals of four-dimensional design
- Study and practice the fundamentals of drawing
- Study and practice the fundamentals of photographic seeing
- Study the fundamentals of color and light
- Study and apply tactile design skills
- Study and apply lens- based and digital imaging techniques
VALUED ACROSS THE DEPARTMENT & IN PROGRESS FOR CURRICULAR INTEGRATION:
- Introduce and value sustainability in the life and practice of artists
- Introduce diverse cultural perspectives
- Introduce and value role as citizen-artist
- Study cross-cultural, historic, and contemporary art/design practices