The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art degree equips students to meet the ever-changing needs and challenges of the 21st Century by preparing them professionally to gain a working knowledge of art and design principles, skills and applications, to develop problem-solving and creative/critical thinking skills in conjunction with visual, oral and written communication skills, and to create an awareness of historical and contemporary perspectives in art and design.
Students may choose a concentration in one of the following areas:
The ceramics concentration is an exciting and energetic area. Students are expected to become proficient with the basic techniques of handbuilding and the use of the potter's wheel before they are allowed to develop their own creative direction as upperclassmen.
The jewelry and metals curriculum is designed to meet the diverse interests of the students investigating the contemporary field of Fine Arts in metals and jewelry design. By focusing the concentration toward a spectrum of processes and methodologies associated with the craft, a student experiences numerous projects that deal with form, function, concept and technique. Students are exposed to both traditional and non-traditional processes and materials, including computer-aided design, three dimensional printing and other emerging technologies. The constructions of ideas are carried out through the practice of the projects which include, but are not limited to traditional fabrication, finishing, casting, mold making, forging, enameling, digital modeling, and three-dimensional printing output processes.
Studies in painting at Winthrop look in depth at conceptual interests along with the development of technical skills to enable personal and collaborative visions to be realized. Traditional still life and figurative painting are only part of a structured program of study which examines all levels of contemporary trends and styles.
Studies in photography consist of a careful balance between the development of the student's personal interests and the acquisition of technical skills. As each student moves through the concentration they build a command of technique, meet the challenges of aesthetic debate, learn about opportunities for work after graduation and are given some of the essential business information which will help them survive and prosper in the professional market.
The printmaking concentration is designed around a thorough technical education in the traditional techniques of etching, lithography and the relief processes of woodcut and linocut. This, combined with a challenging questioning environment towards subject-matter and its relevance to contemporary art and the student's personal interests, is founded on strong drawing skills.
The sculpture concentration at Winthrop is designed to introduce students to both traditional and contemporary ways of making sculpture. The concentration emphasizes the development of technical, creative and cognitive skills through an energetic hands on approach to creating sculpture.
Karen Oremus, Chair
oremusk@winthrop.edu
331 McLaurin Hall
803/323-2126
