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 goal of the Drawing concentration is to develop artists with a strong personal
vision who connect what they do in the studio to their life, their communities, and
the larger culture.
With this vision in mind, the concentration provides a solid foundation in both traditional
and contemporary approaches to drawing, with an emphasis on intellectual curiosity
and creative thinking–whether it be observationally based studio work or explorations
of drawing’s intersections with new media and other disciplines. All freshmen participate
in our rigorous Foundations year, which immerses students into a wide range of media
and possibilities in visual thinking. At the sophomore level, students who pursue
a concentration in Drawing are introduced to materials, concepts, and representational
strategies, and further their exploration of ideas as they are engaged with issues
in contemporary art. As juniors and seniors, students develop a self-directed studio
practice, culminating in a BFA exhibition. Advanced drawing classes center around
one-on-one instruction and community critiques. The open studio setting houses individual
spaces as well as common space for collaborative projects and installations, and provides
the basis for a vibrant community of students working side by side.
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.
Video
Interdisciplinary Studio
Due to the prescriptive and evolving nature of the various degree programs within the Department of Fine Arts, the Department Chair and Fine Arts faculty have identified the fifth or sixth semester junior year, and after successful completion of Specialization Portfolio Review, as generally the best semester to study abroad. Through a combination of language, art history, studio, humanities, conservation and arts administrative courses at the abroad institution and Winthrop distance learning, students are able to study abroad without delaying graduation. It is imperative however, that students work with their studio advisor, or the department chair, prior to selecting a study abroad institution and planned course of study abroad to insure transfer and major credit.
Karen Oremus, Chair
oremusk@winthrop.edu
331 McLaurin Hall
803/323-2126
