Fall 2026 ART 104: Foundation Sculpture and Material Methods (Units: 1.5)

Office Hours

Office: B117b

Office Hours: By Appointment. Email carlygreene@uvic.ca to arrange meeting. 

Course Overview

One of four courses forming the foundation year for studies in Visual Arts, this course focuses on the processes and ideas associated with material technologies in the visual arts and with the practices of contemporary sculpture. Students explore a range of workshop and studio practices and theoretical issues. 

Topics

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

1. Students will have a basic understanding of using wood, metal, and other materials, processes and tools relevant to specific assignments and independent areas of interest in the production of three-dimensional sculpture gained through facility specific orientations, in-class demos, independent learning, and course assignments and demonstrated through the production and presentation of artworks. 

    

2. Students will have a basic understanding of how to prepare and install three-dimensional artworks for presentation and viewing in the classroom or critique spaces during formal critiques or in-formal presentations. 

    

3. Through lectures, slideshow presentations, and independent research, students will have an introductory knowledge of conceptual themes, methodologies, and artists working within the broader landscape of contemporary sculpture. 

    

4. Students will have an introductory understanding of how to situate and communicate their artwork within the broader context of contemporary art through instructor feedback, class discussion, and independent research. 

Assignments

Midterm Portfolio - Due Monday October 19th @ 9:00 am (Submit via Brightspace)

• Assignment 1- Strange Fruit: Introduction to Molding and Casting - Due for Critique Oct. 15th 
• Assignment 2 - Shape Shifting: Introduction to Working in Wood - Due for Critique Oct. 15th 
• Research Assignment: Artist of the Week Call & Response - Due weekly on Thursdays
• Portfolio (Documentation & Reflections) 

Final Portfolio - Due December Monday December 7 @ 9:00 am (Submit via Brightspace)

• Assignment 3 - Support Structure: Introduction to Working with Metal - Due for Critique Nov. 12th 
• Assignment 4 - Fleshing Out: Introduction to Armatures and Standing Things Up - Due for Critique Dec. 3rd
• Research Assignment: Artist of the Week Call & Response - Due weekly on Thursdays
• Portfolio (Documentation & Reflections) 

Critiques

Critique #1 - October 15th 

• For Assignment 1 and Assignment 2

Critique #2 - November 12th 

• For Assignment 3

Critique #3 - December 3rd 

• For Assignment 4  

Students are expected to attend all critiques for the duration with their completed work and participate in peer discussion.

A Note on Participation in Discussion & Presentation:

While it can be vulnerable to share thoughts and ideas about the art we are making or seeing, it is an essential and unavoidable part of developing as an artist. You will be expected to talk in class and critiques, to ask or respond to questions, to offer insights and feedback, and to generally participate in dialogue with your peers and instructor. If you are unable to participate in verbal discussion or presentation for any reason please consult with me as soon as possible to determine if and what accommodations can be made.   

Grading

Department of Visual Arts Attendance Standard.

Experiential learning and engagement are directly tied to class attendance. In the Department of Visual Arts students are expected to attend all classes. To succeed in the course, students should not have more than 2 unexcused absences in a 12-week semester, which equates to 6 hours of instruction.

Students are expected to complete 6 hours of independent work outside of class time each week. 

Any student, regardless of illness or accommodation will not be able to succeed in the course with absences over 30%, which equates to 12 hours in a twelve-week semester. If a student finds that they are not able to meet this requirement, the instructor will work with the student to apply for academic concession or exceptional circumstances accommodation.

This standard is in place to ensure that students in the program acquire artistic experience in conjunction with the skill and safety requirements needed to complete the coursework and continue in the program. We find that active communication between students and instructors is the best method for ensuring attendance requirements are met. If you cannot attend class it is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor via email in a timely manner, preferrably in advance, to discuss options for making-up missed content. It is up to the discretion of the instructor if and what accommodations for missed content will be allowed. If the attendance standard has not been met and there is no communication with the instructor, an incomplete or failing grade will be assigned.

Academic Concession Link:

https://www.uvic.ca/students/academics/academic-concessions-accommodations/request-for-academic-concession/#ipn-request-a-withdrawal-or-aegrotat

Use of Generative AI in Assignments

AI may be used in this course, but only with transparency and in ways that support learning, critical thinking, and academic integrity.

Ethical Use of AI in Coursework

Students may choose to use AI technologies - including Large Language Models such as ChatGPT, to support their learning in this course. Any use of AI should be ethical, meaningful, and critically informed, and should enhance, rather than replace, a student’s own understanding and academic work.

Permitted Uses

Principle:

Students may use AI tools for visual ideation including preliminary imagery, concept generation, and the development of creative directions, provided this work is accompanied by critical analysis. Students are expected to assess the appropriateness, reliability, and ethical implications of AI-generated material, and to articulate how such material informs, but does not replace, their own creative process.

Students may use AI for tasks such as:

• brainstorming and idea generation
• clarifying concepts
• language refinement (grammar/checking clarity)
• developing initial outlines / frameworks
• concept generation and development as described in the above principle.

Prohibited Uses

AI must not be used for:

• generating complete assignments or submissions that are then presented as original work
• avoiding required readings, research, analysis, or creative thinking
• producing academic dishonesty (plagiarism, fabricated citations, etc.)
• generating sensitive personal information about others

Transparency

Students must be transparent about when and how AI is used. Any substantial use of AI should be acknowledged and addressed in the work. If in doubt, it is better to fully disclose such details.

Critical Engagement

Students are responsible for critically evaluating the accuracy, quality, and ethical implications of AI outputs. AI-generated material may contain inaccuracies, biases, or misleading information. Students are expected to verify facts and maintain academic integrity.

Instructor Guidance

Students planning to incorporate AI in substantial ways (beyond drafting or brainstorming) must consult the instructor. The instructor may require revision or reject work that relies inappropriately on AI tools.

Materials

MATERIALS & TOOLS

Assignments and class exercises will vary in terms of material and tool requirements. A more comprehensive list of required materials will be provided separately.  

All materials must be sourced by each student based on assignment requirements and/or individual  projects unless otherwise specified. 

Required Safety Protection: 

• Safety glasses (Must be CSA approved - available for purchase in the School Store)
• Dust masks (available for purchase in School Store - bring ziplock for storage) 
• Non-slip shoes with a closed toe and heel that covers the whole foot, sole no taller than 1” (No Uggs, no Crocs, no sandals, no high heels)
• Jeans/heavy duty natural fiber pants for working in the Welding Booth etc.
   

Salvaged, reclaimed, and recycled materials are acceptable so long as they meet the Health and Safety guidelines outlined in the Building Handbook. If you are unsure whether a material is safe to use please consult your instructor, the Shop Technician, or Facility and Production Manager in advance. Some required materials are available for purchase via the School Store - however others will need to be sourced independently off site. 

Additional Information

Support

CAL Accommodations

Instructor Responsibilities:

• Access, review and acknowledge receipt of the accommodation letter https://al.uvic.ca/ClockWork/user/instructor/default.aspx
• Take the time to privately discuss the accommodation with your student; if you would like to understand the requested accommodation better, reach out to the CAL Advisor mentioned in the accommodation letter or communicate with both the student and their CAL Advisor. The goal is to learn if the accommodation pertains to studio-based classes, and if so, discuss best practices for moving forward with the accommodation request and achieving the learning outcomes of the course.
• Work with your student to meet their requirements for your specific class.
• Inform the student of their role in the accommodation process.
• Be mindful of the need to ensure confidentiality and protect the student’s privacy at all times.

Student Responsibilities:

• Register with the Centre for Accessible Learning by the posted deadlines https://www.uvic.ca/accessible-learning/students/how-to-register/index.php
• Take the time to discuss your accommodation with your instructor. Consider how your accommodation relates to a studio-based learning environment, and which, if any, aspects will pertain.
• A CAL accommodation does NOT exempt students from completing assignments or attending class.
• If you require additional time on an assignment or deadline, this must be discussed with your instructor in advance.
• If you require alternate methods for engagement (class discussion, working in the studio classroom, working in the shops), discuss this with your instructor at the beginning of the course.
• If you require alternate methods for lectures, film or image presentations, discuss this with your instructor at the beginning of the course.
• Keep your instructor up to date on accommodation needs throughout the term, especially if there are improvements or setbacks.

Health and Safety Policies for the Department of Visual Arts

 In order to protect the integrity of the Visual Arts building and guarantee the safety of students, staff and faculty, the following guidelines must be followed:

• There will be no alteration of the physical building (temporary or otherwise), without the written approval of the chair. All proposals for special projects should be first submitted to The Visual Arts Facilities and Production Manager for consideration.

• All temporary installations of art that may occur outside the regularly sanctioned locations (i.e., the gallery and classrooms) must be authorized.

• At no time will the use of hazardous materials either inside or outside the vicinity of the Visual Arts Building, be permitted without the department’s prior approval.

• There shall be no disposal of toxic materials down sinks: all solvents, acids and other substances used in the routine course of art making must be handled in a safe and acceptable manner. 

• Artworks that include an element of self-harm must be authorized in writing by the Chair and will include strict pre-determined conditions depending on the proposal. In most cases the artist/ student will be responsible for ensuring all safety precautions are taken regarding their safety and the safety of others. This includes having first aid equipment at the performance or during the creation of the work where the action takes place, and consider any health risks your actions may pose to others. At the discretion of the Department Chair, a first responder may be required to be present

• Art that includes elements of violence, self-harm, and or other subject matter that may be traumatic or pose a trigger risk should be clearly identified to students, faculty and staff, allowing them to choose if they want to witness your work, these types of warnings are typical if one were to do such a performance in a gallery or other public space.

• Art that includes excessive volume is dangerous to the hearing of students, faculty and staff. These artworks can also be disruptive to other classes and activities within the Visual Arts Building. Artworks and or actions that contain sound at or above 98dB need to be pre-approved by the Department and clearly labeled. During critique situations hearing protection should be made available anyone required to experience the piece. Free decibel metering apps are available for most smart phones determine the level or risk.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE DEPARTMENT SAFETY GUIDELINES MAY RESULT IN ACADEMIC PENALTIES, FINANCIAL CHARGES, AND/ OR, THE LOSS OF SHOP, LAB, STUDIO, AND EQUIPMENT USE PRIVILEGES.