Sam Houston State University (Art Department)

Mission Statement

The goal of the SHSU Art Department is to build a diverse and contemporary program that will promote critical thinking, creative problem solving and aesthetic understanding in both the student body and the faculty. Through these goals we will produce a program that better meets the needs of our students in the 21st century.


Programs

Ceramics

The Ceramics Department places an emphasis on contemporary issues surrounding both clay and the art world. The function of the studio is to provide a space in which students can use the material in all aspects of its process. An interdisciplinary approach is highly encouraged and supported.

Beginning Ceramics is an introduction to clay, the potential it has as a material and an overview of the basic principles involved in the forming/processing of it. The basic forming techniques will explore all aspects of hand building (pinch, coil and slab construction), as well as an introduction to the wheel. Basic firing techniques and finishes will be discussed. The emphasis of the course will be rooted in sculpture.

Advanced Ceramics is a continued exploration of clay with an emphasis on personal expression and discovery. The course is geared towards those students dedicated to understanding the contemporary issues surrounding the material in relationship to their own work and methodology. There are a number of required readings/writings, along with several group discussions. Additional technical information will be provided regarding advanced techniques (mold-making, firing wood/gas/soda kilns, and alternative building techniques). Interdisciplinary work is encouraged.


Computer Animation

The new BFA looks at animation as an art form and strives to attract those students who wish to express themselves through sequential art. The curriculum emphasizes creativity and at the same time addresses technique and technical instruction. The animation program starts by creating a foundation in Traditional 2D animation with a focus on good solid Drawing skills. As students progress through the curriculum they will transition into digital classes and begin utilizing both 2D and 3D software to create their work. The digital classes will concentrate on the methods and procedures used in the development of Games, Film and TV. Towards the end of their curriculum animation students will have the opportunity to take courses with professional artists working in Game development from studios all over the United States. These courses are designed to keep our students on the cutting edge of technology, help them build professional contacts and allow them to get a taste of what it's like to work in a Game studio. The animation student's work will ultimately culminate in an online portfolio and Demo reel that is consistent with the highest standards of their chosen field.


Drawing

The issues involved in Design and Basic Drawing continue to be built upon while furthering the possibilities of Drawing as a personal and social means of expression and communication. 21st Century materials, techniques and processes are explored while encouraging the use of Drawing as an aid to the thought process. Students are encouraged to approach problems in unique, creative ways while becoming familiar with both traditional and contemporary uses of the medium. Representational, Abstract and Non-Objective strategies toward meaning and expression are investigated.


Graphic Design.

"Graphic design is the most ubiquitous of all the arts. It responds to needs at once personal and public, embraces concerns both economic and ergonomic, and is informed by many disciplines, including art and architecture, philosophy and ethics, literature and language, science and politics and performance." - Jessica Helfand, introduction to the video, "What is graphic design"?

Graphic Design students at Sam Houston State University are introduced to the concept of design as a means of communication and visual persuasion. This degree prepares a student for employment and self-employment in various design disciplines. Students gain an understanding of tools and technology, including their roles in the creation, reproduction, and distribution of visual messages. BFA students create final portfolios and participate in professional internships.


Painting

The major issues of the prerequisite Design and Drawing courses continue to be taught along with an introduction to the History and nomenclature of Painting. The Medium of Oil Paint is explored through projects that utilize Observation and Imagination to develop skill, sensitivity and creativity. The genres of Still life, Portraiture, Landscape and Allegory are investigated as vehicles of expression along with more contemporary strategies.

Advanced Painting embraces all opaque painting mediums and focuses on content and experimentation. 20th & 21st Century materials, techniques and processes are explored utilizing Observation, Imagination, Memory, Process and Appropriation as sources for cognitive and emotional, personal and public, expression.

Historical Painting; from simply decorating a surface to documenting a place or an event, to connecting magically to a concept or a thing, to personal expression or communication, to an act of political/ social engagement, the quest for beauty or understanding, becomes a means with which the student can explore themselves and the world around them.


Photography

Photography, whether commercial or fine art, relies on technical and visual skills that serve one goal: communication. The student who is best prepared to solve the challenges that photography presents is the student with a command of the fundamental principles and practices involved. In a controlled environment under close observation with continual feedback, students are encouraged to explore, take risks, find their own path, and develop their skills. In both our facilities and faculty, we strive to support such positive grown and exploration, and we are pleased to have graduates working in all aspects of photography in all parts of our nation.


Printmaking

It is our philosophy to provide an in-depth, general education in printmaking. The introductory class provides an introduction to both traditional and contemporary techniques as well as their historical backgrounds. Advanced classes allow for further development of a series of related works plus the introduction to advanced techniques.
A full service shop is maintained to accommodate both traditional and contemporary approaches to the field. Bookarts has been added as part of the course content of printmaking and is taught as a special topics course within the field.


Sculpture

The Sculpture Department at Sam Houston State University provides an environment where students are exposed to broad range of contemporary sculptural issues. Students are given the opportunity to explore a wide variety of materials and processes. Exploration into the student's personal aesthetics is always encouraged. The Sculpture Area offers a diverse line of class topics such as: Art in Public Places, Machine Sculpture, The Sculptural Camera, The Lamp as Sculpture, Architectural Iron Work, and Photography in the Third Dimension.


Minors

Minors for a Bachelor of Arts can be chosen based on the student's goals and career choices. The minors can be selected from several areas such as Criminal Justice, Secondary Education, General Business, and Interior Design. Students are encouraged to contact an advisor when selecting a minor. Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees do not require a minor.

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Art Department Art School Location

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