Catalog Description

Formerly known as ART 32
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Description: Introduction to basic materials, methods and vocabulary used in fiber and textile media as well as the hands-on development of expressive visual ideas. Develop familiarization with materials and basic understanding of several off-loom construction techniques. Emphasis on techniques requiring little specialized equipment with materials that are found readily in the environment. Contemporary and historical development and cultural relevance of the fiber media is also explored. (C-ID ARTS 282) (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Critique fiber artworks using applicable studio terminology.
  • CSLO #2: Analyze and demonstrate the uses of animal and plant materials used in fiber arts.
  • CSLO #3: Assess the historical and cultural aspects of fiber arts.
  • CSLO #4: Compare and contrast two and three dimensional handmade felt objects.
  • CSLO #5: Apply proper handling, use, storage and clean-up safety standards in the classroom.

Effective Term

Fall 2024

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

90

Outside of Class Hours

72

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Lecture Objectives:
1. Identify a variety of fiber techniques which may include, but are not limited to: felt making and paper-making,soft sculpture hand-spinning, warp & weft face weaving techniques, basketry structures as well as a wide variety of non-loom techniques;
2. Integrate formal elements and principles into the design and creation of original studio projects using fibers;
3. Identify cultural traditions and historical varieties of fiber-oriented form, from architectural spaces to smaller objects, both functional and non-functional;
4. Analyze and critique artwork in oral and written contexts using relevant critique formats, concepts, and terminology;
5. Examine and describe contemporary trends, materials, and approaches in fiber arts.
6. Outline safe use of a variety of tools related to fiber work;
Laboratory Objectives:
1. Work with a variety of fiber techniques which may include, but are not limited to: felt making and paper-making, soft sculpture, hand-spinning, warp & weft face weaving techniques, basketry structures as well as a wide variety of non-loom techniques;
2. Create artwork using a variety of fiber materials derived from animal to plant sources to other alternative materials such as metal wire;
3. Safely use a variety of tools related to fiber work.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Fine Arts
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
      • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

        Articulation Information

        • CSU Transferable
        • UC Transferable

        Methods of Evaluation

        • Classroom Discussions
          • Example: Students will discuss book making techniques and provide insight to the discussion by referencing various book binding processes such as coptic stitch, accordion fold and zines.
        • Projects
          • Example: Students will be evaluated by completing the assigned projects; such as paper making, needle and wet felting, fiber collage and soft sculpture. Projects will be assessed based on a rubric that will be outlined and discussed prior to the start of the project.
        • Skill Demonstrations
          • Example: 1. During critiques students will demonstrate that they have acquired skill sets for each assignment by submitting a project using the assigned techniques. For example, making and casting paper. Student will create a 7" x 7" plaster mold and cast with it using paper pulp. Student will submit 3 castings, using 3 different final surface treatments for each casting.

        Repeatable

        No

        Methods of Instruction

        • Laboratory
        • Lecture/Discussion

        Lab:

        1. Instructor will demonstrate and and lead a discussion on safety procedures, tool use and material storage presentation. Includes showing safety video, followed by a safety quiz. No student will proceed until satisfactory completion of safety evaluation during a demonstration

        Lecture:

        1. A lecture/demonstration by the instructor is prepared using wool fleece that has been previously prepared by the class (carded and dyed according to lessons learned in the previous weeks) to present the concepts and techniques used to design and produce a two dimensional work in handmade felt. As a part of the lecture, instructor leads a detailed discussion outlining how to choose appropriate materials, the mechanics of traditional wet felt making (i.e., subjecting the material to heat, moisture and agitation), how this concept works and has been applied in various cultures through history, and a contemporary procedure for subjecting the material to heat, moisture and agitation, as well as how to use color, line, and texture to achieve a two dimensional composition in handmade felt. Examples are demonstrated by the instructor at appropriate times throughout the presentation. Students are then asked to create their individual handmade felt compositions and given time to work. Students are encouraged to take detailed notes and ask questions to clarify any misunderstanding during the lecture.

        Typical Out of Class Assignments

        Reading Assignments

        1. Research various artists who use book manipulation in their work, along with several book art techniques. Include research in sketchbook.

        Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

        1. Writing: Visit an art studio or research an artist and write an analysis based on current content knowledge. 2. Problem-Solving: Create a three-dimensional handmade felt using wet and needle felting. 3. Performance: Create a work of fiber art using at least three of the techniques learned in this class.

        Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

        1. Choose a contemporary artist working in the medium of Fiber. Write a brief research paper describing their work. 2. Record the results of your experiments with dye materials by making a sample board documenting the following: dyestuff employed, time and place of collection (if natural materials were used), any mordant used and when mordanting was done (before, during or after dyeing), and fiber content of material dyed. 3. Maintain a notebook of lecture material and a sketchbook of ideas and designs for class projects.

        Required Materials

        • Fiber: Sculpture 1960-Present
          • Author: Jenelle Porter
          • Publisher: Prestel
          • Publication Date: 2014
          • Text Edition:
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Universal Stitches for Weaving, Embroidery, and Other Fiber Arts
          • Author: Nancy Arthur Hoskins
          • Publisher: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
          • Publication Date: 2013
          • Text Edition:
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:
        • Vitamin T, Threads and Textiles in Contemporary Art
          • Author: Porter, Jenelle
          • Publisher: Phaidon Editors
          • Publication Date: 2019
          • Text Edition: 1
          • Classic Textbook?:
          • OER Link:
          • OER:

        Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

        Scissors, plastic dish pan, wire cutter, screening/large fabric scraps, rubber gloves, darning and sewing needles, t-pins, thread, dish soap, wire, cotton clothes line, assorted yarns, wool fleece, merino roving, assorted materials gathered from nature.