09/10/2024
This is a long post! Only read if you are interested 🩷
Sending my idea for a class out in to the world with intention!! Darrell Naylor-Johnson SCAD - The University for Creative Careers
Course Title: Bricolage: Creating Fine Art with Things That Happen to Be Available
Course Overview:
This 5-week course introduces the concept of bricolage in fine art. Students will explore how to use available, found, and discarded materials to create meaningful artworks. Each week builds upon different materials and techniques, encouraging creativity, sustainability, and resourcefulness in artmaking.
Course Objectives:
• Understand the concept and history of bricolage in art.
• Experiment with found and non-traditional materials.
• Learn various techniques for assembling objects into art.
• Foster creative resourcefulness by limiting available materials.
• Develop skills in sustainability and upcycling through art.
• Engage in critical discussions on art-making processes and meaning.
Weekly Breakdown:
Week 1: Introduction to Bricolage
• Topics:
o Definition and history of bricolage in art.
o Discussion of bricolage in modern art and its impact.
o Introduction to the course’s structure and expectations
o Exploring various materials used in bricolage.
o Personal Work: Examples of my work using bricolage material and techniques.
• Activity: Hands-on demonstration of how to work with unusual or challenging materials.
Project: The Mystery Box – Students receive a box filled with unknown materials and create their first bricolage artwork using only the items inside.
Assignment: Create a bricolage using non-traditional art materials found in the box. Homework: Gather natural materials to bring to class next week for the Nature as Material project.
Week 2: Materials and Techniques of Bricolage
• Group Critique: Discussion and feedback on the previous week's work.
Week 3: Nature as Material
• Topics:
o Using natural materials in bricolage art.
o The significance of natural elements in art and design.
• Project: Create a bricolage using only materials found in nature (e.g., leaves, stones, wood).
• Activity: Working on natural material bricolage piece
• Homework: Bring in 5 or 6 small found objects for the Art Imitates Life bricolage drawing project.
• Group Critique: Evaluation and reflection on the Nature as Material project.
Week 4: Art Imitating Life
• Topics:
o Combining found objects with other artistic mediums, specifically drawing.
o Discussion on how drawing can interact with physical objects to create hybrid works of art.
• Project: Art Imitating Life – Students will create a bricolage that integrates both found objects and drawings, exploring the dialogue between 2D and 3D elements.
• Homework: Bring in discarded or cast-aside materials for the Trash or Treasure project.
• Group Critique: Reflection on the Art Imitating Life project.
Week 5: Trash or Treasure & Final Group Critique
• Topics:
o The concept of upcycling and transforming discarded materials into artwork.
o Evaluating the artistic potential of what is typically considered “trash.”
• Project: Trash or Treasure – Create a final project using discarded or recycled materials.
Week 6: Final Group Critique: Students present their favorite project from the past 5 weeks. The class will discuss what they’ve learned, how successful their pieces are in conveying ideas, and offer feedback.
