Student Work
What will I learn/study in this program?
As a student in the Sculpture and Functional Art program, you’ll learn to fuse traditional sculptural techniques with rapidly evolving transdisciplinary approaches to facilitate creative spatial problem solving from a multitude of different perspectives. As you design, sculpt, cast, carve, and perform, you’ll learn how to work with metal, wood, clay, plastic, mixed media, and emerging technologies to express original ideas. In discussing different degrees of physicality – digital space, objects, performance, and architectural installation – you’ll discover that form and concept are inseparable. The program also invites you to investigate and redefine ways in which art functions, addressing the potential impact of art on our global, creative climate.
You’ll also round your education out with a wide range of general education and art history courses that will stimulate your curiosity, broaden your perspective, and inspire new creative expressions. KCAD’s flexible General Education Pathways model empowers you to direct your learning by exploring subjects you find most engaging and relevant.
What skills will I develop in this program?
As you progress through the Sculpture and Functional Art program, you’ll develop technical proficiency in a broad array of sculptural techniques, from wood and stone carving to metal, wood, and clay fabrication to various casting techniques, that will expand your creative problem solving skills. You’ll also gain a sense of self-confidence that will motivate you to experiment boldly and push the boundaries of your creative practice. Ultimately, you’ll become a versatile maker and innovator who is capable of transcending perceived boundaries to discover new and dynamic approaches to shaping space and engaging senses.
Why study Sculpture and Functional Art at KCAD?
In KCAD’s Sculpture and Functional Art program, traditional boundaries among disciplines become immaterial, as mastering traditional skills parallels exploring innovative technologies and modes of creating. The program’s faculty work to tailor your educational experience for you based on your aspirations.
Where can I expect this degree to take me professionally?
As a graduate of the Sculpture and Functional Art program, you’ll be well positioned to pursue a career as a studio artist, either independently or with gallery representation. You’ll also be prepared to leverage your technical, critical thinking, and creative problem solving skills as a curator, creative director, special effects artist, woodworker, model maker, gallery owner, exhibit designer, or set designer.
Many Sculpture and Functional Art graduates chose to further develop their skills by pursuing a Master of Fine Art degree or by seeking opportunities such as artist residencies or grant-funded projects.
As a student in this program, what tools/technologies/support systems will I have access to?
As a Sculpture and Functional Art student, you’ll learn and experiment in spacious classrooms with plentiful natural light. You’ll also have access to private personal studio spaces and communal exhibition spaces equipped with expansive display walls and track-lighting. A spacious and well-equipped woodshop, supervised by an experienced technician, is also at your disposal, with over 30 pieces of equipment including table saws and a fully-ventilated walk-in spray paint and glue room. You’ll also have access a wide variety of ceramics facilities, including a clay mixing room, clay sculpture studio, glaze room, and kiln room; a metals sculpture studio featuring mig and tig welding equipment, hydraulic shear, hydraulic slip roller, hydraulic iron worker, metals band saw, metal disc sander, large high-speed metal lathe, pneumatic planishing hammer, and more.
Elsewhere on campus, you’ll have access to The Fed Galleries @ KCAD, an exhibition space featuring the work of nationally and internationally-recognized artists; KCAD’s Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA), an innovative cultural institution hosting exhibitions of such contemporary artists and designers as Nick Cave, Kehinde Wiley, Kara Walker, Nari Ward, Carrie Mae Weems, and Judi Werthein; The Dow Center FlexLab, KCAD’s state-of-the-art digital fabrication facility featuring 3D printers and scanners, laser cutting and vinyl cutting machines, wide format printers, and more; KCAD’s Material ConneXion Satellite Library, which offers direct access to more than 1,000 physical samples of advanced, innovative, and sustainable materials as well as online access to over 7,000 more; the KCAD Library, which provides access to millions of books through the MeLCat shared library catalog as well as access to specialized research databases and subscriptions to scholarly journals; and much more.
KCAD also regularly brings visiting artists to campus for guest lectures, critiques, and workshops, and offers a number of summer travel/study experiences as well as internships during the academic year and the summer. You’ll have the opportunity to pursue work in a variety of settings, such as professional fine art studios, museums, and community arts organizations, to name a few.
What other KCAD programs might I be interested in learning more about?
Ready to get started? Apply now!
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Supportive Studio
Detailing I (3) or Drawing Materials/Processes (3)
Intro to Printmaking (3) or Intro to Painting (3)
Digital Elective (choose one)* (3)
(*3D Modeling, Digital Image Processing, Digital Modeling)-
Introduction to Photography for Non-Majors (3)
An introduction to the fundamentals of photography using both manually adjustable 35mm film cameras and digital cameras. This course includes black and white film development and darkroom printing as well as digital camera use and basic image manipulation controls using PhotoShop. The aesthetics of photography will be discussed in terms of its history, and artistic and technical advancements. Students must own or have use of a digital camera (prosumer grade or above; camera phones are not acceptable).
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2-D Design (3)
A problem-solving course covering the principles of composition and modular design systems. Uses predominately abstract shapes and black, white, and achromatic gray ranges.(Students who have earned credit for VISC 110, Design I, may not use credit earned in KCPA 110 to meet graduation requirements.)
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Color (3)
A problem-solving course which studies the properties and interactions of color and its resulting perceptual effects in pictorial space.
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Figure Drawing I (3)
This course focuses on gesture drawing, rapid visualization skills, movement and expressive content, composition, structure, skeletal anatomy, and engaging in critiques.
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Drawing I (3)
The process of drawing as observation and conceptualization through eye-hand coordination. Emphasizes linear construction with concern for accurate proportion and simple positive-negative/figure-ground relationships. Includes an in-depth study of linear perspective. (Students who have earned FSU credit for VISC 112 Drawing I, may not use credit earned in KCDR 131 to meet graduation requirements.
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Drawing II (3)
Emphasis on development of convincing illusion of three-dimensional objects, through the combined use of line, value, proportion, and composition. This course focuses on the further refinement of the concepts, processes, and techniques introduced in Drawing I. Expanded exploration of perspective, composition, color investigation, media exploration, and idea development within traditional subject matter will be emphasized.
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Introduction to Printmaking (3)
An introductory course which explores some of the following media: monotype, relief, intaglio, lithography. Students gain proficiency in printing, proofing, and editioning.
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Introduction to Painting (3)
The first course that deals exclusively with the medium of oil painting. Observation of nature and the depiction of solid three-dimensional form in illusionistic space are the central concerns. Emphasis is primarily on still life painting; some figure/portrait painting may be introduced. Also surveys Western painting and the traditional techniques pertaining to that history.
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Digital Modeling I (3)
The creation, manipulation, and employment of three-dimensional, digital models in the industrial design process.
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Detailing I (3)
Introduction to the fundamental tools, techniques and language of drafting and furniture detailing. Emphasis will be placed on accuracy and application of drafting techniques expressed in full-size detail layout, notation, lettering and dimensioning as tools of communication. -
Drawing Materials-Processes (3)
Emphasizes independent problem solving, refinement of technical skills, and the development of conceptualization processes. Examines contemporary issues, artists, and the significance of content.
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3D Modeling (3)
A computer course which focuses on the creation of three-dimensional objects and environments for print, animation, and prototype development.
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Digital Image Processing (3)
This course is an overview of advanced digital capture and image workflow with emphasis placed on editing camera RAW and DNG files, color management (including monitor calibration and the creation of custom paper profiles) and inkjet printing. Film scanning ranging from 35 mm to large format, DSLR camera control, and the use of streamlined applications such as Aperture and Adobe Lightroom will be discussed.
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Major Studio
Sculpture II (3) (should be taken prior to Junior year)
Functional Art II (3) (should be taken prior to Junior year)
Sculpture III (3) or Functional Art III (3)
Multimedia Times Art (3) or Sculpture IV (3) or Functional Art IV (3) (one of these must be taken before Thesis II)-
3-D Design (3)
To explore the elements, principles and aesthetic concepts integral to three-dimensional design and to consider relationships between concept, process, materials, tools and technical skills. (Students who have earned credit for ARTS 120, 3-D Design, may not use credit earned in KCSF 11 to meet graduation requirements.)
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Functional Art I (3)
Design and construction opportunities and challenges presented by the addition of function to fine art are addressed through intensive study of studio woodworking techniques. An emphasis will be placed upon artistic expression that coincides with archival construction methods.
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Sculpture I (3)
Introduction of media and techniques in the sculptural processes, including but not limited to: welding (gas, MIG, TIG), subtractive carving, additive/constructive and molding and casting. Builds upon concepts and vocabulary from 3-D Design.
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Ceramics I (3)
Introduction to the medium of clay. Construction in hand-building and wheel-throwing. Investigation of glazing and firing. Comprehensive overview of historical and contemporary ceramics.
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Sculpture II (3)
A further exploration of three-dimensional form-making. Enables the student to develop artistic expression and a greater understanding of contemporary sculpture. Emphasis may include permanent/nonpermanent materials: clay, plaster, metal, wax, fabric, wood, stone, or found objects. Both additive and subtractive methods will be employed.
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Functional Art II (3)
The basic design and construction skills acquired in Functional Art I are expanded upon as more complex processes and concepts are explored. Other materials and processes and their visual and physical interaction with woodworking are introduced.
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Multimedia Time Arts (3)
Exploration of individual interests in the various arts, incorporating time, movement, sound, light, and space. Students will create three-dimensional works in environmental, installation, site-specific and process sculpture, kinetic works and/or performance art.
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Sculpture III (3)
Individual work in various sculptural media to develop personal expression and refinement of technique. Students may select from various concepts, materials, and techniques explored in Sculpture I and II in order to begin a series of more personal, expressive sculpstures. Additional media such as bronze casting or aluminum TIG welding as well as mixed-media or multi-media may be explored as time and facilities permit.
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Sculpture IV (3)
Emphasizes the development of each student’s individual voice and vision. Students will be expected to work independently but with some supervision to gain control of their chosen sculptural media and to develop a personal aesthetic path which will lead them into their thesis year.
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Functional Art III (3)
A further extrapolation of Functional Art I and II in the form of a concentrated investigation of personal expression and function, culminating in unique objects. The course addresses the fine points of design with regard to a materials/skills foundation. Serial construction methods are encouraged to allow for an individual’s extrapolation of a singular investigation. Interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches are explored to broaden design sensibilities.
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Functional Art IV (3)
Individual advanced-level design and construction problems are addressed through group discussions and demonstrations, giving students exposure to a broad range of processes, techniques, and materials. Cousework places no emphasis on any singular material, but requires an understanding of the inherent physical and conceptual characteristics of various media.
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Sculpture Professional Practices (3)
Expose students to the lives and practices of working professional artists in the fields of sculpture, functional art, and studio furniture. Lectures and demonstrations will include topics such as insurance/legalities, physical studio management, resume/CV writing. Photo and digital portfolio documentation, artist statements, client relationships/commissions, marketing opportunities, safe studio practices and health issues, retail opportunities, exhibition opportunities, graduate programs, and teaching opportunities.
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Sculpture-Funct. Art Thesis I (3)
Emphasizes the production of a unified body of work emphasizing conceptual development and creative decision making. Includes individual and group critiques.
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Sculpture-Funct.Art Thesis II (3)
Emphasizes responsibility for the creation of a cohesive body of work that displays conceptual continuity and technical integrity. Includes individual and group critiques. The student is required to install a thesis exhibition to complete the BFA in Sculpture/Functional Art.
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Art History
Art History Elective (3)-
Western Art I-Prehist-Renais (3)
An overview of the Western Art tradition from prehistory through the Renaissance using a socio-cultural methodology in a chronological framework. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 110, Prehistoric through Middle Ages, may not use credit earned in KCAH 111 to meet graduation requirements.)
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Western Art II-Baroque-Present (3)
A survey of Western art from the Baroque to the present, this course will continue building upon the foundation of Western Art I; Prehistoric through the Renaissance, using a socio-cultural methodology in a chronological framework. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 111, Renaissance through 20th Century, may not use credit earned in KCAH 112 to meet graduation requirements.)
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Modern Art and Modernism (3)
An examination of the concept of Modernism and how it is expressed in Western art and architecture from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 310, History of Twentieth Century Art, may not use credit earned in KCAH 311.)
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Contemporary Art (3)
An indepth study of fine art and theory from 1960 to the present.
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General Education
Choose one of the following:
Perspectives on Science (3)
Math in Art and Design (3)
Aesthetics of Geometry (3)
Capstone Course (3), choose from KCHU 460 or KCHU 461 or KCSS 460.
Choose your pathway: Narrative, Cultural Studies, or Philosophy (12). Take four courses, three of which must be in the chosen pathway. Recommended 200-level or higher. Plus one capstone course (3).-
Writing (3)
This course focuses on using writing to develop ideas, hone critical thinking skills, and express ideas clearly and appropriately according to audience and purpose. Students write in a variety of modes and spend a portion of the semester engaging in scholarly research. Students also develop their public speaking skills.
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Introduction to Narrative Studies (3)
This course provides a core understanding of effective storytelling. It examines the ways in which storytellers-both past and present-craft, organize, and convey ideas to successfully impact audiences, doing so through both inquiry into established narratives, as well as students' own experiments with narrative forms.
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Introduction to Cultural Studies (3)
This course examines what it means to be a member of a particular society and how individuals both form and are formed by society. It will provide students with a better understanding of the social and cultural worlds they inhabit.
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Introduction to Philosophy (3)
This course is an inquiry into the nature and power of philosophy to transform the way we experience the world around us and understand our place within it. Through a selection of readings representing various philosophical traditions and perspectives, critical discussion, and writing, students will examine some of the great questions that have intrigues philosophers from antiquity to present.
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Electives
Five (5) Electives
Download the catalog for the most recent course listings and prerequisites.
Robert (Bob) Marsh M.F.A.
Jaimie Watson M.F.A.
Natalie Wetzel M.F.A.
As a graduate of the Sculpture and Functional Art program, you’ll be prepared to inject beauty into unexpected places, prompting exploration and discovery of the inimitable appeal of art in the third dimension in a wide variety of careers. The work of sculptors has traditionally surrounded us in museums, public gardens, city centers, galleries, office buildings, and in homes.
- 3D Classroom WNF 006
- 3D Classroom WNF 024
- 3D Design Storage Space
- 3D Design Studio
- Bench Room
- Clay Mixing Room
- Clay Sculpture Studio
- Dow Center FlexLab Basement Room
- Dow Center FlexLab First Floor Room
- Fine Arts Seminar
- Glaze Room
- Kiln Room
- Material ConneXion
- Material Storage
- Metal Sculpture Studio
- Metals Storage
- Paint Booth
- Studios
- Woodshop