Sculpture | BFA

At SFAI, Sculpture is conceived as a process through which artists probe diverse questions in three-dimensional, and sometimes four-dimensional, forms.

Working in ceramics, wood, metal, plaster, textiles, and new materials, students merge the conceptual with the material not only in objects, but also in installation, site-specific works, environmental public artworks, and social practices. Students are also encouraged to integrate video, sound, and electronics into their work, and to work with found objects.

Coursework emphasizes three areas—3D Materials and Practices, Kinetics, and Environments and Systems.  

• Students gain in-depth knowledge and articulation of the historical, theoretical, and philosophical foundations of sculptural and ceramic practice and the relationship of their work to those concepts.
• Demonstration of how their ideas, motivations, and concepts are relevant in the language and issues of their time.
• Students demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the creation of relevant and critical problems in sculpture and/or ceramics and use of innovative methodologies for engaging and resolution of those problems.
• Students demonstrate an ability to work within an interdisciplinary context with the material, conceptual, theoretical tools necessary for an effective engagement with the contemporary art world, in particular sculpture and/or ceramics.
• Students demonstrate a reflective and informed self-criticality for themselves and their work, a comprehensive and working knowledge of the visual, material, conceptual, contextual, and spatial languages of art and in particular, sculpture and/or ceramics.
• Students exhibit willingness to benefit from critical analysis of their and their peers’ work, and identification of strengths, weakness, and challenges in work presented for critique.
• Students demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the use of a wide range of technical information, processes, tools, and materials in the direct and conceptual accomplishment of work.
• Students demonstrate a well-developed artistic practice culminating in a coherent body or bodies of work, portfolio and articulation of artistic position directed towards further engagement with advanced educational and professional opportunities.
• Students acquire self-motivation and self-direction.
• Students demonstrate the applicability of a range of depth encounters with all aspects of three dimensional conception and realization to the social, economic, and conceptual mechanisms that configure our world.