The sculpture is a course of study that will introduce students to a broad range of traditional and contemporary sculpture practices. This area builds upon the study of formal spatial problems presented in Three-Dimensional Design with an approach that emphasizes conceptual thinking. During a semester course, students will be introduced to a variety of materials, methods, and ideas. They will apply research and experiment with concepts and materials while displaying an understanding of form and craft. The primary goals of the course are: To continue development of vocabulary and the verbal articulation of ideas; to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills; to further develop aesthetic sensibilities and to expose students to basic sculptural ideas and materials.
Students will learn a variety of practical techniques and processes while studying the approach of sculptors of the 20th and 21st century.
For more information about the sculpture, please contact Stacey Holloway, the Sculpture Area Head.
Both traditional and contemporary approaches to printmaking are offered in the department. Courses investigate the media of printmaking as a craft and examine its role as a vehicle for expression in historical and contemporary contexts. Beginning courses focus on developing sound technical skills while advanced courses are designed to incorporate the exploration of printmaking as part of the interdisciplinary art-making practice.
Classes are designed to challenge the student in terms of concept and individual content and are mediated with dialogue focusing on aesthetic, technology and critical concerns.
For more information about printmaking, contact Derek Cracco, the Printmaking Area Head.
The photography area offers a diverse curriculum of traditional darkroom techniques and concepts in black and white photography as well as digital media. Course offerings include lighting, documentary photography, fine art digital printing, and alternative processes. Students are encouraged to do an internship after they have completed intermediate photography courses. Because the university is in an urban setting there are opportunities with local photographers, galleries, and museums including the Birmingham Museum of Art and Southern Progress Corporation. Students also have done portfolio reviews with nationally known artists such as David Hilliard, Christopher Bucklow, Jeff Whetstone, and Dru Donovan.
For more information about photography, please contact Rich Gere, Department Chair.
Painting students at UAB begin with an intense, academic, oil painting course, which focuses upon elements of contrast while painting the still life and portraiture. This course provides the student with the knowledge base and strong skill set to develop the confidence to advance toward more personally driven objectives, whether that be a continued interest in observational painting, or expressive, abstract, experimental or a combination of these directions.
At the intermediate level students are free to choose their medium and are challenged with a range of assignments designed to push their understanding of the medium as well as develop their own creative and critical thinking when making their art.
At the advanced level painting students are charged with developing a self-designed course of study, which focuses upon their personal interests with paint and art-making while still being challenged technically and conceptually by the professor and their peers.
Painting students at UAB are encouraged to focus on discovering what is driving their work and to develop an aesthetic and the proper techniques to complement their voice. The teaching philosophy at this level pushes students to fuel their creative interests with a hard work ethic and personal research.
For more information about the painting, please contact Gary Chapman, the Painting Area Head.
New Media at UAB takes an integrated approach to contemporary media practices by synthesizing fine arts with electronic and digital technologies. Through technical innovation and interdisciplinary engagement, New Media provides context for the relationship of media practices and other artistic disciplines.
Using the platform of electronic and digital technologies students are encouraged to create projects grounded in traditional and experimental methods within the visual arts. The area offers students courses in video, animation, interactive design, as well as emerging technologies, such as laser etching and 3D printing.
New Media courses count toward fulfillment of the Film Minor in the Interdisciplinary Film Minor Program.
For more information about new media, please contact Elisabeth Pellathy, the New Media Area Head.
Graphic design is a field with many diverse opportunities. A designer might work in advertising, publishing, web design, multimedia, television or film, animation, and exhibition design, or any number of other fields. Consequently, the graphic design curriculum at UAB is grounded in the foundations of art and developed in a solid range of graphic design and related courses. It provides students the opportunities to learn concepts and skills necessary to create competitive graphic design portfolios, improve presentation skills, and gain knowledge of professional practices.
Our award-winning students have gone on to practice locally, nationally and internationally.
For more information, you can contact the Graphic Design Area Head Doug Barrett.
BLOOM Studio
BLOOM is a student-run, design studio that focuses on “DESIGN FOR GOOD” projects for local non-profits, and under-served communities. Each semester students apply to participate in the studio. BLOOM students work directly with clients and community members on projects ranging from ecology, economic development, and social services. BLOOM students have done research and created design work for many pressing needs and initiatives.
BLOOM Studio is the outcome of a growing initiative within the global graphic design community to use the designer’s toolset and processes as a way to find solutions to the most pressing needs in our communities. This movement is called “DESIGN for GOOD.“ Design for Good is an internationally recognized design initiative. BLOOM celebrates the idea of giving back and good citizenship.
BLOOM is an immersive experience which includes on the ground research, client and community meetings, and presentations. BLOOM students are idea people. We don’t just style decisions that have already been made. We use the design thinking model to understand the problem before any design work begins.
We are looking for creative partners; clients who understand the benefits of a deep investment in time and energy that the Design Thinking process entails. Our ideal client wants to work shoulder to shoulder with our students as equal participants. Clients willing to work this way are themselves more invested in a better outcome.
The drawing area offers a solid foundation in fundamentals. The beginning course of study focuses on traditional media and representational drawing from the still life and model. At the advanced level, students develop individual projects that critically explore personal approaches with complex and diverse media. Experimental approaches in contemporary drawing are cultivated. Studio experience, lecture, and critiques encourage awareness and consideration of the broader historical, cultural and theoretical implications of their work in drawing.
Drawing is an essential tool for all media. It is a tool for learning, as well as a vehicle for thinking and organizing thoughts and aesthetics. Drawing provides students with visual language, which will serve as a basic and practical tool applicable in many different situations. Newly designed drawing areas allow for a diverse curriculum from beginning level courses to illustration, book arts, installation, and advanced seminars and independent study. Studies are enhanced with gallery and studio visits, panel reviews and visiting artists in drawing and paper arts. Students are provided with a combination of practical knowledge and creative support. Along with building their technical and conceptual skills, information about grants, exhibitions opportunities, public, and service art projects and portfolio development are addressed. Students in the drawing program regularly exhibit their work, go to residencies, and pursue their terminal M.F.A. degree education at graduate schools or engage in professional practice.
For more information about drawing contact Douglas Baulos, the Drawing Area Head.