Art Studios
In each studio discipline, studio art classes offer students instruction in the technical, formal and conceptual expertise on all levels of their art studio experience. This approach promotes the development of the skills necessary to articulate ideas through various media with technical proficiency.
Ceramics - The ceramics program at SIUE is considered by many to be one of the outstanding clay programs in the country. Well known for its vessel aesthetics, as well as embracing the full range of approaches to the medium, it has attracted outstanding graduate candidates over the past two decades. The ceramics faculty acknowledge their roots in ancient history while striving for new interpretations, challenging the "physicality" of the medium, and creating art that speaks of our time and place.
Drawing - Drawing is addressed both as an essential course of study for all visual art disciplines, as well as a focused area of concentration. The SIUE drawing curriculum begins with a technically rigorous foundation that enables students to visualize ideas, analyze structure, and translate visual phenomena rather than merely copy surfaces.
As students advance through the undergraduate drawing classes, a holistic development of each student artist is nurtured. Technical and formal skills are honed in balance with personal thematic development. We are committed to making the discipline of drawing a vital and complementary practice to those working in other studio disciplines. We develop the skills for individualized research.
Graphic Design - The graphic design program at SIUE offers students experience in computer technology that will prepare them to enter an increasingly competitive job market. Students will have the opportunity to learn and become proficient in applications including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign through the creation of logos, posters, brochures, books and ad campaigns. In addition, the graphic design program includes courses that introduce students to web design. Courses in Adobe After Effects and Video allow students to explore creativity through the use of motion, as well as develop a visual language fitted for web publication.
Metalsmithing - The jewelry and metalsmithing program offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees. The curriculum centered on jewelry, hollowware and metal sculpture encompasses a breadth and depth approach to technical and aesthetic study, art history and marketing processes. In addition to the jewelry and metalsmithing program, the nationally recognized SIUE sculpture program also provides graduate metal students with the opportunity to utilize techniques common to both areas and adaptable to large-scale works, such as blacksmithing, foundry-casting and Damascus steel.
A variety of techniques are included within the program supported by a state-of-the-art facility. They encompass ancient and contemporary metals and processes such as fabrication, small- to large-scale forming, bowl raising, hydraulic deep draw press forming, vacuum and centrifugal casting, rubber mold making, vibratory polishing, enameling, granulation, reticulation, perforation, anodizing, patination, kum-boo, silver and gold leaf, stone-setting, and electroplating. Metals include pewter, iron, titanium, aluminum, gold, silver, copper, nickel and copper alloys, with a focus on the unique metalworking possibilities of each material.
Painting - The painting program promotes visual understanding that allows both representational and non-representational expression to be realized. Each undergraduate course follows a deliberate and progressive series of problems designed to enable students to develop formal awareness and facility with the material and evolution of painting. Students are challenged to build form confidently with color and light prior to exploring the numerous possibilities that their increasing confidence with the material will allow. When at the senior level, and having the proper prerequisites, students are able to work independently on self-directed themes. This important transition allows students to engage in the self-discipline of independent research that begins the lifelong learning of an artist's daily studio practice.
Photography/Digital Arts - The photography and digital media program at SIUE offers Bachelor of Arts (BA), BFA and MFA degrees that emphasize technical skill, conceptual development, and theory related to contemporary photography and digital imaging/media. Our program offers students the opportunity to explore digital, analog and alternative photography, in addition to time-based media and installation-based practices. Students are encouraged to experiment, engage in interdisciplinary approaches, and expand their definition of photography. Studio production is coupled with critical inquiry into the relationship between art, technology, society and culture. Whether the student is interested in fine art, commercial, editorial or other photographic applications, our program aims to be a conduit for personal growth and aesthetic development while students enhance their studio practice and prepare for the myriad of careers in the creative sector.
Printmaking - In the Department of Art and Design, cross-disciplinary and multimedia work is encouraged. This holds especially true for the printmaking area. Traditional as well as experimental print methods are practiced, but students are encouraged to develop their own styles and working methods as they study the work of established artists. A professional attitude is expected in all aspects of the working and exhibiting process. The program currently celebrates over 25 years of producing exciting contemporary printmakers who have distinguished themselves in exhibitions, writing and teaching.
Sculpture - The sculpture studio is generously equipped. It features a Pillar solid-state induction melter that is capable of melting aluminum, bronze and iron. The welding area features stick-arc, oxy-acetylene, MIG, TIG and a plasma arc cutter. The fabrication area has two anvils, an 80# German-made air hammer and a power roller.
The mold making and investment area has two sand mixers, a ceramic shell mixer and standard investment capabilities. These facilities are rounded out with three outside iron melters, a plaster room, wax working area (including a 40-quart wax melter) and a well-equipped woodworking shop (housing a wood lathe, bandsaws, drill press, scroll saw, table saw, panel saw, miter saw, etc.). In addition, a two-ton overhead-motorized bridge crane and a motorized forklift serve the entire foundry area.
Sculpture alumni have gone on to pursue successful careers as professional artists, foundry personnel and educators in numerous colleges and universities throughout the country. In recent years, BA and BFA candidates have gone on to pursue graduate degrees in a wide variety of institutions including the Maryland Institute College of Art, Syracuse University, State University of New York Albany, University of Wisconsin Madison, Michigan State University, the University of Nebraska Lincoln, and The Art Institute of Chicago.
Textiles is an interdisciplinary program that incorporates a variety of techniques and methods of working including book arts, weaving, surface design, paper making and felting. The umbrella discipline of textiles balances fine craft techniques with conceptual development and utilizes technology and technological development.
