PNCA : programs : bfa : sculpture

Sculpture

It's not about a singular mastery of material but rather the development of a dynamic sculptural language that can give a personal, powerful voice to their concepts.
— David Eckard, Department Chair

PNCA’s Sculpture department encourages students to work within a broad range of three-dimensional practices, exploring contemporary and traditional art-making approaches alike. The Sculpture studios provide excellent facilities, on-site technicians, prominent exhibition space and the expertise of a diverse faculty. Students individualize their production and determine their own approach as they work under the mentorship of master professionals within a collaborative studio atmosphere.

In this program, students engage a wide spectrum of sculptural methods including stand-alone objects, site-specific works, multiples, installations, sculptural interventions, performance and any number of hybrid forms of three-dimensional engagement. They broaden their artistic repertoires through exploration of a variety of approaches to art-making, through collaboration and individual practice. Presentations by visiting artists, critics and curators support and challenge students to understand their roles as contemporary makers and thinkers.

Projects & Assignments

A full-scale hot air balloon, used as a metaphor on various levels, was one senior’s thesis project. She made every element herself, working with textiles, basket weaving, and other traditional processes.
One student created a sculpture primarily from video equipment. Images captured in realtime on a surveillance camera were played back in an agonizingly slow fashion on the sculpture’s monitor.
Sewing and craft-based techniques enabled another student to concentrate on making touchable pieces, such as flocked clay sculptures.