First and Second years

(Fundamentals of sculpture)

Sculpture encompasses various realms of expression, with different approaches and materials. It is important however to transcend these differences to encourage understanding and empathy with those parts intrinsic to all sculpture, and make criticism and discussion everyday activities. Training in the fundamentals of sculpture makes all this possible. In the Department of Sculpture, we see the basics of modeling and a consistent vision of one's own as the fundamentals of artistic expression, and the curriculum contains various experimental activities that are designed to manifest this. Students also have frequent opportunities to engage in discussion with a lineup of faculty members specializing in different areas. Teaching students the fundamentals of sculpture is designed to help them view making, seeing and thinking as a single process, and develop their personal interests as their own original topics.

Third and Fourth years

(Specialized subjects)

From the third year onward, students work to develop a clearer vision for their own artistic expression, and pursue that vision. The Department of Sculpture takes a broad view of the concept of sculpture, and the circumstances and technologies surrounding sculpture are constantly advancing. Examples include the expansion and growing sophistication of human sensory perceptions and modes of expression, and the influence of hitherto largely unrelated domains such as computer graphics, thanks to the development of computers. To acquire more in-depth specialist skills amid such changing circumstances, we are currently engaged in revitalizing our studios, and moving to a more dynamic system allowing greater interaction between them.
The Department of Sculpture has studios for the study of various materials, and from the third year, students systematically choose studios and develop their work there, the idea also being that communicating with others in a working environment gives momentum to the creation of new modes of expression. In this course, the aim is for students to transcend the boundaries of what is often an insubstantial domain, raise and work on unexpected issues and generate new movements, with a socially aware outlook.

Studios

In the first and second years students work in the foundation studio, and from the third year onward, in purpose-built specialized studios. Students base themselves at a studio of their choice, and make use of others as needed.

Modelling studio + foundation studio

Here students learn all there is to know about modelling, and master techniques for moldmaking to suit different applications. Experts come in as required to give demonstrations that reinforce for students the rationality and importance of technique in the production process.

Metal and ceramic studio

This is a spacious combined studio boasting a 10m ceiling for work using heavy machinery and fire in various forms such as ironworking, casting, and ceramics. In addition to arc and TIG welding equipment and an air plasma-cutting machine for use in the study of metalworking techniques, the studio has installed a full range of facilities including an inclined furnace for castings of various sizes. For ceramic work, the studio is equipped with several firing furnaces allowing glost firing at 1250°C, also allowing the production of large pieces.

FRP studio

Here students learn about chemical materials with plastic properties, mainly polyester resin, from how to acquire the materials, to their disposal and safe storage, plus studio layouts and production techniques to suit different modes of expression.

Woodcarving studio

In addition to practical classes on the properties of wooden materials, bonding methods for different purposes, and types of basic tool and their use, students examine the full range of artistic expression in wood, and explore the possibilities of woodcarving as an art form.

Mixed media studio

The term mixed media refers both to combined materials, and multiple media. Students examine expressive techniques from both these aspects, engaging in a series of experiments and practical projects.

Stone carving studio

To explore the possibilities for expression in stone, students learn here how to obtain and transport stone materials, basic handling, and techniques for the use of power, air, and other tools.

Computer studio

Students employ media such as photographs and film that until recently have had little relationship to sculpture to take a fresh look at sculpture, and extend the range of spatial concepts unique to sculpture.