Historical Techniques course at York University

YORK UNIVERSITY: Department of Fine Arts - Visual Arts
HISTORICAL TECHNIQUES AND MATERIALS OF THE ARTIST - VISA 3110.6 – 2009-2010
Course director: Srebrenka Bogovic-Zeskoski (e- mail: fineartinfo@rogers.com)
Office hours: By appointment only

This course combines formal lectures, in-class discussions and compulsory studio demonstrations/workshop.
Fall term: all students to attend formal lectures and studio demonstrations at 8:30-11:30 for the Fall term.
Spring term studio portion is divided into two groups: Group A 8:30-11:30 and group B 11:30-2:30 – Combining the two will be discussed in class.
Lectures: ACW 02, Studio: CFA 342

Description of the Course
The course concentrates on an in depth study of artists' techniques and materials in use from the Antiquity to present. (There are some exceptions regarding the spread of these dates; particulars to be discussed in class. Additional, pertinent information is also listed in the handout: Studio Booklet-Manual.
Formal lectures examine relationship between artists' creativity, essential to conceptualize a work of art, and the methods and materials by which this is attained. Both formal lectures and studio workshops are designed to give students a comprehensive knowledge of various practices and materials in use throughout diverse historical and ‘stylistic’ periods (i.e. Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque etc.) and to demonstrate their importance in formulating individual artist’s style as well as that of a distinct “schools.”
Technical information is offered on presenting/handling works of art for display/exhibitions, storage and transportation. Whenever pertinent, deterioration and subsequent conservation of works of art is discussed. Special attention is paid to toxicity of artist's materials and potentially adverse studio conditions; preventative measures and safety guidelines are offered, but also strictly implemented during the studio time. Regular participation of studio portion of the course is mandatory

Requirements
Historical Techniques is a 300-level course and therefore independent research in both the studio component and the written assignment is expected. It is obligatory, especially in the studio portion of the course, that students actively participate in discussions, exchange of ideas and in sharing individual experiences concerning their chosen Major Project assignment. Although the studio component of the course is important and mandatory it does not require previous studio experience.

Rationale of the course:
Any work of art is determined first and foremost by the materials and techniques available to the artist …
Anthea Cullen, Technique of the Impressionists, London, New Burlington Books, 1987, p.6


I believe in Michelangelo, Velasquez and Rembrandt; in the might of design, the mystery of colour, the redemption of all things by Beauty everlasting and the message of Art that had made these hands blessed. Amen.
Artist’s Credo uttered by Louise Dubedat in Bernard Shaw’s The Doctors Dilemma (1906)

To Studio Majors the course offers a comprehensive understanding of basic processes involved in making art and comprehending the nature of materials necessary to achieve this objective. The course will demonstrate how some of the traditional techniques can be successfully applied to contemporary or conceptual artmaking. Lectures are structured to learn about the historical forerunners in belief that this knowledge will greatly contribute to one’s own creativity and artistic growth. Often it is the lack of basic structural information or a lack of skill and knowledge of technical processes and materials that hinders the final results or restricts realization of one’s vision. The aim of Historical Techniques is to provide basic building blocks for a creative artistic mind.

To the Art History major the course offers a unique opportunity to try and execute a work of art without a pressure of regular art classes. It also offers a different type of building blocks: knowledge and confidence to visually identify major techniques (tempera, oil, encaustic etc.), to understand why one technique “looks and feels” so very different than the other. Various trade routes and even armed conflicts which governed the availability of materials will be discussed to show how circumstances influenced the development of a specific artists’ technique or style. This knowledge can be productively applied to their respective fields of future research or work (curatorship, museology, conservation etc.).


ACCREDITATION: "Historical Techniques" can be used either as a Studio or an Art History credit. Students must declare their choice in writing when submitting their selection for studio project(s) see under "Contracts."