Scotch College

VCE: Studio Arts

Rationale

Studio Arts is the practical study of contemporary art practice and how artists produce work in their studio. Using the design process to develop effective art practices, students specialize in a particular form of studio production such as painting, photography, animation and printmaking. Students generate, explore and communicate ideas through specific studio forms and develop and use specialized skills in a range of media and techniques. The theoretical component of the study informs students' practice through an investigation of how selected studio forms have developed, an examination of artists' working methods and a study of professional practices and the roles of art galleries in the industry.

Structure

Students can select from the following areas to develop their practical studies: computer design, painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and animation. The theoretical aspect deals with current trends in industry, as related to professional practice and the appraisal of contemporary art work. It also includes being able to make constructive comment on ethical issues related to design and advertising.

Unit I: Artistic Inspiration and Techniques

The focus of this unit is on the investigation of sources of inspiration, which generate creative activity and the exploration of a wide range of materials and techniques as tools for translating ideas, observations and experiences into visual form. The work of current artists will be reviewed to see how they develop their art. Guest artists will introduce new techniques to the students in workshops and gallery visits.

Unit 2: Design Exploration and Concepts

Students are encouraged to establish an effective design methodology in the way they approach a work brief and develop skills in the visual analysis of art works. Students choose a theme and an artform to explore in an extended folio culminating in the production of finished artworks.

Unit 3: Studio Production and Professional Practice

Students will identify a general theme which they wish to explore for the production of their folio. They will draft an exploration proposal to define the areas of their investigation, applying a design process to explore and develop their ideas, producing a range of potential directions. A number of artists will be investigated in regard to the way they approach their work practice, select media, and the way in which artists develop new concepts by drawing inspiration from past artworks. This will then be related to the particular focus of the student's folio as stimuli for ideas.

Unit 4: Studio Production and Industry Contexts

Students develop a cohesive folio of finished art works, which are based on the solutions developed in Unit 3. These works must reflect and resolve the aims and intentions expressed in the work brief. The unit also explores the current art industry focusing on the role of galleries, current trends and artistic content, methods of presentation, and the conservation of art works. Students will visit a range of galleries to study the designing of the exhibitions as well as other curatorial decisions.

Assessment

Units 1 and 2: Written Examination

Visual Journal/Research Projects

Studio Work

Digital Portfolio

Units 3 and 4: School Assessed Coursework 33 per cent

School Assessed tasks 33 per cent

Examination 34 per cent