Jess Atieno Ounga

In this course, a wide range of processes for screenprinting onto fabric and alternative substrates are demonstrated, including the use of textile inks, fiber reactive dyes, resist and discharge, and heat transfers of foils and disperse dyes. Students will use hand drawn, computer generated, and photographic images to explore foundational screen print techniques and concepts such as monoprinting, multiples, color relationships, composition, and basic repeat patterns. Interdisciplinary and experimental uses of the printed surface are encouraged throughout the development of personal research and practice. The class is augmented by relevant lectures, readings and visits to AIC, artist studios and galleries. Students present finished and in-process works at three critiques throughout the semester.

Beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels are given technical guidance in the use of dyes and pigments on fabrics. Both hand-painting and -printing processes are explored. The technical vocabulary may include: silkscreen, photographic techniques, stencil and stamp printing, and direct painting. Intermediate and advanced students are introduced to a conceptual focus and a technical vocabulary and are encouraged to develop individual direction. Exploration of ideas will be augmented through research, discussions, group and individual critiques, slide presentations, and field trips.

This professional practice course that focuses on preparing for all things life after school. As scaffolding throughout the course we will explore the text, How to be an artist at night by Raqs media collective to explore a range of questions and themes in art practice at the intersection of contemporary life. What constitutes an education for the real world? How do we grow a community that supports and is in conversation with our work? What are the professional skills we need to sustain our practice outside the studio? How do we write about, talk about and present our work? What are the practices of self care we can cultivate to fuel our creativity? Other readings will include teaching to transgress- Bell Hooks, The Artist's Guide: How to make a living doing what you love- Jackie Battenfield, The Social Production of Art- Janet Wolff. We will also watch and respond to short films. Course work will vary but will typically include writing an artist statement, bio and exhibition proposal.

This class enables students to develop personal conceptual concerns and expand their existing knowledge of a range of print processes within the expanded field of FMS. Independently guided projects will be based on students' proposals and the development of conceptual inquiries in conjunction with appropriate methods and material. Students will advance their printing techniques at it relates to their individual directions. Advanced techniques include; large scale, repeat structures, color layering, CMYK and experimental alternative processes. The relevance of screen-printing, what it offers the expanded field of contemporary art/design practice and issues of display and installation will be discussed and explored. Students work within the communal studios that are FMS (print, dye, and sewing labs, and the Textile Resource Center) creating a foundational peer driven atmosphere. Writing will be practiced and discussed in relation to an artist statement and project proposals. Student driven research guides project development and is supported with critiques, readings and exhibition visits. Students present finished and in-process work at several critiques over the course of the semester.