Undergraduate Individual Study Abroad

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Sculpture and Expanded Practice offers an extensive range of possibilities for making art in multiple and diverse media and materials. The relationship of the art object to the environment it exists within is also central to sculptural practice and at BCA we focus in particular on sculpture in the rural, ecological and local community context of west Clare.

We consider sculpture to be an open field of material practices that can additionally include aspects of other modes of art making including 2D images, 4D virtual realities, sound, video art, performance, political and socially engaged practices. Sculpture can also include temporary installations, permanent public sculpture and the world wide web as a platform for art.

Our approach to teaching sculpture is inter-disciplinary and focused on 'joined-up' thinking and action. We encourage a research-based studio practice that leads to innovation and the discovery and development of the students personal artistic language.

Approved emphases at Advanced and Independent levels are: Sculpture in the environment, Ecological sculpture, Interactive and Socially Engaged Sculpture, Installation and Public Sculpture, Duration and Movement, Figurative or Sound and Virtual Space. Students wishing another emphasis to be identified on their transcript may apply for approval at the time of registration.

These courses satisfy both the major and elective requirements for studio practice.

BCASC1 Intermediate Sculpture

This course will explore sculptural methods, techniques, materials and forms for the communication and expression of ideas. Contemporary concepts and themes will form the basis of assignments alongside a focus on environmental and public sculpture, installation sculpture and the discrete object. Students will be encouraged to experiment with diverse, non-traditional materials and approaches to sculpture. The theory of contemporary sculpture practice will be explored through lectures, video presentations and field trips. The student will be enabled to begin developing personal artistic style and direction. This course is for intermediate sculpture students, as technical instruction is not provided.

BCASC3 Advanced Sculpture

This course is self directed, facilitated by the tutor as mentor and fellow artist, providing conceptual, critical and practical support. The students will be encouraged to devise her/his own assignments in consultation with the tutor. Tutorials will form the basis of the course structure and the student can also attend the general sculpture class which meets weekly for lectures, field trips, seminars and critiques. A high level of dedication and understanding of the student’s contemporary sculpture practice will be fostered. An understanding and sensitivity to sculpture in the environment will be encouraged.

BCASC4 Independent Sculpture

The aim of the course is to aid development and sustain artistic expression of the advanced student. The course is self directed and facilitated by the tutor in the role of mentor and fellow artist providing conceptual, critical and practical support. Tutorials will form the basis of the course structure and the student can also attend the general sculpture class which meets weekly for lectures, field trips, seminars and critiques. A high theoretical and concept based approach to contemporary sculptural practice will be fostered and an understanding and sensitivity to sculpture in the environment will be encouraged.