A wide shot of a ceramics studio, featuring students working with pottery wheels and other tools.

David J Thomas

Lecturer

Bio

David Joel Thomas: Lecturer, Contemporary Practices; Instructor, Continuing Studies. BA Philosophy, 1995, DePaul University; MA Philosophy, 1998, DePaul University; MFA Interior Architecture, 2017, SAIC. Exhibitions: SciArt Center, New York Hall of Science; Drama Science Lab; Beverly Art Center; Fulton Street Collective; Morpho Gallery; Bridgeport Art Center; Hokin Gallery; Averill and Bernard Leviton Gallery; Connect Gallery. Residency: Mosnart Visiting Artist Project. Awards: Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists; Schiff Foundation Fellowship Award for Critical Writing in Architecture (Special Mention); Edes Fellowship for Emerging Artists (Nominee). Studio practice: digital art; critical and creative writing; object and architectural design.

Personal Statement

My interest and training in philosophy, art, and design reflects my commitment to bridging the gap between critical research and creative synthesis. My international experience – Lahore, Pakistan (1966-68), Ankara, Turkey (1968-72), and Kabul, Afghanistan (1972-77) – and my Middle Eastern heritage draw me to the crossroads of politics, art, and archaeology, to post-war reconstruction, autonomous modernization, global aesthetics, and the multiplicity and diversity of cultures. I have an active, multi-disciplinary practice in which I work as a visual artist with special focus on digital media, a critical and creative writer, and a designer at the object and architectural scales. I situate my studio practice on the edge of image and object making conventions. Through it, I interrogate dominant design sensibilities and the purchase they command on what counts as form. My work explores other commencements in the critical absence of alternative sensibilities and novel artistic commitments. It plots new perceptual possibilities, probable geometries, unforeseen practical realities, unimagined subjectivities, and dense material auras in which to become caught and reflectively absorbed.

Courses

Title Department Catalog Term

Description

This course introduces students to the process architects use to develop their ideas and concepts, focusing on the how and why of creating new shapes, spaces, and buildings. Projects incorporate experimentation with form, basic drawing, perspective and drafting techniques, 3D modeling, and the ability to discuss projects verbally and in writing. Students are presented with a variety of prompts and design challenges, using materials such as chipboard, basswood, foam core, and other objects to realize their ideas in three dimensions. They complete the course with a final presentation of their exploration, which may include prints and drawings, 3D physical models or digital presentations. In addition, influential artists, designers, and architects such as Frank Gehry and Robert Irwin are introduced to investigate the impacts of digital and atmospheric effects in design. No experience is needed for this course, but computer familiarity is helpful.

Class Number

1168

Credits

1

Description

In this course you will learn about contemporary design with a focus in Architecture. Through collaborative work and one-on-one mentorship, students learn how architects develop design ideas, do research, draft and develop their projects and represent proposals. You�ll be introduced to using traditional materials as well as software such as Adobe, Rhino 3D or others. You will learn about contemporary designers and build design skills from drawing, drafting, researching, and ideation. The course will include online demonstrations geared to your passions, visiting artist presentations, online museum resources, as well as time for self-directed work and comprehensive faculty advising. You'll engage in discussions and critiques with a vibrant online community of other students from throughout the country and around the world, create portfolio-quality work, and receive comprehensive guidance on developing competitive applications for college admissions to art and design programs.

Class Number

1002

Credits

1