Christian Ortiz

This course introduces students to a diverse range of textile materials, processes, histories, politics, traditions, and cultures of fiber and their relationships to contemporary art practice. Historical and contemporary approaches to process and materials are explored as students are introduced to a variety of fiber techniques in construction and surface application. Taught technique can include printing, tapestry weaving, immersion and resist dyeing, knitting, crochet, felting, coiling, hand embroidery, machine sewing, piecework, and embellishment. Textiles have rich and complex histories in all cultures. Examples from across time and place will be explored and discussed through visual presentations, assigned readings, in-class discussions, visiting artist lectures, and field trips.

By the end of this course, students will become familiar with the formal, conceptual, expressive, and political potential of fiber as an expressive medium with limitless possibilities.

Course work will vary but typically includes the creation of technical samples, critique projects, and reading responses.

This course explores stitching as a means of altering the surface of textiles and other pliable materials, examining its role across functional, decorative, and contemporary arts practices. Students will develop skills in traditional and non-traditional hand manipulation, machine sewing, and digital embroidery, including the use of design software for embroidery machines. Quilting, piecework, and appliqué are taught through both hand methods and work created on home sewing and Tin Lizzie machines. Technical skills are taught within the context of fiber, craft, and fine art discourse, encouraging students to develop work driven by their own formal, material, and conceptual concerns. Lectures and assigned readings broaden this foundation, situating course content within the history and contemporary landscape of the field. Students present finished and in-progress work in individual and group critiques throughout the semester.

This course explores the creation of color on fiber and textile materials using dyes of natural origin, including plant and insect extracts. Students learn to apply color through both traditional and contemporary methods, working across immersion and direct dye applications - including printing, painting, and resist techniques. Students develop skills in fiber preparation, dye bath creation and color modification, and learn to identify, harvest, and process plant matter for dye extraction. Pattern and surface design are explored through chemical and mechanical resist techniques. Collaboratively, students compile an index of swatches and recipes that serves as an ongoing reference for their practice. Students complete work and research reflecting their individual inquiry, presented through individual and group critiques. The course provides a broad foundation for integrating natural dye into a creative practice. While investigating the historical context and chemistry behind dye materials, students consider the cross-cultural and historical relevance of these processes in relation to contemporary art and design. Contextual content is provided through lectures, presentations and readings.

This course introduces students to hand papermaking as both a contemporary studio practice and a historically rich tradition rooted in chemistry, collective labor, and artistic inquiry. Working with traditional fibers including cotton, abaca, and kozo, students will learn eastern and western papermaking methods while exploring the full range of the medium ¿ from pulling sheets and beating pulp to pigmenting fibers, pulp painting, and casting paper into sculptural forms. Through hands-on experimentation, students will manipulate color, texture, and fiber to develop a personal visual language using paper as their primary medium. Coursework engages the material's conceptual possibilities alongside its practical applications, including print surfaces, book arts, and wearable forms. Students will complete a final project that connects material exploration to their broader artistic practice, supported by critique, research, and collaborative studio engagement. Lectures and visits to SAIC's special collections libraries will expose students to contemporary and historic artists working in paper arts, augmenting the technical course content.

This course provides an interdisciplinary forum for in-depth critiques and exploration of students' individual directions within the context of contemporary art. This is a team-taught class and will utilize both instructors for critiques and group activities. Emphasis is on individual studio practice and the development of a more cohesive body of work within a faculty mentorship and peer-to-peer learning structure. Technical and conceptual input will be provided on a tutorial basis. Group discussions, readings, field trips to current exhibitions, and visiting lecturers augment this class. Professional practices will focus on the creation and display of discrete objects and/or installation work for the BFA Exhibition, supported by developing or refining a professional resume and an artist statement. Documentation of individual work for inclusion on the Fiber & Material Studies web page is also required. The print, dye, sewing, and mixed media facilities of the department are available to enrolled students to use. This class is for a minimum of 6 credit hours and is held weekly over a two-day period on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Open to Juniors and Seniors with instructor permission and signature. Course work varies but typically includes the production of major studio projects for critique, student presentations, professional development assignments, documentation of work, and the installation of work in the class display case and an open studio event.

This course provides an interdisciplinary forum for in-depth critiques and exploration of students' individual directions within the context of contemporary art. This is a team-taught class and will utilize both instructors for critiques and group activities. Emphasis is on individual studio practice and the development of a more cohesive body of work within a faculty mentorship and peer-to-peer learning structure. Technical and conceptual input will be provided on a tutorial basis. Group discussions, readings, field trips to current exhibitions, and visiting lecturers augment this class. Professional practices will focus on the creation and display of discrete objects and/or installation work for the BFA Exhibition, supported by developing or refining a professional resume and an artist statement. Documentation of individual work for inclusion on the Fiber & Material Studies web page is also required. The print, dye, sewing, and mixed media facilities of the department are available to enrolled students to use. This class is for a minimum of 6 credit hours and is held weekly over a two-day period on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Open to Juniors and Seniors with instructor permission and signature.

Course work varies but typically includes the production of major studio projects for critique, student presentations, professional development assignments, documentation of work, and the installation of work in the class display case and an open studio event.