SDSU School of Art, Design, and Art History

Undergraduate Fiber Studies

General Overview

The Fiber specialization is part of the Applied Design emphasis in the Art major. The goal of the Fiber classes is to teach both traditional and experimental practices in order to provide students with the technical training and conceptual understanding to develop a mature and independent direction within the textile sensibility.

Coursework Overview

The fiber courses at SDSU reflect a broad range of current fiber art. Surface design courses focus on the creation of color and pattern with dyes as well as the three-dimensional manipulation of both the fabric and its surface. Fiber structuring is taught through hand construction techniques such as coiling, twining, crochet, knitting and tapestry weaving. In each of the areas, students are encouraged to use traditional and alternative materials as well as ideas in pursuit of a unique visual voice. This broad-based approach leads to works that can be functional or conceptual, small in scale or room size.

The undergraduate courses encourage students to pursue their own personal direction and career goals in fiber while developing a strong foundation in traditional and contemporary fiber techniques.

The undergraduate teaching format is based on lectures, demonstrations and slide presentations by faculty and visiting artists. The curriculum is formulated to broaden student understanding of the fiber field in both its rich historical context and vibrant contemporary presence through research, reading and discussion on critical issues in art and design. Course work places equal emphasis on creative problem solving and technical proficiency.

Students are encouraged to attend fiber-related exhibitions and conferences and eligible students can take independent studies in a fiber area of particular interest. Cross-disciplinary work between different studios of the School is also strongly supported. In addition, students are urged to enter their work in appropriate regional, national, and international competitions as well as pursue opportunities for foreign exchange study.

Admissions and Financial Assistance

You can learn more detailed information about the admissions process on the Undergraduate Admissions page. For more information on financial assistance, please visit our Financial Aid page or our student scholarships page to find scholarships available through the School of Art, Design, and Art History.

The Faculty

To contact or learn more about individual faculty in this department, please click on their names below:

• Kathryn Harris

This page was last updated at 9:52AM on May 3, 2011