Course Descriptions

FIBR 101 Introduction to Fibers
Using a variety of fiber arts and processes, students explore pattern systems, 2-D and 3-D construction, and the way images and ideas develop. Prerequisite: DSGN 100.

FIBR 201 Introduction to Weaving
This course introduces the floor loom as a tool for design and personal expression. By weaving samples and finished fabrics, students gain experience selecting yarns, making warps, dressing the loom, and designing and producing a variety of cloth structures. Prerequisite: FIBR 101.

FIBR 204 Repeat-pattern Design
This course teaches the skills necessary to translate single graphic images into interconnecting, repetitive patterns suitable for use in all commercial media employing overall surface design. Particular emphasis is placed on designing multicolor, printed textile patterns and introducing techniques to examine and evaluate current design trends. Students may use computers in executing selected projects. Prerequisite: DSGN 100.

FIBR 306 History of Fabric
In this course, a study of historic textiles and basic textile techniques becomes the source for individual studio projects. Prerequisites: ARTH 110, FIBR 101.

FIBR 308 3-D Fibers
Mixed-media and sculptural approaches to fibers lead students to examine the movement away from flat, planar textiles. Various materials and techniques are explored so that students may build a strong visual vocabulary. Prerequisite: DSGN 102.

FIBR 310 Images on Fabric
This course focuses on basic surface design techniques that enable students to apply images and texture to fabric and fiber. Traditional techniques and contemporary variations are explored as methods to develop meaningful surfaces that incorporate image, pattern and surface texture. Both technical understanding and creative use of media are stressed. Prerequisite: FIBR 101.

FIBR 312 Screen Printing
This course focuses on the development of the creative and technical skills necessary to print fabric for both commercial and fine art applications. Various printing media are explored, including opaque and transparent pigments, thickened dyes and discharge pastes. Hand-cut, direct and photomechanical stencils are used. Students are encouraged to be experimental and inventive in their approach to the media and processes. Prerequisites: FIBR 204, FIBR 310.

FIBR 315 Computer-aided Woven Design
This course is designed to give students experience designing and producing woven fabrics using AVL dobby looms and software specifically designed for woven design. Students study woven structures and drafting, and produce fabrics for a specified end use. Portfolio preparation and design for industry is emphasized. Prerequisites: CMPA 100, FIBR 201.

FIBR 318 Computer-aided Surface Design
Students use NedGraphics Texcelle software to produce surface designs for commercial textiles. This course emphasizes industry standards while covering all phases of the design process???conception, pattern creation and presentation. Special focus is placed on using design input methods, including digital color mixing and digital color output, to create industry-compatible designs. Prerequisites: CMPA 100, FIBR 204.

FIBR 321 Intermediate Weaving
This course provides an intermediate study of the loom as a design tool. Particular emphasis is on loom-controlled weave structure; weave drafting and manipulation of warp, weft and woven fabric through dyeing; ikat; warp and weft painting; and other weaver-controlled methods. Prerequisite: FIBR 201.

FIBR 324 Woven Structures
In this course, students are expected to analyze weave drafts for a variety of woven structures. Students generate a series of drafts and samples to design fabrics. Prerequisite: FIBR 201.

FIBR 325 Garment: Metaphor and Function
In this course, students use weaving, surface design and hand construction methods to investigate the nature of the garment. Garments are considered as metaphor, functional object, costume or ritual object, personal adornment and cultural signifier. Traditional and nontraditional techniques are used to develop conceptual and functional ideas related to the garment and clothing. Prerequisite: FIBR 201 or FIBR 310 or FIBR 312.

FIBR 326 Advanced 3-D Fibers
This course is designed to allow students to pursue in more depth the ideas and techniques introduced in 3-D Fibers. Students investigate historical and contemporary uses of basketry techniques, felting, handmade paper and other nonloom-produced fiber constructions. Emphasis is placed on these media and techniques as vehicles for ideas and personal expression. Prerequisite: FIBR 308.

FIBR 328 Textile Rendering
This course addresses all aspects of commercial textile design production, including textile rendering techniques, production printing standards and terminology, and professional practices. Students are expected to develop a work methodology to design flat patterns from conceptual evolution to final presentation. Emphasis is placed on developing technical skills. Prerequisite: FIBR 204.

FIBR 336 Experimental Bookmaking
This course challenges the conceptual and aesthetic boundaries of the book as a structure for creative expression and visual communication. The class examines historical forms as well as contemporary and nontraditional approaches to bookmaking. Technical information and practical application are presented to stimulate innovative design. Students develop basic bookmaking skills by designing and producing one-of-a-kind books. Prerequisite: DSGN 102.

FIBR 342 Embellished Surfaces
This course focuses on altering fabric surfaces and structures by using traditional and nontraditional media and techniques. Applied surface, manipulated structural and constructed surface techniques are examined as tools and as language to build surfaces for commercial, functional or fine art fabrics. Prerequisite: FIBR 310.

FIBR 344 The Art Quilt
This course examines quiltmaking as a source and form in contemporary fiber work. Drawing from historical perspectives and contemporary examples, the class investigates technical and conceptual aspects of quiltmaking. Prerequisite: FIBR 308.

FIBR 345 Studio Production
This course explores the design and production of a line of handmade objects. The course covers fabrication techniques and efficient methods of producing multiples. Many facets of promoting and marketing the work are investigated, including developing product identity, targeting a market and locating optimum sales venues. Prerequisite: FIBR 101.

FIBR 346 Beaded Surfaces and Structures
This course explores the connections between historical traditions of beadwork and the application of beadwork in contemporary art and design in fibers. Students are expected to develop technical skills in beaded embroidery, loomed beadwork and off-loom beaded structures, investigating both 2-D and 3-D forms. Emphasis is placed on conceptual development of metaphorical possibilities relating to studio craft objects, design for industry and fine art applications. Prerequisite: DSGN 100.

FIBR 401 Advanced Fiber Arts I
This senior-level studio is devoted to the pursuit of individual areas of interest. The primary focus is on developing a strong body of work, with additional emphasis on research, discussion and critique as adjuncts to studio work. Prerequisite: FIBR 310.

FIBR 403 Advanced Fiber Arts II
This senior-level studio is devoted to the pursuit of individual areas of interest. Continued development of a strong body of work begun in Advanced Fiber Arts I is the primary focus, with additional emphasis on research, discussion and critique as adjuncts to studio work. Prerequisite: FIBR 401.

FIBR 406 Fibers Portfolio Preparation
This course emphasizes developing a body of work directed toward a specific career goal and toward the many areas of professional practice in the fibers field. Topics include artists' statements, r??sum??s, cover letters and contracts. Emphasis is placed on professionalism in presentation and documentation. Students also investigate marketing and self-promotion techniques. Prerequisite: FIBR 403.

FIBR 415 Computer-aided Jacquard Design
Using specially designed software and an electronic jacquard hand loom, students explore the technical, functional and aesthetic considerations necessary to successfully design jacquard-woven fabrics. In addition to creating their own jacquard designs for furnishings and apparel, students analyze existing jacquard samples and become familiar with a variety of woven structures used in jacquards. Prerequisites: FIBR 201, FIBR 318.

FIBR 416 Digital Textile Printing
Through working with a digital fabric printer as the output for their designs, students learn the vernacular of this new technology. Students use various software applications to design and print fabric samples and yardages for a variety of end-uses. Technical considerations and design possibilities are explored. Prerequisites: CMPA 100 or ELDS 205 or ELDS 225, FIBR 204.

FIBR 418 Advanced Computer-aided Surface Design
This advanced course explores the uses of computer programs in producing digital textile designs. Through advanced training and a focus on industry compatibility and design development, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary for success in all facets of the digital textile design industry. Special focus is placed on using different software programs to create industry-compatible design for both printed and woven fabrics. Prerequisite: FASH 300 or FIBR 318.

FIBR 455 Advanced Computer-aided Jacquard Design
This course is an advanced exploration of jacquard design focusing on complex weave structures. Students design and weave fabrics for textile design and/or fine arts applications, according to individual areas of interest. Prerequisite: FIBR 415.

FIBR 457 Advanced Screen Printing
This advanced course examines and explores the screen printing process on cloth. Students build a visual vocabulary and develop technical skills. The process of creating printed cloth is further examined through experimental printing techniques, ideas of mass production, and traditional and conceptual applications. This course is tailored to each artist's independent studio explorations. Prerequisite: FIBR 312.

FIBR 495 Special Topics in Fibers
The topic of this course varies from quarter to quarter. Each seminar focuses on various issues in the field of fibers and allows students to pursue individual projects related to the subject of the course. Prerequisites: Vary according to topic.

FIBR 704 Surfaces and Structures
This course introduces graduate-level work in fibers. Each student's work is analyzed in order to determine a strategy for technical and aesthetic development. An experimental approach to the creation of surfaces and structures is stressed.

FIBR 707 Fabric History as Source
Students investigate historical and ethnographic fabrics and their construction as a source for contemporary fiber artists. Emphasis is placed on the application of personal research to individual studio work.

FIBR 716 Fiber and Fabric Exploration
Students investigate a range of traditional and nontraditional fiber media and processes. Interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches to studio work are encouraged. The course also includes research and discussion about artists important to the contemporary fibers field.

FIBR 724 Digital Surface Design Studio I
Students use textile design software and Adobe Photoshop to produce repeat pattern designs for commercial textiles. This course emphasizes industry standards while covering all phases of the design-process conception, pattern creation and presentation. Special focus is placed on using design input methods, including digital color mixing and digital color output to create industry compatible designs. Final project relates back to students area of concentration.

FIBR 726 Digital Dobby Design Studio
This course is designed to give students experience designing and producing woven fabrics using AVL dobby looms and software specifically designed for woven design. Students study woven structure and drafting, and produce fabrics for a specified end use. Students are encouraged to apply their individual artistic and design directions to their design of dobby fabrics.

FIBR 728 Structural Materials and Processes
Students explore technical and conceptual issues in the construction of 3-D fiber structures. Innovative uses of materials and processes are emphasized. Students are introduced to contemporary and historic 3-D fiber forms and analyze the context in which the works were produced.

FIBR 731 Special Topics in Fibers
This studio course focuses on a particular area of the fibers field. Demonstrations, lectures and critiques are designed to provide technical information and introduce new ideas to each student's evolving body of work.

FIBR 732 Digital Fabric Printing Studio
Through working with a digital fabric printer as the output for their designs, students learn the vernacular of this new technology. Students use various software applications to design and print fabric for a variety of end-uses. Technical considerations and design possibilities will be explored. Projects can be interpreted for inclusion in the Fine Art, Studio Production, or Design portfolios. Prerequisite: FIBR 724.

FIBR 733 Digital Jacquard Design Studio I
Using specially designed software, students explore the technical, functional, and aesthetic considerations necessary to design successful jacquard woven fabrics. In addition to creating their own jacquard designs, students analyze existing jacquard samples and study a variety of woven structures used in jacquards. Students are encouraged to apply their individual artistic and design directions to their design of jacquard fabrics. Prerequisite: FIBR 724.

FIBR 734 Investigations in Woven Structures
This course is intended for those whose main interest is in utilizing the woven structure as a tool for design and personal expression. By initially weaving experimental samples to learn the basics of the weaving process, students further explore appropriate structures and materials relevant to their own creative and conceptual direction. Readings and discussions on contemporary weavers and their work also are addressed. Emphasis is on enlarging a student's visual, technical and material vocabulary that serves as a vehicle for the translation of ideas through the woven structure.

FIBR 736 The Book As Art: New Concepts In Bookmaking
This course examines the increasingly important role of the book as a means of developing a fine art practice and personal vision. Through exploration of traditional and non-traditional structural processes and techniques, students develop book forms, structures and narratives that articulate personal concepts and ideologies.

FIBR 737 Color, Cloth, and Context
This course allows the individual to explore conceptual and contextual ideas through the application of color, pattern and imagery to cloth. Technical guidance in the use of dyes and pigments supports individual investigations. Exploration of ideas is augmented through research, discussions, critiques, and presentations.

FIBR 738 Contemporary Theory in Fibers
In this course, current issues, theories and polemics pertinent to the fibers field, the nature of art, and mass culture create a context to explore each student's investigation of studio work and ideology. Critical dialogue, workshops, presentations and lectures inform the development of a personal artistic vision. Prerequisite: FIBR 704.

FIBR 743 Digital Jacquard Design Studio II
This course is an advanced exploration of jacquard design focusing on complex weave structures. Students design and weave fabrics for textile design and/or fine arts applications, according to individual areas of interest. Prerequisite: FIBR 733.

FIBR 744 Digital Surface Design Studio II
This advanced course further explores the uses of specialized and off-the-shelf software in producing digital textile designs. Through advanced training and a focus on industry compatibility and design development, students are expected to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for success in all facets of the digital textile design industry. Special focus is placed on using different software programs to create industry-compatible design for both printed and woven fabrics. Prerequisite: FIBR 724.

FIBR 745 Studio Issues in Fibers I
In this studio course, students focus on a particular area of interest in fibers through a series of related projects. Development of individual direction is emphasized. Individual and group critiques focus on development of form and content. Prerequisites: FIBR 716, FIBR 738.

FIBR 746 Pattern, Motif, and Image
This course focuses on the study of repeating motif and image systems in textile pattern design. Students explore traditional repeat systems, indigenous and cultural pattern motifs, and motif/image generation and stylization. An emphasis on the study and analysis of pattern as metaphorical language, as well as critical study of pattern as cultural and social indicators will augment the investigation of pattern in textiles as well as in contemporary art and design applications.

FIBR 747 Stitch: Language and Object
This course focuses on the stitched surface in fine art, functional studio objects, and contemporary design. Students learn hand and machine embellishing techniques, quilting, and piecing as processes to develop decorative surfaces as well as surface language and metaphor on fabrics. Particular emphasis is directed to the study and making of stitched textile objects, both functional and nonfunctional, and their relationships to contemporary culture.

FIBR 748 Professional Practices in Fibers
This course is a forum to identify, discuss, and prepare for professional practices in the fibers field. Topics include artists' statements, resumes, grants and business plans. Professionalism in presentation and documentation is emphasized. Prerequisite: FIBR 716.

FIBR 749 Fibers M.A. Final Project
All M.A. students in fibers are required to develop and complete a final portfolio project that represents the culmination of their program. The professional portfolio focuses on print or woven design and should reflect and advanced level of complexity and competence. Prerequisite: FIBR 716.

FIBR 765 Seminar in Fibers
This seminar course addresses current issues in the fibers field. Students discuss readings, research a topic that supports their studio work, and prepare a paper and presentation based on that research. Prerequisite: FIBR 738.

FIBR 772 Studio Issues in Fibers II
In this course, students continue to explore issues related to fibers. Emphasis is on further development of personal vision through individual instruction. Prerequisite: FIBR 745.

FIBR 775 Studio Issues in Fibers III
Students continue to explore issues related to fibers. Emphasis is on further development of personal vision through individual instruction. Prerequisite: FIBR 772.

FIBR 790 Fibers M.F.A. Thesis
All fibers M.F.A. students are required to develop and prepare an original exhibition, accompanied by a written component.