Architecture, Landscape & Visual Arts

Unit Outline

Art of Visualisation and Recording

VISA1050
SEM-1, 2015
Campus: Crawley
Unit Coordinator: Ms Sarah Douglas

All material reproduced herein has been copied in accordance with and pursuant to a statutory licence administered by
Copyright Agency Limited (CAL), granted to the University of Western Australia pursuant to Part VB of the Copyright Act 1968
(Cth).
Copying of this material by students, except for fair dealing purposes under the Copyright Act, is prohibited. For the purposes
of this fair dealing exception, students should be aware that the rule allowing copying, for fair dealing purposes, of 10% of the
work, or one chapter/article, applies to the original work from which the excerpt in this course material was taken, and not to
the course material itself
The University of Western Australia 2001

Page 1

Unit details
Unit title
Unit code
Availability
Location

Art of Visualisation and Recording

VISA1050
SEM-1, 2015 (23/02/2015 - 20/06/2015)
Crawley

Credit points

Mode

Face to face

Contact details
Faculty
School
School website
Unit coordinator
Email
Consultation hours
Lecturers

Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts

Architecture, Landscape & Visual Arts
http://www.alva.uwa.edu.au/
Ms Sarah Douglas
sarah.douglas@uwa.edu.au
Week one-Week 13: Tuesday 1.30pm-3pm Thursday 1.30pm-3pm by appointment

Name

Position

Email

Telephone Number

Sarah Douglas Unit Coordinator sarah.douglas@uwa.edu.au 0400036816

Tutors

Mr Nick Mahony
contact details tbc

Unit contact hours

Seminar/Studio: 2.45 hrs per week

Mon/Tues/Weds/Thursday 10am-12.45

Online handbook

Monday/Wednesday 1pm-3.45pm
http://units.handbooks.uwa.edu.au/units/VISA/VISA1050

Unit description
This unit investigates introductory concepts and means of producing visual journals or art diaries. The process of keeping a journal
which contains written, collaged and sketched visual material is both a personal and intellectual way of engaging with everyday
activities, thoughts and emotions. The unit exposes students to methods of recording and creatively extrapolating thoughts in the visual
journal by employing graphic media. Students develop practical skills to assist with the process of learning to record, correlate and
develop their creative thoughts.

Learning outcomes
This unit introduces students to a range of key thinkers, artists and works relative to developing analytical and creative skills and
thought processes. It provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in creative representation and self-expression. Students
demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in visual or pictorial contexts and engage in recording digital materials and media to
experimentally represent their ideas and show some understanding of aesthetics within the framework of visual culture. Students
should demonstrate through practice and theory the following outcomes: (1) basic skills and understanding of digital photography,
autographic recording, note-taking, sketching and collage processes; and (2) basic working knowledge of visual order and visual
categorisation suitable for introductory design and design appraisal within an academic framework.

Unit structure
Class types: Studio seminar/ tutorial practical demonstrations and workshops.
It is expected that students participate in the studio sessions during the following hours. Please arrive at class at the correct time as
formal instruction will take place immediately the class commences
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 10am-12.45pm or Monday/Wednesday 1pm-3.45 pm
The studio is available for your use 24 hours per day. As with all other units undertaken at UWA there is an expectation that students
work beyond hours undertaken in the set studio time. Use this time for preparation and research, further experimentation and the
completion of projects.

Unit schedule
Week

Day

Lecture Topic

1Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs What is Visual

February 23
Research?

Lecturer Tutorial

Laboratory

Sarah
Douglas

Studio
Orientation and
Drawing
workshop

Page 2

Exploring Space
and Time through
line drawing

Extra Column 1

2 - March 2 Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs Photo/Digital Media

as Research
Methods

Gathering and
interpreting data
through digital and
photographic
methods
Concept
development
through visual
extrapolation of
collected data
Introduction to Print
Media

Developing
research
methodologies
utilising digital
media
Reworking
collected data
through
deconstruction/
reconstruction
Experimentation
in
Mono Print
Workshop
Image development Relief Printing
for relief printing
Workshop 1
Techniques in relief Relief Printing
printing
Workshop 2
Individual
feedback

3 - March 9 Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs Understanding the

concept of 'play' in
Creative Process
and recording in
Visual diary
4 - March
Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs Introduction to Print
16
Media

5 - March
Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs Introduction to relief
23
printing
6 - March
Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs Print Media in
30 (NB
Contemporary Art
Prosh
Practice
Wednesday
am.)

April 6-10
None
Teaching
Study
Break
7 - Apr 13

8 - Apr 20

9 - Apr 27
10 - May 4

No Classes

Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs Text as image

Introduction to Final
project
Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs

Working with text

Group project

Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs Concept
Development
Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs Project Development

Review Visual
Dairies
Individual feedback
sessions
Presentation of
Final Project
Outline and
Research
Development and
Working Plans.

Mixed Media
Bookbinding
Techniques

11 - May 11 Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs Seminar

Presentations Final
Project

12 - May 18 Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs Project Development

13 - May 25 Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs Submission Final

Projects in allocated
class
June Dates
to be
announced

Presentation of
final
work/discussion

Assessment
Assessment overview

Page 3

Assessment 1
Submission
(40%)
Mixed Media
Workshop
Book Binding
Workshop
Group project
presentations

Student
Presentations
Assessment 2
(10%)

Project
Development
Peer Group
discussions
Submission
Assessment 3
(50%)
Exhibition of
Selected Works
Folio pick up.

Prosh is on
Wednesday
morning 1 April, all
students who wish
to partake in Prosh
are welcome to
attend an alternative
class during this
week.

Typically this unit is assessed in the following way(s): (1) an introductory project and journal; and (2) a final folio submission containing
all subsequent work and journals. Further information is available in the unit outline.
This comprises of a folio presentation of all work produced within introductory workshop projects for each week and a visual
diary/journal (week 7 due),
a seminar presentation by students of Final Project development (week 11) with a Final Project and the submission of all subsequent
work and diary/ journals (week 13 due).
Assessment 1 (40%)
Assessment 2 (10%)
Assessment 3 (50%)

ASSESSMENT MECHANISM
Component
1. Visual Diary Research and Development and Folio of Workshop
Projects Week 1-7

Weight Due Date

To be submitted in allocated class time,
Week 740%

2. Seminar presentation project outline plan outlining ideas, materials

and processes with support material-sample drawings, photographic
documentations, samples of work in progress.
3. Final Project, Visual Diary research and Development
Documentation

10%

To be presented during allocated class

Week 11

50%

To be presented and submitted during

allocated class, Week 13

Assessment mechanism
# Component

Weight Due Relates To Outcomes

Date

1 Visual Diary Development and Folio of Workshop

40%
Projects week 1-7
2 Student Presentation of Project Outline and
10%
development
3 Final Project including all support documentation and 50%
research development/Visual Diaries
4

Week
7
Week
11
Week
13

Development of foundational understanding of recording

and extrapolation of ideas into Visual Language.
Organisation of ideas within Academic framework
Development of analytical, reflective and creative skills.

Assessment items
Item Title

Description

Submission Procedure for

Assignments

Visual Diary and Workshop Folio

Students will be assessed on the content and

development of the visual diary as
demonstrated and set in class. Submission of
mono prints and relief printmedia works mixed
media works, and photographic
documentation.
Oral seminar presentation with visual and
material examples of concept development

Studio submission allocated class time

week 7

Oral seminar presentation with visual

and material examples of concept
development
Final Project

studio presentation to allocated class

10mins Week 10

Final Project Extended Print media work or

Formal presentation for discussion and
series of work or Artist Book, visual diaries and folio submission, Allocated class time
concept development recording
Week 13.

Textbooks and resources

Page 4

Recommended texts
General Reading and Referencing:
The relation between what we see and what we know is never settled. John Berger
Students are encouraged to visit as many galleries and exhibition events as they can. The Perth
International Arts Festival is still running. Catalogues for the Festival are available from most
galleries and cultural/culturally aware establishments. The catalogue lists a range of events and
exhibitions. Do not be passive. In order to be a voyeur, you must have a politic, develop a politic
toward looking at and taking in art in all of its forms. The conversations and shared thoughts you
have about visual literature or art in any of its forms should begin to reflect your cultural position,
student, student of the arts, maker.
The following is a general list only, you will need to discover your own references as well.

TEXTBOOKS AND RESOURCES

Please see LMS for specific references to artists and material presented in seminars.
The following are useful manuals and books, general art journals and websites that you are encouraged to explore to extend your
awareness of contemporary art practices and discussions associated with them.

Books:
Burton, J (2005) Vitamin D: new perspectives in drawing. London: Phaidon.
Dawson, John (1981) The Complete guide to prints and print making techniques and materials , Phaidon Publishing, Oxford.
Grishin, Sasha (1994) Contemporary Australian Printmaking: an interpretive history. Roseville East Publiser, New South Wales.
Preble, D and S. (1989) Artforms: an introduction to the visual arts. New York: Harper & Row.
Ross, John (1990) The Complete Printmaker, techniques, traditions, innovations. Roundtable Press, New York.
Simmons, R (1988) The Complete Manual of Relief Printmaking. Collins Publishing, Sydney.

Journals:
Art in AsiaPacific http://www.aapmag.com/
Artlink http://www.artlink.com/
Art & Australia http://www.artaustralia.com/home.html
Art Monthly
Flash Art http://www.flashartonline.com/
Art in America http://www.artinamericamagazine.com/
Eyeline Contemporary Visual Arts Journal
www.eyeline.qut.edu.au/home.htm

Additional texts
Exhibitions:
Perth has a vibrant visual art community however its diversity is not so easily distinguishable. As future participators it is essential to
start engaging in the culture immediately. Extend your knowledge of visual art by attending exhibitions and familiarise yourself with
international trends by reading the latest magazines (available in the EDDFA library). This informal research is extremely important and
should be reflected in your research, artistic work and willingly discussed during class.

Exhibitions/Events
www.fringeworld.com.au
https://2015.perthfestival.com.au
Incomplete list of Perth Galleries/Artist Run Spaces

Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery

Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery,
The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley

John Curtin Gallery

http://johncurtingallery.curtin.edu.au
Building 200
Curtin University
GPO Box U1987
Perth, Western Australia 6845
Australia

Page 5

Spectrum Project Space

spectrum@ecu.edu.au
Edith Cowan University
2 Bradford Street
Mount Lawley

Building 3, Room 3.191

Perth Institute of Contemporary Art (PICA)
Perth Cultural Centre,
James St, Northbridge WA 6000
http://www.pica.org.au/

The Art Gallery of WA

www.artgallery.wa.gov.au

FREMANTLE ARTS CENTRE

1 Finnerty Street
Fremantle Western Australia
PO Box 891
Fremantle WA 6959
T +61 8 9432 9555
www.fac.org.au

Paper Mountain
Artist Run Initiative
papermountain.org.au
Upstairs, 267 William St Northbridge

Moana Project Space

1F 618 Hay St (Mall) Perth
Perth 6000
www.moana-ari.com

free range inc.

Artist Run Space
339 Wellington Street, Perth 6000
www.freerange.org.au

Web links:
http://www.lwgallery.uwa.edu.au/
http://www.eaf.asn.au/
http://www.kalimangallery.com/
http://www.goddarddefiddes.com.au/
http://www.redgategallery.com/
http://www.tate.org.uk
http://www.drawingcenter.org/
http://www.artlife.blogspot.com/
http://www.freerange.org.au
http://www.pica.org.au/
http://www.metmuseum.org/home.asp
http://www.roslynoxley9.com.au/
http://www.annaschwartzgallery.com.au/
http://www.learningtoloveyoumore.com/
http://www.guggenheim.org/
http://www.pbs.org/art21/index.html
http://www.rleggat.com/photohistory/history/cameraob.htm
http://www.grand-illusions.com/vermeer/vermeer3.htm
http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/
http://www.shermangalleries.com.au
http://www.listercalder.com/

Page 6

Technical requirements
Materials List:
Visual art is mostly object based. It communicates with materials. The materials are not just a support for ideas, they must also
embody these ideas. The materials you work with become the lexicon from which the language with which you describe the world
emerges. Hence, the course places much emphasis on students developing a strong rapport with materials they use and aims to
teach students the potential and limits of various materials. It is therefore imperative that you always have at hand a range of materials
and equipment - what we call a kit.
Your kit will contain the equipment you need to work with. Creating and maintaining a kit takes effort, discipline, sensitivity and money.
A good kit means you can work efficiently and resourcefully. Your kit is the most important thing in your life. It is not something you
forget or leave at home or run down, for without it you are speechless. While the University provides essential equipment, such as a
printing press, easels and studio space, you will need to supply your own consumable kit.
You will be provided with a preferred list of materials that can be purchased at your individual discretion.
On top of this you may need specific items, which relate to your chosen area of study for final project. These requirements will be
discussed in due course as required.

Additional resources and reading

General Health and Safety
Students should be aware that some materials and solvents associated with art practice have carcinogenic properties. For this reason
due care should be taken when handling these products. It is recommended to provide for yourself:
Rubber gloves Apron or dust coat Barrier cream Respirator Protective footwear. Note: no access to workshop areas without
protective footwear.
Health and safety issues will be outlined during the first weeks of the semester.

Other important information

Enrolled students can access unit material via LMS

Building clean-up and folio collection

Studios are expected to be left clean and tidy. Students must remove all personal property immediately after the submission of their
folio. If the content of a folio is used for exhibition then the student must write their name on the back of the work so that when the
exhibition is demounted collection is simplified.

Page 7