Art & Creative Media, Bachelor of Fine Arts

Photography is the language of seeing. Millions upon millions of photographs are captured everyday. It is the most widely used visual artform on the planet. So with countless photographs being made by so many people all the time, what does it mean to be a professional photographer today? 

Remarkably, the most valuable qualities that define someone who is able to communicate and help others to communicate clearly through image-making have not been changed by the vast amount of pictures being made. Instead, the plurality of image-makers have made these two characteristics even more valuable. 

These two qualities are creative persistence, and the ability to navigate change. Without these, our pictures are likely to become technically proficient yet void of personal vision or distinctive point of view; lost in the ocean of everyday images. 

Our approach to teaching photography is to show you how to become a photographer. We will navigate together the ever-changing technical components while developing your personal vision toward a deeper awareness in what transforms a picture into a photograph. Like a t-square to a carpenter, the camera is a tool. It is the photographer, not the camera, that explores solutions to concepts, aesthetics, and ultimately the objectives of their projects. 

Whether you are interested in photography as a profession, plan to use it as a supplement to your creative career or are simply curious about how you can make better images; our exploration courses are carefully designed to enrich anyone regardless of prior experience or technical knowledge. And from there, you will have an opportunity to mine the depths of creativity and the rich history that defines this exciting medium.

Graphic Design, as visual communication, allows the artist to express their own imagery and ideas, or offer these skills as a service to others. Designers must also be proficient in business and public relations skills.

The use of computers as a tool within this field brings constant change and innovation. Our Macintosh-based program has state-of-the-art software and equipment so that the students are adequately prepared for the industry. There is still, however, a primary emphasis on the design process and principles of composition, form, and technique.

The advanced workshop is oriented toward graphics applied in the print industry. Here students work with actual clients. The class is set up to simulate a professional design studio with job positions such as art director, production manager, computer manager, etc. All students are designers as well. Selected designs are professionally printed and/or produced thus contributing to the student's portfolios.

Individual creativity and a general education degree continue to prove their value in today's market. The core fine art aspect of our major adds an important dimension to a designer's repertoire of knowledge and talents. Students in this emphasis area thus learn a useful combination of business knowledge, creativity, technology, and professionalism.

CSU Pueblo is fortunate to have an exceptionally rich ceramics curriculum. Our extensive ceramic facilities feature multiple types of kilns. Students learn to work with a variety of clays, glazes, hand building and wheel throwing. In addition, the Visiting Artist Workshops provide students with opportunities to explore techniques with local, national, and international ceramic artists. Student explorations are guided by the history and traditions of ceramics as well as research into contemporary trends and discussions about aesthetics. 

In Drawing I, students learn the foundations of close looking and drawing. These skills include the choice and application of materials, the structural use of a two-dimensional surface with regard to recording visual information, and a developed ability in visual thinking. This course is a foundation for all areas of the visual arts and as a beginning course for drawing as an emphasis area.

Drawing II is a studio course essentially involving of practice drawing the human figure and instruction in anatomy in order to better understand the structure and articulation of the body. Ultimately, the study and practice is intended to help develop creative expression.

Advanced drawing courses are meant to develop a student's abilities in drawing to a high level of competence using a variety of drawing media.

The sculpture and site art emphasis offers a unique opportunity to develop a strong understanding of the materials and processes of sculpture, and then to use this sculptural language to address actual situations.

Advanced students will be trained in the presentation and creation of site-specific sculptural forms, setting the groundwork for real life applications in their professional careers.

Presentation skills such as computer-enhanced graphics, models, video utilization, and written proposals are taught along with traditional sculpting techniques. In tackling complex site and content issues while creating sculptural forms, students gain valuable experience and self-confidence. This approach prepares students to successfully take on sculptural commissions from a wide range of architectural and community arts sources soon after graduation.

The print studio is a well-equipped workshop that concentrates on lithography, intaglio, and relief. Photographic printing processes are available in all three areas.

The printmaking studio strives to provide a professional shop atmosphere emphasizing contemporary issues conducive to the professional development of the student artist. The organization and proximity of each process area offer the student opportunities to move freely from one medium to another or to combine them in the development of a print when need be. The print shop encourages the collaborative experience with other studio areas that will broaden personal attitudes through exposure to various media and concepts. In addition, the Visiting Artist Workshops allow students to explore techniques with local, national, and international artists. The teaching philosophy does not stress any one style or aesthetic approach and encourages personal development and growth which becomes the final measurement of achievement.