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Skidmore College
First-Year Experience

Scribner Seminar Program
Course Description

Durable Objects

Instructor(s): John Galt, Studio Art

What we make tells us who we are. Who are you?  We humans make things, and have since the beginning; on every continent, of every material, using myriad processes. Taken together, these objects from around the world tell our story. Through form, color, material and process, these objects can communicate our appearance, beliefs, aspirations, dreams and desires. They speak to history, heritage and complex cultural interactions.  They even reveal scientific understanding.  Often only the most durable artifacts remain to represent the richness of cultures or the nature of an individual. Some of the most lasting objects are those cast in bronze and iron. Many of us continue this tradition of making meaningful durable objects that reflect ourselves and our culture. Through direct experience with tools and materials, students in this seminar can acquire the skills to become a maker and contribute to our shared human story.  Films, presentations, lectures and readings will provide a context for our study.

Course Offered: