In conjunction with core study in Drawing and Art History & Theory the BFA provides students with the opportunity to engage in in-depth study in any of our five Studio Specialisations including Ceramics, Painting, Photomedia, Printmaking and Sculpture.
A Studio Introduction program in the first year of the degree provides an opportunity for students to engage in study in all of these studio areas. From the second year of the degree students nominate one of these areas as a Studio Specialisation which will form the basis of their studio study over the ensuing years of their BFA.
Ceramics
The study of Ceramics at NAS emphasises the ‘hands-on’ experience of working with clay.
Through the production of objects utilising a broad range of studio materials and equipment, our students engage in a ‘hands on’ exploration of the traditions of this ancient craft and its contemporary possibilities.
Our Ceramics studios are among the best equipped in Australia and support production across the entire temperature spectrum of ceramics from raku to porcelain. Students have access to production in a broad range of studio processes including hand building, wheel-throwing and casting techniques under the guidance of expert staff.
Painting
To study Painting at NAS is to engage with the rich and diverse traditions of one of the most enduring areas of art practice.
Through the exploration of a broad range of studio techniques and processes, our students develop the skill and confidence to engage with the history and the dynamic field that is Painting today.
From an introduction to the foundational histories, techniques and materials of the studio in the first year of the BFA, students are guided in their development through visual literacy, colour, tone and composition toward an engagement with contemporary approaches to painting and the development of an individual approach to art making.
Photomedia
The study of Photomedia at NAS is based upon a comprehensive exploration of the broad range of photographic processes, techniques and theories that constitute practice in this constantly evolving field of art practice.
Student learning is founded upon in-depth instruction and development of critical awareness to support the development of individual approaches to art making.
Our Photomedia studios support a diverse range of photographic practices, from the analogue camera and darkroom techniques that came to define this area of practice for over a century, to the more advanced digital camera and print output processes of today in addition to screen based moving image art works.
Printmaking
From the development of Gutenberg’s printing press in 15th century Europe to the digital process of today, Printmaking represents an exciting, influential and enduring approach to art making.
The study of Printmaking at NAS focuses on technical instruction in the uses of varying printmaking media to assist students in discovering their own personal visual language expressed through Printmaking.
Our Printmaking studio facilities cover the full range of printmaking processes including relief, intaglio, screen-printing, lithography and digital output. Students are guided thorough an extensive range of print formats, from an introduction to traditional approaches to printmaking and printing methods, to the making of artist’s books, multiples and digital print process.
Sculpture
The study of Sculpture at NAS is structured to provide students with an opportunity to fully explore this rich and diverse discipline.
From foundational study of the conventional modes of sculptural practice to more contemporary materials and sculptural practices, students are guided towards the development of their individual artistic sensibility and visual language.
Our Sculpture studios and central workshops support a comprehensive range of processes covering carving, modelling, and construction in a wide range of materials and artistic approaches. Dedicated facilities include areas for mould making and a foundry for casting in bronze.
