Normally when people think of art they consider drawing and painting or maybe by today’s standards, computer art and animation, but they usually don’t think of sculpture.
Sculpture is usually thought of as a “specialty” because it is perceived as being difficult to do. But Jack Robbins, assistant professor of Art, is letting students know that they can use their hands to make a work of art through sculpture, as easily as they can with a paintbrush, pencil or mouse.
In fact, the sculptures Jack’s students are creating are more advanced than most other college programs because students have to put together three-dimensional pieces that use multiple materials, such as plastic, wood and metal. Most beginning sculpture classes just require students to learn by using one or two rudimentary materials.
Just recently, about 35 pieces of sculpture were showcased in the lobby of the Palmetto Center for the Arts. The glassed-in works included a variety from a giant fish made out of multi-colored duct tape, “Gizmo” from the 1980s movie, “Gremlins” to larger pieces that were put together by teams of students.
“This is a huge show and demonstrates the atmosphere of creativity and fun that surrounds his sculpture program,” said William Keith, chair of the NVC Exhibition Committee. “Everyone in the art department is proud of what Jack Robbins is doing with his sculpture classes and is happy he is able to bring attention to his student’s work.”
Jack said it wasn’t until 2010 that the sculpture program at NVC started to get more popular and increase in enrollment because students had access to new equipment and a new facility via Palmetto. Just this semester, Jack has about 80 students in the sculpture and 3D design classes. Jack is hoping to add to his sculpture program by introducing 3D printer technology; technology that is being utilized today in the creation of not only sculptures, but also used in fabricating a number of high tech products. He said the visualization technology that will come with the 3D printer will help students conceptualize their works.
Jack said a lot of this newer technology is not foreign to students.
“Our students already live in a tech world and we should match what they are using,” he said. “We have moved way beyond Elmer’s glue and popsicle sticks.”
Additionally, Jack said NVC has one of the most advanced sculpture programs in Alamo Colleges. This summer, a group of his students hope to present some of their work in the lobby of the San Antonio Playhouse. Jack also goes to a few of the art classes at Warren High School to discuss what NVC’s sculpture program has to offer students.
“The (Warren) students always tell me ‘we didn’t know this existed, tell us more,’” Jack added.