Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art

Student work in Ceramics.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with a Concentration in CERAMICS (and GLASS)

OVERVIEW We believe it is important for ceramics students to understand their role as artists and we encourage them to explore the potential of their chosen media for developing an individual direction and personal art aesthetic. Emphasis is placed on helping students to develop their technical proficiency as they explore both sculptural and functional approaches. As they expand their decision-making skills within the complexities of the medium, students participate in all process phases, from the making of clay and development of glazes to kiln firing and kiln working.

Courses follow a chronological sequence from lower-division introductory experiences to specialized upper-division courses in ceramic sculpture.

Woman face down on floor next to vacuum

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with a Concentration in CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY AND EXPERIMENTAL MEDIA

OVERVIEW The Creative Photography & Experimental Media concentration examines contemporary art through lens-based practices. Students explore self-expression, critical thinking, and their own artistic vision finding historic, cultural, and social contexts for their work. The CPEM concentration supports experimental, traditional, and digital processes including analogue, digital, video art, media production, installation, performance, and other hybrid forms of contemporary art.
 
The CPEM curriculum follows a chronological sequence from the lower division foundation experience in art to all traditional and experimental forms of photography and media. Students study conceptual and formal approaches to making their creative work in the CPEM major. Specifically, students acquire working knowledge of black and white film photography (35mm, medium format, 4x5), digital photography and various softwares, studio lighting, video and sound production, installation & performance practices, and hybrid digital experimental forms. The faculty represent a range of experience and aesthetic attitudes and are committed to their own rigorous studio practice.

Visiting Artist in Creative Photography and Experimental Media
William CamargoOpens in new window , Eileen CowinOpens in new window , Zoe CrosherOpens in new window , Darryl CurranOpens in new window , Julian DayOpens in new window , Andrea FraserOpens in new window , Victoria FuOpens in new window , Valerie GreenOpens in new window , Ken Gonzales-DayOpens in new window , Micol HebronOpens in new window , Whitney HubbsOpens in new window , Farrah KarapetianOpens in new window , Matt LippsOpens in new window , Alison O’DanielOpens in new window , Catherine OpieOpens in new window , Miwa MatreyekOpens in new window , Danial NordOpens in new window , Jimena SarnoOpens in new window , Kelly Sears, Leonard SuryajayaOpens in new window , Kenneth Tam, Mario Ybarra Jr.Opens in new window

Links for CSUF CPEM
CPEM websiteOpens in new window
YoutubeOpens in new window
InstagramOpens in new window
Creative Photo Club, Camera AbsurdaOpens in new window

Pink skinned female figure and clown

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with a Concentration in DRAWING & PAINTING

OVERVIEW The Drawing & Painting area of concentration prepares students to be leaders in an increasingly visual world. Painters creatively pose and solve visual problems through complex image making. Our students learn both the conceptual and formal approaches to painting, from representation to abstraction to experimental practices. Students study pictorial space, color mixing, life studies, and painterly applications.

At the core of instruction are individual and group critiques conducted by faculty and visiting artists. The Drawing & Painting faculty are dedicated educators, accomplished artists, and respected scholars. Our faculty are known for being actively engaged in helping each student develop her or his ideas, technical skills, confidence and professional knowledge.

Drawing and Painting Alumni

Eric BeltzOpens in new window Carole CaroompasOpens in new window , Eric ChauvinOpens in new window , Daniel Du PlessisOpens in new window , Michelle FierroOpens in new window , Tim ForcumOpens in new window , Ken HarshaOpens in new window , Maneli Jodat, Julie KirkOpens in new window Mark KostabiOpens in new window , KozydanOpens in new window Tommii LimOpens in new window Jason MaloneyOpens in new window , Robert Miller, Ann PhongOpens in new window Sharon RyanOpens in new window , Betty SheltonOpens in new window Nina StanleyOpens in new window Justin SweetOpens in new window , Wataru TodorokiOpens in new window Fred TomaselliOpens in new window , and Hoang Vu.

Visiting Artists in Drawing & Painting

Lisa Adams, Lita Albuquerque, Sarah Awad, Sandow Birk, Edgar Bryan, Rebecca Campbell, Andi Campognone, Scott Canty, Mara De Luca, Merion Estes, Samantha Fields, Alexandra Grant, Emma Gray, Alvin P. Gregorio, Lila Halloran, Tim Hawkinson, Micol Hebron, Phung Huynh, Monica Majoli, Allison Miller, Yunhee Min, Catherine Opie, Stas Orlovski, Ruby Osorio, Pippilotti Rist, Rachel Rosenthal, Miriam Shapiro, Peter Shelton, Patty Wickman, and Jessica Wimbley.

Links
Instagram: @csuf_painting Opens in new window

 "Fester" a film by Rachel Salners

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with a Concentration in ENTERTAINMENT ART/ ANIMATION

OVERVIEW The BFA in Entertainment Art/Animation develops students' individual voices and practical expertise through a progression of courses centered on animation pre-production and production using both traditional animation and digital toolsets. The program's course of study focuses on skill building in animation and storytelling through the language of film, while encouraging students to explore unique and personal expressions in a diverse and collaborative setting. Our program offers an intensive hands-on art-making experience combined with a broad exposure to fine arts that prepares students for a lifetime of creative work, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Lecturers
Brian Kennon, Pete Michels, Jim Richardson, Mark Zoeller

Student and Alumni Achievements

Entertainment Art/Animation offers educational opportunities to further the career goals of its students. Graduates of the program are working for: Cartoon Network, Disney Feature Animation, Disney TV Animation, Electronic Arts, Lucas Films, Nickelodeon, Pandemic Studios, Sony Pictures Imageworks, and Sony Games.The work of our alumni can be seen in productions such as Spiderman 3, Superman Returns, Meet the Robinsons, Alvin and The Chipmunks, Ice Age 2, The Simpsons, Avatar, SpongeBob Squarepants, and many others. 

Alumni

Jesse Carlson Sean Charmatz John CahoonMike Daley Emmanuel Deligiannis Alex Deligiannis Megan Dong Farnaz Esnaashari Garrett Eves Alice Herring Joy Johnson Ryan Kramer Carrie Liao Ben Nelson Richard Pose Josh Pruett Greg Rankin Justin RidgeMike Roush Katrina Ruzics Garrett ShikumaEdgar TellezRusty TracyWayne Unten Jennifer Wood

Links

Women in Animation logo Opens in new window

Realistic computer illustration of a room

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with a Concentration in GAME ART, ANIMATION AND IMMERSIVE MEDIA

OVERVIEW The Game Art, Animation and Immersive Media concentration offers undergraduates an innovative and comprehensive education in game art and design, animation virtual production, and virtual reality immersive storytelling.  Students gain a foundation in traditional art practices as well as industry standard software and game engines within a dynamic and collaborative setting to prepare them for careers that embrace art and technology. 

Alumni 

Jake Martinez, Sarah Arroyo , Cory Carrilio , Ben Davis , Amanda Estrada , Alex Flores , Christian Gonzalez , Yvette Hernandez , Weston Mitchell , Sarah Orozco , Rudy Solorzano, Devin Lillemon , Vikki Brown , Stephanie Wang , Ryan Swan , Diego Grimaldi , Brian Crawford .

Industry Relations 

Disney Animation, Pixar, ILM, Blizzard Entertainment, DreamWorks Animation, Epic Games, Obsidian Entertainment, Netflix Animation, Sony Pictures Animation, Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, Laika Studios, Bento Box Entertainment, Nickelodeon.

  Internships and Collaborations

Gravitational Waves, Physics and Astronomy at CSUF (GWPAC), Department of Theater and Dance at CSUF, Biological Science at CSUF, Animation Libation Studios, USC Games.

Links

CSUF SIGGRAPH Student Chapter Opens in new window

Five blown glass vessels on pedestals.

 

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with a Concentration in GLASS

OVERVIEW We believe it is important for glass students to understand their role as artists and we encourage them to explore the potential of their medium for developing an individual direction and personal art aesthetic. Emphasis is placed on helping students to develop their technical proficiency as they explore both sculptural and functional approaches to glass. As they expand their decision-making skills within the complexities of the medium, students participate in all glass process phases.

Courses follow a chronological sequence from lower-division introductory experiences to specialized upper-division courses in glass casting, forming and blowing as well as architectural stained glass.

Graphic design student artwork

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with a Concentration in GRAPHIC AND INTERACTIVE DESIGN

OVERVIEW The Graphic and Interactive Design program at Cal State Fullerton explores design paradigms in both digital and print-based platforms. Presented with an array of problem-solving methodology and creative processes for screen-based, time-based, and print-based mediums, students gain experience specific to research, information processing, conceptual thinking, and portfolio development. From user interface design (UI) and user experience design (UX) to brand strategy, and from layout to web design, generative design, data visualization, and interactive prototypes, students build vital communication skills necessary for proficiency within the field

Alumni

Jeffrey BaconJon NorrisJoven OrozcoCheryl SavalaJohn O’Brien, and Steven Brower

Colorful landscape illustration

Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Concentration in ILLUSTRATION

OVERVIEW The CSU Fullerton Illustration concentration provides students with the conceptual understanding, technical skills, and practical experience to become effective and creative communicators and visual storytellers in the field of illustration.

Students of the program will learn the fine craft of creating compelling images through the exploration of historical and contemporary trends in illustration; conceptual and visual problem solving; and a broad understanding of visual language as it applies to the art of traditional and digital illustration.

Faculty

Our professors provide a challenging yet nurturing learning environment in which creativity, innovation, and experimentation are encouraged. They maintain their professional practice in the fields of children’s book and editorial illustration, animation, graphic novel and comics, advertising, and game art. Their work has appeared in top venues, such as the Society of Illustrators (New York and Los Angeles), the American and National Watercolor Societies, American Artist magazine, Ballistic Publications, Corel Painter’s online gallery, in fine art galleries and museum exhibitions throughout the nation. Our faculty also shares and teaches its expertise at presentations and workshops nationwide such as the College Art Association annual conference and the San Diego Comic-Con.

Student and Alumni Achievements

Our students and alumni have received more than one-hundred awards and distinctions for the outstanding quality of their art. From the New York Society of Illustrators to the Society of Illustrators-Los Angeles, from the Hollywood Reporter Key Art to the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Cal State Fullerton Illustrators are on par with the very best students from art schools from across the nation and around the world.

Employers of our graduates include top entertainment and publishing companies, such as the Walt Disney Company, DreamWorks SKG, Nickelodeon, Lucas Films Ltd., Cartoon Network, and many more.

Alumni

Grace Alba, Gabriel Carranza, Daniel ChengOpens in new window Matt FrantzOpens in new window , Andrew Haring, Heisuke KitazawaOpens in new window Camille KuoOpens in new window Jen LongOpens in new window ,   Ron MazellanOpens in new window , Cara Nilsen, Mikela Prevost-Smith, Joshua PruettOpens in new window , John Puchalski, Eric ReimerOpens in new window Israel SanchezOpens in new window Cheryl SavalaOpens in new window , Eduardo Villacis, Karen WheelerOpens in new window Jennifer WoodOpens in new window Joo KimOpens in new window Jeni YangOpens in new window , and Caroline Zimmerman.

Silver necklace collar of leaves

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with a Concentration in JEWELRY & METALS

OVERVIEW The mission of the concentration is to provide students with an intellectual landscaping of the media based traditions of the functional arts while introducing them to current technologies and processes interfaced with traditional approaches to the specific materials and practices in jewelry and metals. Through instruction and correlating assignments, the goal is also to prepare the students to enter the contemporary professional world of practicing crafts artists.

The goal of the Jewelry and Metals program is to develop artists who use three-dimensional media as their principle media of expression. The program's main objective is to develop creative and productive artists with a professional attitude who can objectively evaluate their work. Technical competence is important and integral to the process but is not secondary to the ability of defining and creating unique and inspired solutions.

The program prepares students to be professional artists, designers in industry, museum specialists or writers/critics.

In addition to teaching, our professors maintain their professional practice in the field of Jewelry and Metalsmithing. Their art has appeared in fine art galleries and private and museum collections throughout the nation such as the Museum of Contemporary Arts and Design, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, The Smithsonian American Art Museum - Luce Foundation, Victoria & Albert Museum, and Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Our faculty also shares and teaches its expertise at presentations and workshops nationwide.

Their work has been recognized and supported by grants from national foundations, and they have been published in magazines such as One of A Kind, Design Visions, Metalsmith, Ornament, American Craft and Architectural Digest Magazine. Additionally, they have been included in the Craft In America project, which includes a comprehensive historical traveling exhibition, an accompanying book, and a KCET sponsored PBS Series of the same name.

Student artwork in Sculpture.

Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Concentration in SCULPTURE

OVERVIEW The BFA Sculpture program is designed to guide the beginning student through a diverse conceptual approach to sculpture along with the appropriate technical support. All levels of students are exposed to the proper and safe use of shop tools and machinery and equipment for woodworking, plastic forming, welding, and metal casting. In addition, students will learn vocabulary pertinent to the area of sculpture, which is beneficial in the discussion of their work along with that of their peers.

The program focuses on the application of traditional processes to contemporary ideas. Whether it is an object cast in metal or the movement of a kinetic piece, the creation of sculpture relies on the ability to work with a complete variety of materials and techniques. This coupled with background knowledge of both historical and contemporary artists results in a better understanding of the field. We are also committed to exposing students to future career possibilities through our workshops and field sessions to professional sites throughout Southern California.

Facilities

The sculpture program is housed within a 7000 sq. ft. complex with both indoor and outdoor work areas. Facilities include a complete workshop equipped with a variety of wood and metal working equipment, vacuum form machine and a 200 sq. ft. walk-in spray booth. The foundry features two #60 melt furnaces, a #20 Speedy-Melt furnace, a 180 cubic foot underground burnout kiln and an overhead hoist system which runs throughout the entire studio. The studio also includes gas, arc, MIG and TIG welders, along with a plasma cutter and forge.

Visiting Artists

Magdalena AbakanowiczOpens in new window ,   Gregory BarsamianOpens in new window , Rico Eastman,   Arthur GansonOpens in new window ,   Bernie LubellOpens in new window ,   Ed MayerOpens in new window ,   Michael ToddOpens in new window , and James White

Alumni

CSUF Sculpture is proud to have many of its alumni successfully practicing professional careers in the arts. Many of our graduates are now teaching at all levels of education. In addition, several other graduates now work in the entertainment industry as sculptors, set builders and special effect artists.

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Last Published 2/8/24

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