Michelle Leftheris
Associate Professor of Studio Art
- Office
- Johnson 314
- Tel
- (802) 443-5071
- mleftheris@middlebury.edu
Courses Taught
ART 0163
Visual Storytelling
Course Description
Visual Storytelling Through the Lens
This photo-based studio course examines the ways images work together in succession to build narratives. Students will study contemporary and historical approaches to the photo essay in addition to authoring their own stories with images they have taken or sourced by other means. While we will discuss the basics of image making, the class is focused on the sequencing of images. Students may use any type of camera for this class including cell phone cameras and no prior photographic knowledge is required. The class will culminate in a web-based slideshow and printed book projects for each individual student. 6 hrs. lect/dsc.
Terms Taught
Requirements
ART 0195
Current
The Digital Studio
Course Description
CMD+Z: Infinite Possibilities of The Digital Studio
In this foundation design course we will explore various aspects of design including 2D composition, color theory, image editing, and typography while developing literacy in graphics software using the Adobe Creative Suite. Focusing on the comparison of visual communication across global cultures, lectures and assignments will be centered around the ways design intersects with art and socio-political issues. Students will develop creative visual problem-solving and image-making skills that they can apply across many disciplines, learning to communicate and present their ideas effectively. Students will produce two substantial screen-based and print projects over the course of the semester. It is a 100 level beginning level class open to and designed for students with no visual artmaking experience. This course will count as a prerequisite towards 300-level courses in The Program In Studio Art. 6 hrs. lect./lab
Terms Taught
Requirements
ART 0320
Upcoming
Seeing Through Photography
Course Description
Seeing Others Through Photography
How does photography help us relate to each other? In this course, we will explore all aspects and forms of the photographic portrait through readings, examination of historical and contemporary photographers, and hands-on studio projects. We will learn how to engage both our subjects and our viewers through different approaches to photographing people. From intimate studio-based portrait photography to documentary-driven street photography, we will explore how to build connections with others through the lens. Students will have access to equipment, the studio, and the darkroom to shoot, develop, scan, and print a series of small assignments and one long-form project. (At least one prior Studio Art course required) 6 hrs. lect/lab
Terms Taught
Requirements
ART 0349
The Alchemy of Photography
Course Description
Magic and Material: The Alchemy of Photography
What are images made of? In this course we will spend the semester exploring the materiality of photography. Students will discover the magic and meaning of harnessing light through various material processes, including cyanotype, anthotype, gum bichromate printing, and more. In addition to traditional alternative processes, students will experiment with ways to incorporate modern technology with historic techniques. Students will produce a series of projects informed by the conceptual and expressive qualities inherent in these processes through hands-on engagement with physical matter, both in the environment and in the studio. (At least one prior Studio Art course required) 6 hrs. lect/lab
Terms Taught
Requirements
ART 0380
Photography Now
Course Description
Photography Now
In this color digital photography course students will sharpen their points of view within the framework of a contemporary photographic practice. Students will learn how to shoot digitally, scan, develop lighting strategies, make large format prints and edit their images into a cohesive body of work. Readings and class discussions will be based on how the photographic image functions in our current culture. Students must have access to 15MP (or bigger) digital SLR camera with manual controls of focus, aperture, and shutter. 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
ART 0396
Current
Photog:Origins & Shooting Film
Course Description
Origins of Photography: Shooting Film
In this course students will track photography’s evolution historically and technically as we create lense-based art. We will start in the darkroom making photograms, shooting film with a manual SLR camera, and printing black and white wet process images. The second half of the semester we will continue shooting film while transitioning into scanning and color digital printing. Emphasis will be on development of an individual creative voice through close personal attention. In addition to studio work we will be studying the history of photography. Required: 35mm film SLR camera (preferable) or 8MP (or bigger) DSLR camera manual focus, aperture, and shutter. 6 hrs. lect./lab
Terms Taught
Requirements
ART 0500
Current
Upcoming
Special Project
Course Description
Special Project
Supervised independent work with a special project proposed by a student or a collaboration between a student and a faculty member on a special project. Admission by permission of a faculty member. 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
ART 0700
Upcoming
Advanced Studio Thesis I
Course Description
Advanced Studio Thesis I
In this studio course, students will conceive, produce, exhibit, and document a body of work in one or more artistic media. We will conduct regular group critiques and discussions, learn to present artworks in oral and written formats, and explore the role of critique in developing an individual creative practice. Students will become familiar with the themes and critical discourse of contemporary art through selected readings, studio visits with Studio Arts faculty and visiting artists, and field trips to museums and exhibition spaces. Each student will receive studio space and a stipend for production. Interested students should contact the professor a minimum of (1) week prior to online registration. Provide a transcript of all completed Studio Art courses, images of work created, and a brief, 1-2 page description of the media you intend to use and the subject matter you wish to further investigate. Students are expected to have completed two Studio Art classes in the medium they wish to explore before applying for ART 700. Approval required. 4 hrs. sem./lab. (Majors and minors may submit a proposal for ART0701 and ART0702 after completing ART0700.)
Terms Taught
Requirements
ART 0701
Upcoming
Advanced Studio Thesis II
Course Description
Advanced Studio Thesis II
Approval required. 4 hrs. sem./lab
Terms Taught
ART 0702
Upcoming
Advanced Studio Thesis III
Course Description
Advanced Studio Thesis III
Approval required. 4 hrs. sem./lab
Terms Taught
FYSE 1009
Seeing and Being
Course Description
Seeing and Being
Photography has evolved rapidly and is now pervasive in our daily lives. How do photographs influence our experience of time, space, ourselves, and each other? This course focuses on these four areas central to understanding its incredible impact. Studying fine art and vernacular usage, students will discover how art, science, media, and personal histories are shaped by photography. By learning how to read images of their own and of others, students will develop the critical skills necessary to interpret images and their use. In addition to producing their own visual projects, students will read, research, analyze and write about photographs.
Terms Taught
Requirements