Phil Scorza Professor of Art and Design; Department Chair
Education:
M.F.A., Lesley University
B.A., Iowa State University
712-707-7003
phils@nwciowa.edu
TGK 112
Professor Scorza’s interests and experience lie in the area of graphic design and photography. He teaches Introduction to Studio, photography and the graphic design courses for the department. A former Northwestern College student, he earned a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Iowa State and a Master of Fine Arts from Lesley University College of Art and Design. Prior to joining Northwestern's faculty, he established a career as a graphic designer and creative director for over 20 years, both in the corporate setting and as a freelancer. He frequently uses his art to serve nonprofit and community-based organizations.
ART164 - Photography I
(2 credits) Taught as a medium of creative expression or as an art form and as a journalistic tool. Film processing and printing are taught as well as camera techniques, darkroom procedures and presentation of work for exhibitions. Note: A fee is associated with this course.
ART220 - Graphic Design I
(4 credits) Graphic Design I is an introduction to the computer applications used in the communication, design and publishing fields. There will be an introduction to graphic design problems and projects in order to learn how these applications all work together.
ART265 - Photography II
(2 credits) The fundamentals of photography as an art medium and a journalistic tool are used to develop an individual style or method of composing and printing photographs. This individual aesthetic approach will be seen in all the work presented at the end of the course. Prerequisite: ART164. Note: A fee is associated with this course.
ART320 - Graphic Design II
(4 credits) Graphic Design II is a course for students to gain the understanding of what good design is and how to clearly communicate with it. Students will produce finished examples of graphic design with a specific use in mind such as advertising, public information, business communication, etc. Prerequisite: ART220.
2019 - Has two 22” x 30” pigment transfer pieces from the Arbor series accepted for publication in the Briar Cliff Review, Volume 31, 2019. The Briar Cliff Review is an eclectic literary and art journal that was founded in 1989. These two pieces are currently on display until July 21, 2019 at the Sioux City Art Center as part of The Briar Cliff Review Exhibition.
2018 - Was part of a group exhibition entitled ARTcetera in the Main Gallery at the Sioux City Art Center in Sioux City, IA.
2018 - Was part of a CCCU group exhibition entitled Preservation of Memory in the 1920 Gallery on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, IN.
2018 - Had a large 40”x26” drawing entitled Crystalline 1 accepted to be published in Volume 30 of the Briar Cliff Review. This piece will also be shown at the Sioux City Art Center as part of The Briar Cliff Review Exhibition.
2018 - Was part of a group exhibition entitled Photography 6 at the Foundry Art Centre in Saint Charles, MO.
Artist Statement
The act of creating art is a process in which the actual creation of the work takes on a life of its own. It starts as an idea that involves problem solving and a great deal of planning. I tend to have the piece completed in my head and can visualize the final object completed before I physically start art making. In the end, I want to be as captivated by my work as everyone else. To me, creating art is as much about the process as it is the final piece.
In my work, I transfer elements and apply them to the surface along with layers of different types of media that produces a visually more interesting piece. This layering creates an excitement, as well as a richness and depth to my work. I use easily recognizable images that are intended to give the viewer a sense of familiarity with what they are looking at and hopefully will draw them in closer. Once in closer, there is a connection and the familiar is seen in a different way; being juxtaposed with something unexpected. It’s the illusion of having previously experienced something even though you are encountering it for the first time. When I experience this myself, it’s uncomfortably familiar.
