Course Title: ART130 Ceramics 1
Term: Fall, January and Spring
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Major, Elective credit. Prerequisites: ART 112
An introduction to ceramic processes, including historic and contemporary concepts of form as related to functional and non-functional concerns. Students will gain experience in basic forming processes, including the development of conceptual and technical skills for the artistic control of problem solutions. Lab fee.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
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Students will be able to sketch plans/proposals for each project that is appropriate for the construction method(s) of the project.
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Students will be able to understand numerous hand-building methods including pinch, coil, damp slab, soft slab, geometric slab, and the combination of two or more of these methods in the making of a piece.
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Students will be able to understand functional aspects and requirements relating to functional vessel forms.
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Students will be able to understand applied physics pertaining to clay during construction, drying, and during firing.
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Students will be able to understand numerous surface treatments to wet clay as well as glaze application methods pertaining to various firing methods.
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Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to visually explore, experiment and problem solve in the making of three-dimensional forms in clay, using each hand-building method separately and using a combination of methods, with an understanding of space and volume pertaining to hollow forms.
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Students will be able to evaluate ceramic art critically in an oral format through one-on-one interaction with the instructor, in writing, and in group critiques for each project.
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Students will be able to successfully document their ceramic projects in a digital format.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
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Students will produce various sketches that may successfully utilize the construction method(s) for each project. Sketches are to be regarded as basic plans that may be changed during any phase of clay work.
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Students will create multiple projects that incorporate singularly, pinch, coil and/or wet slab, soft slab and geometric slab construction methods culminating in a final project that combines two or more construction methods from different projects.
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Students will demonstrate in their projects an awareness of functional aspects and requirements in vessels intended for use.
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Students will demonstrate in their projects an awareness of applied physics as they relate to the construction, drying and firing of clay forms.
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Students will apply glazes, as needed, after the projects have completely dried and been low fired to bisque temperatures, in preparation to pit, raku, or stoneware fire the projects.
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Students will visually explore, experiment and problem solve in the making of three-dimensional forms in clay, using each hand-building method separately and using a combination of methods while demonstrating an awareness of space and volume of hollow forms.
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Students will participate in one-on-one discussions and oral classroom critiques, with the proper use of visual and technical vocabulary, while demonstrating an awareness critical thinking relating to clay.
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Students will successfully document finished work and share via Google Drive.
Choose 5 Artists for Inspiration
Create a Google Slides or PowerPoint document to share five ceramic artists (historic or contemporary) whose work inspires you. Be sure to share the artist's name, links to their website or social media accounts, and a few images of their work.
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Student Samples
Virtual Studio Visit Reflections
Virtual Studio Visits are used as a means to expose students to contemporary ceramic artists while also reinforcing the importance of a historical perspective on the craft. This is also an intentional opportunity for students to hear ceramicists speak about their work.
Student Samples
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Self-Critiques:
Students are asked to respond to self-critique questions as a written reflection of their work on each assignment after bisque and glaze firings.
Student Samples
Documentation:
Students are required to document all ceramics projects and submit these images at the end of the semester. Additionally, students are expected to document works in progress as required by self-critique assignments.
Studio Projects:
Project 1: Simple Forms & Complex Surfaces
Objective: This first project serves as an introduction to basic studio processes while allowing students to explore developing rich surfaces using mishima, sgraffito, and texture.
Project Requirements:
Create 5 small forms including:
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2 slump formed bowls
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2 press formed plates
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1 wildcard of your choice
Use these forms to try the following surface treatments;
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1 sgraffito drawing
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1 mishima drawing
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2 forms with texture
​Note: on your fifth form you can combine or repeat processes used above.
Project 2: Cup/Mug/Tumbler
Objective: Learn how to make a basic form that requires scoring and slipping. Utilize a template to determine the size of a slab needed. Understand the anatomy of a pot and elements which determine functionality.
Project Parameters:
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Create a cup/mug/tumbler which is a scale from which you’d drink a morning beverage.
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Develop a template to determine the size slab you will need for the body and foot.
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You must embellish the surface using a technique you learned in the previous project.
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This form must allow for function.
Project 3: Matching Bowls with Feet
Objective: Learn to use hump/slump molds to create identical forms. Utilize feet to add personality to a simple form.
Project Requirements/Parameters:
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These two bowls should match & be identical in size (form).
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Your bowls should be a scale similar to what you'd eat out of.
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Your bowls must incorporate a foot. Keep in mind - the foot can be basic - or you can use it as an opportunity to give your bowls personality.
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The surface of your bowls should match but they do not have to be identical.
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Your bowls should visually work as a "pair"
Project 4: Stacked Forms
Objective: Learn to make a large form by combining multiple smaller forms.
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Project Requirements/Parameters:
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You must incorporate at least three forms that are combined to create a larger form.
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You are choosing from cylinder, cone, and hollow sphere (remember half a sphere is a bowl).
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The forms do not have to be "whole." You can use segments.
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This assignment can be functional, sculptural, or both.
Project 5: Soft Slab
Objective: Create two soft slab vessels using a puki or pinch pot as a base. The support of a bowl while constructing your form allows for larger work.
Project Parameters:
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This is an organic process which allows you a great deal of flexibility in the form developed.
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Your form may be open or closed.
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Barrel fired pots will not be food safe.
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Maximum size is 18-20 inches tall
Project 6: Firm Slab
Objective: Learn the basic hand building techniques used to make a hollow box or alternately shaped flat sided container or vessel using firm slabs.
Planning and Preparation:
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You must sketch out your idea(s) before beginning your piece.
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Once you have chosen the idea you wish to build, you must determine the dimensions of each component and your method of joining your walls, before you begin construction. (These methods will be demonstrated in class.)
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You may want to make paper or tar paper templates to test your scale and give yourself a guide for rolling your slabs. Keep in mind, you will roll your slabs 1-2 days before you begin building your piece, so you need to make sure you have rolled enough slab for all 5-6 walls.
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Depending upon your dimensions, you may need to plan “support” walls into the structure of your container.
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Each project must be a minimum of 6-8 inches in any one direction. This area can be made up of one form or multiple smaller forms. (i.e. maybe you want to make two 4 inch square boxes instead of one 8 inch square box.)
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The maximum size is 16 inches in any one direction for a single piece. The maximum size for multiple smaller forms used together is 30 inches.
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If you choose to make a lidded container you will need to be sure to consider the style of flange and a knob you will use before you begin construction.
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Don’t forget to give consideration to the foot of your piece.
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You may cut into the sides of your container. All walls do not have to be solid.
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You must embellish at least one surface of your container using the method of your choosing.
Project 7: Final Project
Objective: Combine the skills you have learned this semester to create a piece that fits the specifications of the call for entry for the Clay Studio’s “Small Favors” Show.
Small Favors grew out of The Clay Studio’s efforts to offer accessible, high-quality artworks that appeal to art enthusiasts of all ages: for seasoned collectors who are challenged for space it allows them to continue to collect work by artists they love. For young art collectors, it provides a financially accessible entry point. It is our hope that offering a juried exhibition of this kind brings to light new makers and broadens the audience we reach through the display of these unique works of art.
Works must follow a single parameter: to fit inside a four-inch cube. Some artists treat the cube like a small gallery or diorama, while others use the challenge to explore new work on a small scale.
