Course Title: 430 - Ceramics IV
Term: Fall and Spring
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Major, Elective credit. Prerequisite: ART 330.
An advanced investigation in the processes and possibilities of clay, glazes and firing methods.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
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Students will be able to understand how to pursue an in-depth investigation of great enough interest to last throughout the entire semester.
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Students will understand how to perform glaze tests.
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Students will be able to understand how to successfully document their ceramic projects in a digital format.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
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Students will produce a creative body of work based on their own concepts..
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Students will conduct a glaze test.
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Students will successfully document finished work in a digital format.
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. Since you have completed this assignment in a previous course you can (1) use two artists from your previous list - but at least three artists should be new -or- (2) you can add onto your previous presentation, with 3-5 new artists without deleting any old favorites.
Critiques and End of Semester Reflections:
While students in Ceramics IV are involved in group critiques with their peers in Ceramics II and Ceramics III, they also meet one-on-one with their professor throughout the semester during studio time. Additionally, students are asked to respond to self-critique questions as a written reflection of their work at the end of the semester.
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:
In-depth Investigation(s):
Objective: Utilize knowledge gained in Ceramics I, II, and III to create an in-depth exploration of form and theme.
Students will conduct at least one in-depth investigation project of sufficient involvement to last throughout the semester. Students have the option to split their investigation into separate series if this helps to develop the exploration. Students may also choose to work on a secondary series to balance time between stages (drying and multiple firings) of a larger project.
Sample Primary Project: Ruby Throated Extraction Mosaic
Sample Conceptual Series:
Glaze Test(s):
Students may choose to conduct an original glaze test to try a new glaze (or glazes) which may fit a body of work. Alternatively, they may also choose to conduct a triaxial blend test using three studio glazes.
Once glaze tests have been conducted, students will use the glaze(s) with their own work.
After conducting multiple tests, this student chose to use two new glazes on a series of mugs. This series also gave her the opportunity to experiment with altering thrown forms.
After conducting multiple tests, this student chose to incorporate layers of dried underglaze sprinkled onto a wet glaze to create a confetti effect. This is a process that she could take into her art therapy practice utilizing commercially available materials.
