CERAMICS 1

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COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is introduction to hand building and wheel-thrown ceramic methods. Hand building techniques include pinch, slab, coil, and drape forms. The elements of art and principles of design are stressed as they are applied to form and surface decoration. Historical and present cultural references will be explored as they pertain to functional and non-functional art.

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OBJECTIVES

Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes to produce works of ceramic art that demonstrate control and the skills necessary in constructing well-crafted works.
Demonstrate hand-building techniques: pinch, slab (soft, stiff), coil, throwing

Demonstrate proper throwing techniques: center, open, pull up walls, trim foot

Demonstrate mastery of: seams, adding handles, slip/score

Surface:  Apply different non-glazing techniques, slip, sgraffito, mishima. Apply different glaze application techniques: pour, spray, dip, brush

Making well-informed choices regarding clay, glaze, and firing in the creation of ceramic art.
Clay:  evaluate advantages/disadvantages of different clay bodies functional vs. decorative

Surfaces:  experiment with and apply impressed or applied texture by stamping, carving

Glaze application options: explore spray, pour, dip, brush, low vs. high fire glazes, under glazes

Applies and maintains working studio conditions of tools, materials, and environment.
Studio Maintenance:  maintain a safe environment clearing spills and tools from work surfaces, floor, wheels and equipment
Personal: keeping track of personal work, tools and thoroughly cleaning work space daily
Environment: Students will act in a mature manner at all times so that learning and safety remain a priority for all students

Using knowledge of elements and principles to evaluate their own work, the work of other artists, of various cultures, and a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas.
Through verbal or written reflection the student can identify the use of the Elements and Principles in works by individual artists or of various cultures
Multiple ideas will be presented for each assignment covering a range as subjects, symbols and ideas and students will evaluate their ideas based on elements and principles of art and choose the best

Understand the value of ceramics in the context of history and culture and its relationship to other non-art disciplines.
Recognize that ceramic artists make contributions to society through conceiving ideas, elaborating on them, and refining them
Real life application of chemistry, algebra, geometry
Explain how art helps develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes used in various careers & higher education
Developing right brain problem solving skills is essential in the 21st century workplace
Creatively solve artistic problems that are posed to them

GRADING

Your learning will be evaluated through your visual journal assignments, projects, quizzes, class participation, and the final which will account for 10% of your overall grade.  Please note that I do not round grades so if your grade is borderline and you are concerned, please talk to me about redoing an assignment to improve a low score. Late work will receive a 10% deduction but will be accepted for a grade within the 9 weeks it was assigned.

EXPECTATIONS

There are two general expectations for this class.  The first is that you are respectful of other people (teachers, peers, yourself, substitutes, guests, etc.) and materials we use. The second is to act responsibly (come to class, don't mess around, be on time, turn in your assignments.