Art 260 – Basic Ceramics I
Technique assignments
Requirements for this course are the completion of five assigned
projects, each project worth one credit.
In addition there will be basic exercise/technique assignments in regard
to developing dexterity in the handling clay:
handbuilding methods including pinch, coil, and slab and accompanying
these surface decoration applications including underglaze, glaze, and
overglaze. Throwing on the wheel is
optional and NOT required. Participation
in clay mixing is required. There will
be a written mid-term exam and a written final exam.
Exercise-in-technique
assignment
A. PINCH pieces (total of 5) as follows: two out of “A”-body studio clay for cone 10
firing, one out of RAKU clay for RAKU firing, one out of Low Fire White clay
for underglazing, and one out of Terra Cotta clay for underglazing.
B. COIL: one piece out of any clay.
C. CONSTRUCTED SLAB: one piece out of any clay.
For each of the following projects, a minimum of three distinct and
different sketches are required prior to beginning that project. Information to be included with the sketches:
dimensions to include length, width, and height (where appropriate) in inches
and a written description of the surface to include color, design, smooth or
textured, and finish (mat, satin, or gloss).
1. DRINKING VESSEL – to design and execute in
clay a ‘personal’ drinking vessel, i.e. mug, cup, stein, glass, goblet,
rhyton, etc. It may be
functional/utilitarian or it may be sculptural or conceptual or it may fall somewhere
in between like ‘palaceware.’
Sketches are due by the fourth class meeting, and the complete project
is due during the fifth week for a group critique (midterm)
2. 2-D…to design and execute in clay a basically
two dimensional (flat) object, functional or non-functional, whereas the
primary emphasis is on surface embellishment.
Minimum dimension across for any shape is 12 inches.
Sketches will be due one week after the 2-D slide lecture and the
complete project will be due at the end of the quarter.
3. 3-D…to design and execute in clay a three
dimensional utilitarian or sculptural object using any construction technique
or combination of techniques where the primary emphasis is on form/shape. The minimum dimension is 12 inches unless
otherwise approved by the instructor. Sketches are due within one week after
the 3-D slide lecture. The completed
project will be due at the end of the quarter.
4. MYSTERY???
You’ll find out during midterm week.
The completed project is due at the end of the quarter.
5. FINAL PROJECT…or “knock-my(Lars’)-socks-off.” This project demonstrates your absolute
skill/dexterity/facility with clay form and surface in terms of personal
development/style, imagination/creativity, and execution/craftsmanship. May be functional, sculptural, or
in-between. Sketches are due by the end
of the 7th week. As an
alternative, you may opt for a “self-portrait” in clay. Due at the end of the quarter.
A group critique of all five projects, including exercise-in-technique
assignments will occur during final’s week.
Attendance/participation is mandatory.