Art 261 – Basic Ceramics II Syllabus Lars Husby, Instructor

Summer Quarter 2003

Art 261, Basic Ceramics II is designed to further enhance your skill level and knowledge in terms of working with clay. It is set-up primarily to develop and improve wheel throwing skills/techniques which is the usual sequence at most colleges and universities. It is suggested/highly recommended that you maintain a portfolio with photo and/or slide documentation of the work you completed for Art 261 in the event you transfer to another institution of higher learning and wish receive transfer credit. There will be four assigned projects, each worth one credit. Participation in glaze mixing, kiln loading and firing is required. As in the first quarter, sketches and appropriate information are required prior to undertaking each project. It is suggested you complete at least one of your projects in RAKU or sawdust fired.

EXERCISE-IN-TECHNIQUE ASSIGNMENTS (worth 1 credit)

A. Fire wheel thrown shapes based on the cylinder (minimum dimensions for each is 4 inches across by 6 inches in height) as follows: three out of ‘A’-body studio clay for cone 10 firing; one out of low fire white clay for underglazing; one out of RAKU clay for RAKU firing; and one out of Terra Cotta clay for sawdust firing.

B. Two wheel thrown plates (8-12 inches across for each) out of ‘A’-body studio clay for engobe (slip) decoration.

1. VESSEL…..to design and execute a hollowed-out, ‘container’ form, functional or sculptural. This does not refer to a boat, though it could end up being one. Sketches due by the fourth class meeting.

2. PLATTER…..to design and execute a large (over 12 inches across) wheel thrown flat form where the primary goal is a very personal surface treatment and secondarily development of the skill to throw a platter. Sketches due during the third week.

3. SECTIONAL FORM…..basically a three dimensional form consisting of more than one component fitted together, i.e. wheel-thrown plus wheel-thrown or hand-built, etc. You may choose to make a mold for this project and incorporate ware produced from the mold. Other ‘media’ might be incorporated. Sketches due during the fourth week.

4. TEAPOT or SOUP TUREEN…..to design and execute either an extremely personal teapot or soup tureen, two specific types/pieces of ware commonly associated with being made of clay. Functional or non-functional. Research from a historical as well as contemporary perspective is HIGHLY recommended. Sketches due by the end of the fifth week.

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