COURSE INFORMATION

Welcome to Ceramics 2!  This semester, we will be continuing the progression of technical skills, conceptual ideas, and quality of product that you began in Ceramics I.   We will begin to look at clay as a contemporary media for both sculpture and functional work.  We will be taking a thoughtful look at the relevance of the arts in daily life through discussion and studio practice.  As with any course, you will get out of your studies in art what you put into them.  By the end of this course, you should develop a body of ceramic work and the terminology to express your ideas in an artist’s statement. 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Students will continue to learn the techniques in throwing or hand building.  Students will also explore more advanced glazing techniques, as well as, advanced technical skills on the wheel. Some outside class work required.

TEXT

-HANDOUTS and resource materials will be required reading for course.  Handouts and resource materials must be attached and kept in the sketchbook.

-SKETCHBOOKS will be provided and used as textbook, workbook, and idea book for this class.  Please continue to use your Ceramics I sketchbook.  This is a visual course, so references from books, the internet, and your own drawings will be required for most assignments.  Reference materials should be collected in your sketchbook; this will usually be assigned as homework, but additional research may be necessary for certain projects.

-HOMEWORK SITE should be checked regularly for resource materials, handouts, and project deadlines.

Download Syllabus in Sketchbook Format (PDF)

CURRENT PROJECT

1/18/08 - 1/25/08

Studio Introduction & Setup

Expectations

Introduction to Cups Assignment

FIVE CUPS DUE IN GREENWARE ON FRIDAY 1/25.

OTHER INFORMATION

CURRENT SKETCHBOOK

1:  CUPS PROJECT SKETCHES - Due 1/24

1.Print out the assignment sheet (1st page) of the CUPS assignment from kateplows.net / Ceramics II, and paste in your sketchbook.

2.Sketch (2) ideas for your identical set of five, and (2) ideas for your series or progression.

3.Read the essay ‘How a Handmade Cup Can Save the World’ and be prepared for class discussion on Friday 1/25.

FIVE CUPS DUE IN GREENWARE ON FRIDAY 1/25.

2:  LIDDED STORY VESSEL CONCEPTS - Due 2/7

Our next project will be a lidded vessel designed to contain a story.  You can base this vessel on a book, song, poem, journal, or other narrative of your choice.  Previous students have based this project on everything from children’s books (Dr. Seuss, anyone?) to Clockwork Orange to a personal journal entry to favorite Beatles’ tunes.  The important thing is that your vessel must tell a story, with specific design elements on the OUTSIDE and specific design elements on the INSIDE.  Consider plot.  Your design will be carried out using carved and added surface design, as well as the overall shape and design of the vessel and lid.

We will be first practicing some smaller lidded vessels to get the hang of creating a lid.  In the meantime, start sketching for your design.  For this week, please choose AT LEAST TWO IDEAS for a book, song, poem, journal, or narrative and include these written entries in your sketchbook (copies are fine).  Explain your choices OR do some preliminary sketching.