Course Title: ART 530 Graduate Ceramics
Term: Summer Intensive and DIS by Request
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is a ceramics course for students pursuing a graduate degree in Art Education. The
study of clays, experience in design, forming methods, surface treatments, glaze
applications, and firing methods will be emphasized. Traditional, contemporary, functional,
and sculptural concepts of ceramics will be explored. Lab fee.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
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Students will develop a sense of three-dimensional form, space, and imagery in ceramic form.
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Students will learn the skills and demands of craftsmanship.
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Students will explore contemporary and ancient ceramic forms, techniques, and artists.
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Students will develop a knowledge of ceramic art materials and processes; learn the basic chemistry of glaze and clay making; gain a strong understanding of what is involved in maintaining a clay studio and equipment.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
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Students will develop a ceramics curriculum designed for the Art Classroom.
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Students will develop the ability to critique ceramic artwork in terms of form and craftsmanship.
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Students will show evidence of knowledge of scope and range of ceramic forms.
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Students will show evidence of knowledge of ceramic materials and processes for art classrooms.
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Self-Critiques:
Students are asked to respond to self-critique questions as a written reflection of their work on each assignment. Additionally, they are asked to document their work in progress.
Student Samples
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:
Project 1: Exploring Form & Surface
Create 4 functional ceramic bowls. Each bowl will be used as a volumetric “test tile” through which to learn & experiment with surface treatments. Use one bowl each to try the following: (1) Mishima/Inlay (2) Sgraffito (3) Texture with Glaze (4)Texture with Underglaze
Alternatively: This project has also included a combination of forms including hollow spheres. This option was updated due to the need to speed up drying times during the summer intensive.
Project 2: Cup/Mug/Tumbler
Learn how to make a basic form that requires scoring and slipping. Utilize a template to determine the size of a slab needed. Understand the anatomy of a pot and elements which determine functionality.
Create a cup/mug/tumbler which is a scale from which you’d drink a morning beverage. Develop a template to determine the size slab you will need for the body and foot. You must embellish the surface using a technique you learned in the previous project. This form must allow for function.
Project 3: Firm Slab
Learn the basic hand building techniques used to make a hollow box or alternately shaped flat sided container or vessel using firm slabs.
Project 4: Soft Slab
Learn to make a vessel using soft slab construction methods. This is an organic process which allows you a great deal of flexibility in the form developed. This vessel will be barrel fired, or raku fired. These surfaces are not food safe.
Project 5: Call for Entry
Combine the skills you have learned this semester to create a piece that fits the specifications of the call for entry for the Orton Cone Box Show.
