Ceramics+2010-2011

September-October

Students have just finished a project involving clay molding to create rattles or forms that create sound. The structures were designed with attention paid to developing two integrated forms in space with a personal concept. The pieces were finished and are drying.

Students are now working on a three-part exercise: Sphere Lanterns with the pinch pot process, Cylinder containers (using the coil process and deciding a particular function for the container, and a slab vase with attention paid to the kind of flower that might be displayed in the vase.

Along with these projects, students are researching artists that use clay and a particular process for the development of the piece. They are focusing on textural and finished qualities of other artist's works and creating sketches and plans for their own work. This information is all compiled in their journal which is due on completion of the project.

** // The Ceramics course is designed along the SAS Visual Arts Teaching Agreements with a three-part organizational guideline including CONCEPT-RESEARCH-SKILL. In addition students will be expected to analyze and synthesize their research and process. The SAS EAGLES are imbedded in the practices and experiences of the course. // **

** // The objectives of this class are to: // ** ** // __ Expectations and Assessments __ // ** ** STUDIO WORK – 60% 6 studio assignments ** All studio materials are provided and are mostly completed at school. Completed projects are handed in and graded according to the criteria of the assignment with reference to the Visual Art Studio rubrics. Students are expected to come to class on time and be prepared with homework assignments that support their studio projects. Students will respect the classroom, materials, classmates, their own work and the instructor at all times. A curious, positive, creative, responsible and productive work ethic is expected and is considered as part of the assessment.
 * · Learn about ceramics including its form and function historically and culturally.
 * · Understand and use the vocabulary and terms associated with ceramics.
 * · Experiment with the materials, techniques and motifs used to create and decorate clay.
 * · Use different methods for creating surface textures, patterns and colors.
 * · Explore unique and individual expression using clay as the medium.
 * · Keep a sketchbook of ideas, drawings, research and experiments.
 * · Recognize ceramic work as a fine art as well as a functional, decorative art.

** SKETCHBOOKS – 40% 5 collective assignments; the 6th collection is part of the exam ** Sketchbooks are mandatory and will include some homework. Homework assignments will include documentation of research, ideas, experiments, and record keeping that supports class assignments. Sketchbooks will be used for assignments, notes, and handouts but may also be used for personal exploration related to art. All additions to the sketchbook should be glued in neatly and securely. Assignments will be posted and must be handed in on time.

** FINAL EXAM – 20% of the overall grade ** The final exam will include a final sketchbook review, presentation of all semester work and a test of ceramic vocabulary learned throughout the term.

** QUESTION…EXPLORE…TOUCH…LOOK…HEAR…THINK…SEEFEEL…DREAM…WORK…EVALUATE…TRY…ENJOY **