Visual Arts Specialization Ceramics
Introduction level course for students in grades 9th through 12th . This course is designed for students who desire to develop an understanding of 3-dimensional visual art and design. The course will focus on ceramics (hand-building construction techniques and an introduction to potter’s wheel throwing practices) and other 3D designs. Knowledge and practice will include a variety of ceramics practices and techniques (pinch, slab, coil, slab, wedging, glazing, etc.) and other 3D media. Students will study and implement 3D visual art and design styles of professional artists’ techniques throughout history to develop Portfolios Evaluation process- Framework, process and assessment.
Essential Questions:
What are some basic actions that are integral to creating with clay?
How do we manipulate clay?
What are the special qualities of clay that allow it to be both sculptural and functional?
What knowledge does one need to make a successful piece in clay?
How do artists use different glaze types, or even non-ceramic paints, to effectively finish clay pieces?
How is the kiln involved in pottery production, and how does the clay change after firing?
How do glazes get their characteristics?
How is glaze used to decorate ceramics??
How do the elements of art and principles design relate to planning the surface decoration?
What is the application process for various glazes?
How do Potter’s know how glaze will react during a fire?
Lesson areas of Focus throughout semester:
History-Process-Ceramics and Clay Unit / Pinch Construction
Types of Clay / Glaze Unit / Coil Construction
Potter’s Wheel Unit/ Mold Unit
Slab Construction
Portfolio Completion
Students will:
Practice safety procedures related to the use of materials, tools, and performance areas.
Develop a tactile knowledge of clay’s physical properties and characterisitcs.
Differentiate the differences between different clay and glaze types.
Self-assess their work through written and verbal analysis and class critiques.
Keep a portfolio of sketches and written description for each ceramic project.
Understand how the principles and elements of design are tied into form and function
Demonstrate skills in all of the basic hand-building techniques.
Apply basic surface decoration, glazing, and firing processes
Define and solve challenging ceramics problems.
Develop skill through practice of hand wedging
Discuss the purpose of traditional and contemporary ceramics within a variety of time frames, cultures, and uses.
Discuss the uses of clay in everyday objects and ceramics related professions.
Generate a series of entries in a visual journal, which demonstrate attention to skills, techniques, and ideas in process.
Foster and build on ideas based on previously gained knowledge.
Vocabulary:
Plastic / Sponge / Earthenware / Bisque / Plasticity / Leather hard / Green ware / Bone Dry / Rib / Wire Tool / Modeling Tool / Needle Tool / Sponge / Calipers / Loop Tool / Bucket / Pot lifters /Underglaze / Slip / Water bottles / Rollers / Molds / Plaster bats / Wedging