Ceramics

Ceramics Artists

Ceramic Ideas

Advanced Techniques

Glazing Techniques

Overview

Goal

Students will develop an understanding of functional ceramics by designing and creating a hand-built clay object that serves a specific purpose. They will explore form, function, craftsmanship, and surface treatment while using basic ceramic construction techniques.

Materials

Materials: Ceramics, Glaze

Introduction to Clay

What is Ceramics?

The art of making pottery and sculptures out of clay. The pottery or sculptures are then fired in a kiln to make them permanent. They are glazed and then refired so that they are food safe and glossy.

Stages of Clay

Slip- Really wet clay
Wet/Plastic- Great clay for molding and modeling
Leather Hard- Great for carving, not attaching clay together.
Bone Dry- Completely air-dried clay and ready for the kiln.

-First Kiln Fire-

Bisqueware- White pottery which has been fired once, without glaze.

-Second Kiln Fire-

Glazeware- Glazed pottery which has been glazed; it is finished.

Clay Tools

Needle Tool- best for scratching
Fettling Knife- used for cutting clay
Loop Tool- used for taking away clay
Modeling Tools- used to help you manipulate the clay
Ribs/Scraper- best used for smoothing clay
Wire Cutter- used to cut slices of clay off a chunk
Paper Stencils- used to help you cut perfect shapes

Hand Building Techniques

These are the different ways that you can build your idea.

Coils

Coils of clay can be used to build, make handles and to make things stronger. You can also make bowls, vases and other forms in various shapes and sizes.

Pinch Pots

Pinch pots are used to make bowls or hollow sculptures like the body or head of an animal. They are made by starting with a ball of clay and putting your thumb in the middle. You then pinch around the edges gradually forming a bowl shape.

Slabs

Slabs are flat pieces of clay used to build or construct. You can use slabs to make relief tiles, boxes, vases, or any flat walled surface container.

MUST BE DONE EVERY TIME YOU ATTACH CLAY TO CLAY

Scratch, Attach & Blend

This technique is VERY IMPORTANT! It is used evert time you combine two pieces of clay together. You must always scratch into both surfaces, apply slip or water to help attach it together, and then blend.

How to Videos

How to Make a Bowl

How to Use the Slab Roller

How to Make a Plate

How to Make a Cylinder/Mug Video

Final Step

When your artwork is completed, work on the requirements of your art portfolio:

Title page
Planning & Practice photos
In-progress photos
Final Photo
Answer the reflection questions in your art portfolio.
Write your artist statement in your art portfolio.

Reflection Questions

What advanced technique did you use?
How did this project challenge you?
What parts of your artwork are most successful?
What problems did you encounter while working on this artwork and how did you overcome them?

Artist Statement Questions

Use the following questions to write a short paragraph about your artwork:

Why did you make your artwork?
What does your artwork mean?
How did you make your artwork?

Your artist statement can include:

Your inspiration
Themes you explored
Personal connections to your work
Information about the creative process (techniques, materials, etc)

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