Ceramics 1
Baseline Project
Jenny Claussen Baseline Project
5 x 5 x 1.5 in., Stoneware and Glass, 2022
This was our first project. I made it up as I went and was just trying to use up all the clay that I got. I put a face in the middle because I didn't know what else to put in it.
Slump Drape Chip and Dip Bowl and Pitcher
Jenny Claussen "Slump Drape Chip and Dip Bowl and Pitcher"
9.5 X 9.5 X 2 in.; 4.5 X 4.5 X 1.2 in.; 4.5 X 2.5 X 5.75 in., Stoneware and Glass, 2022
I wanted to make functional pottery. I used templates and instructional videos provided to us that went step by step. There weren’t any other inspirations.
For my chip and dip bowls, I started by wedging my clay and rolling it out to the correct width and size. I used the slab roller and rolling pin to do this. I also used the rolling pin to roll a pattern into my clay. I then grabbed the styrofoam rings and laid the clay over the top of them. I then picked up the rings and gently dropped them down repeatedly to shape the bowls. I then used a needle nose tool to cut off the excess clay and shape the edges. I then used a sponge to clean them up. Once they were dry enough I popped off the ring and smoothly the edges some more with a sponge and loop tool. It was fired for the first time in the kiln and then I sanded and washed off the bisqueware. I glazed them both in different green colors. For the dip bowl, I layered 2 different colors on it. It was then fired for a final time and was completed. For my pitcher, I followed I similar process of rolling out the clay and imprinting a pattern. I then took a pitcher template and cut out the outer wall panel of it. I scored and slipped the edges and attached the ends together and smoothed it. I used a sponge to pull a spout out of the top. I then cut out and shaped a handle and bottom to the pitcher. It was fired, I sanded it, and rinsed it. I glazed it a dark blue color.
There isn’t any symbolic imagery in the works. They are just meant as utilitarian pieces.
The most difficult part was creating clean and symmetrical edges and surfaces. I overcame this issue by using a wet sponge to clean off the small bits of clay and edges. I also used smoothing tools with flat edges. If I were to start over I would change the edge of my chip bowl; it is very uneven and not as smooth as I wanted it to be.
The style was symmetrical and functional pottery. They are unique to my style as no one makes exactly the same piece, they all come out differently. Plus we all choose different patterns to roll into our clay. I love they are functional and didn’t explode in the kiln.
Utilitarian Project:
Jenny Claussen "Winter and Spring"
4.75”x2.75”x 4” and 5.25”x 2.8”x 4.5”, Stoneware and Glass, 2022
My idea was to showcase the 4 seasons in a set of mugs. I got the idea because I thought it would be cool to portray it in ceramics. My idea evolved as I drew up the plans for the mugs. I eventually also had to cut down the project to 2 mugs because of time constraints. I got inspiration from my favorite winter memories like playing in the snow and building snowmen. And my favorite spring memories of planting roses, tending to my home garden, and tulips blooming. I didn’t get any inspiration from other artworks.
I first grabbed more clay and wedged it. I then used the slab roller and a rolling pin to roll out a large piece of clay. I used a ruler and needle-nose tool to cut even sides with straight lines to create the walls of each mug. While those slabs were firming up so they could stand on their own, I cut circles of clay for the bottoms of each mug. I would then attach the pieces once they were strong enough to be. I would curve the wall piece around and score and slip it together and smooth it using a sponge and wooden smoothing tools. I would make sure that each side was level before attaching. I would then take the tube and attach it to the top of the bottom circle by scoring and using slip. The bottom would be just a tab bit larger than the tube so I could pull the clay up to help attach it. For the handles, I would shape them beforehand and wait until they were at the right firmness before attaching them. For the spring mug, I had to curl a straight piece of clay, and then when I attached it I would curve it into a handle. For the winter mug after I attached the handle is when I added the little indents with a needle-nose toll to look like falling snow on it. I also used a cut-out piece of paper to outline an etching of a snowman on the front. Once my spring mug was at the right firmness and completed I then took both my thumbs and pointer fingers and slowly pinched in the top. After they were fired for the first time, I sanded and rinsed the pieces. I then used a pink glaze on the top half of the spring mug and a sage green color for the bottom. For each of the 3 layers of glaze, I would make sure they would overlap each other in the middle. I was trying to achieve an ombre effect. I also poured a lime green color glaze on the inside. I originally wanted to use a yellow glaze to symbolize the middle of a flower but we were out of the yellow glaze. For the winter mug, I used an icy blue color for the inside and most of the exterior. For the snowman, I used white glaze with a pink glaze for the buttons and nose, black for the eyes, mouth, and hat, and a brown glaze for the arms.
The artwork means and shows how much I love the changing seasons. I want the audience to think about how the seasons make them feel. What is their favorite season? Do they wish the seasons never changed? The snowman on the winter mug is symbolic of the fun activities to do on snow days. The top of the spring mug is to resemble a flower’s shapes and petals.
The most difficult part of this project was time constraints. I missed a lot of classes due to cross country. I overcame this by coming in a lot for Quest to make up for all the lost time. If I could start over, I wouldn’t be able to change much, but I’d sign up for even more Quest times if I could.
The art style of this project series is realistic. I wanted them to display the seasons and also be functional. They are unique to my personal style because I came up with the idea and colors and shapes. It was my own original idea to shape the top of the spring mug like that. I love how cute the snowman turned out. I also love how the glaze came out on the spring mug. It wasn’t what I was intending to happen but it still looks cool nonetheless.
Expressive Project:
Jenny Claussen "Don’t Let Time Pass You By”
9.5 in. x 8.25 in. x 1.25 in, Stoneware and Glass, 2022
I didn’t really have an idea going into this. I made it up as I went along. At first, I just saw a pattern in the bin with different patterns that I really liked and wanted to use it. Plus I thought putting holes through the sides would look cool. I didn’t get any inspiration from any other artworks and life experiences except the feeling of losing time. That’s why I put so many arms on the clock. Time flies and is never the same.
I first grabbed more clay and wedged it. I then used the slab roller, rolling pin, flower pattern, and needle-nose tool to cut off the bottom piece and put the pattern on. Once that was done I rolled and cut out 2 pieces of clay to form the wall of the piece. I scored and slipped the edges of the bottom plate and the sides to attach and then smoothed it out using my fingers and a damp sponge. I then used a loop tool to shave down the sides so they were level. I used the needle-nose tool to put holes in the wall. I then rolled out more clay using the slab roller and rolling pin and used a needle-nose tool to cut out the numerals and clock arms. I then scored and put slip on to attach them and it smoothed it all out. Once it fired the first time, I sanded and rinsed it off. I glazed the bisqueware using 4 coats of Honey Flux on the numerals and arms and 3 coats of Tourmaline of the rest.
The artwork shows how fast time flies. It’s never the same, you may see 10:31 am on a clock, multiple times in your life but those times are never the same. I want the audience to think about how wisely they're using their time. Time is extremely precious. This piece is symbolic of the feeling of never-ending change. But change isn’t a bad thing. It can be a good thing.
The most challenging part of this project was attaching the numerals. It was very hard to keep the shape of the numerals and get into the small cracks, even with the tools. It was hard to get into the small cracks since the wall was already attached and the small space in between each number. I overcame these struggles by finding some small tools and putting the numerals in alternating order so there was room in between as I attached them. If I started over I would make the numerals more spaced out so it would be easier to attach and glaze them.
The style of this piece is abstract I guess. I kind of just put on whatever I thought would fit. It is unique to my own personal style because they're all of my own ideas and creations. What I love about this piece is that I was able to do whatever I wanted to. I didn’t have a set plan.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Jenny Claussen "Wheel Thrown Pottery"
3.25 x 4 x 2.25; 5.5 x 5.25 x 1.5; 4.75 x 4.5 x 2.25, Stoneware and Glass, 2022
First, I had to set up my station and supplies. I would get my apron, sponge, water bucket, and 2 softball-sized balls of clay. I would then use a little bit of clay and smudge it on the center to help attach my clay. Then I dropped my clay on top and wet my hands. Through a process of coning up and down, eventually, your clay should be centered on the wheel. It is important to always use constant, even, and not-too-strong pressure on your clay. Once the clay was centered, I pressed my thumbs into the middle of it. This helped open it up and begin to shape a bowl. I would then use my wet sponge to press into the middle more. It is also very important to make sure that you keep your hands wet so the clay doesn’t stick to them. Then I use one of my hands on the inner part of the pot and one on the outer side to apply pressure to thin and shape the sides of the pot. Once it was shaped, I slowed the wheel and trimmed the top. Then I stopped the wheel completely and flooded the wheel and used a wire tool to cut the pot from the wheel. I used the helper tools to pick it up and set it on the side. Once I was done with my days on the wheel, I trimmed all my pots, smoothed them up, and added feet to them. Once they were fired, I sanded and rinsed the pots. I then used 3 coats of different glazes on each pot. I used Saturation Metallic, Glacier, and Sapphire Float.
The most challenging part was getting my clay centered on the wheel and keeping it connected to the wheel. I overcame these struggles by just working at it. I didn’t give up and kept trying until a got something that resembled a pot at the end. If I was able to start over I would’ve changed the thickness of the silver pot. It's too thick at the bottom and too thin near the top.
It is unique to my personal style because although we all try to follow the same process; we all faced different issues and had many different solutions. I love how well they turned out. I was fully expecting to have nothing salvageable for the 3 days, it was so hard. I will definitely be using these dishes in my room to hold jewelry and other nicknacks.
JenStopMotion.mp4Stop Motion
Jenny Claussen "Stop Motion"
Digital Photos and iMovie, 2022
I wanted to do something simple so it wouldn’t be impossible to meet the deadline. I did a simple figure so I could work quickly to get hte project done in time. I was inspired by the stop motion videos we watched in class for ideas on how to start the video and what to make my character do.
I used modeling clay, construction paper, a rock, oil pastels, tape, and a needle nose tool to shape the clay. I first shaped my character and apples. I then used tape to connect several pieces of blue and green paper to make the base of my set. I then cut out and taped together a tree and bush. I used green and red oil pastels to add some dimension and detail to them. I then positioned and repositioned my character and took pictures with my phone after each movement. I then transferred all of the pictures to my computer and pieced together an iMovie and added some music and sound effects.
The most difficult part was keeping a consistent camera angle. I would have to set down my phone after each picture to move my figure, it was hard to put it in the exact same position each time. I overcame this challenge by marking where to set my phone on each take. I would try to set it down slowly and not lose my place when moving my figure. If I could start over I would change the figure itself. It was very top heavy and prone to falling over.
This style of art is realistic. This video is unique to my own style because I shaped, planned, recorded, and edited it all by myself. I love how it worked out, I was sure I was going to fail even to make it look even presentable.