This course is a high school level introduction to handbuilding and wheel throwing methods for the creation of functional and sculptural forms. Creative and critical thinking are essential to the planning and development of project ideas. Additionally, students seek out a variety of inspirational sources and reflect upon the way art is used to document the human experience. Historical and contemporary clay works are examined for inspiration and reference.  Students investigate formal qualities and surface design techniques including glazing of their original creations. Emphasis is placed on safe studio practices and processes.

This course extends the students’ technical skills by encouraging experimentation and collaboration with clay.  Students must be self motivated and dedicated to increasing their level of mastery with clay while using the language of visual arts to communicate effectively. In this course, students refine their ability to synthesize different subjects, themes and visual metaphors into their work while generating innovative solutions to artistic problems. Students work more independently to solve advanced problems and make increasingly appropriate and discriminating choices when forming and glazing. With guidance from the instructor and through individual and group critique, they identify and extend their personal strengths. Students examine a range of historical and contemporary clay works. Emphasis continues to be placed on safe studio practices and processes as the class learns about kilns and firing procedures.

In Honors Ceramics III, students apply and expand upon earlier learned creative and critical thinking skills to artistic expression, as well as define their own personal ideas and culturally-informed philosophy about art.  While students continue to work with teacher defined focus areas, they assume increased responsibility for idea development, as well as work collaboratively and conduct independent research related to the problem provided. Relevant historical and contemporary artists related work is researched.  Students select more in-depth, independent and advanced explorations with processes, techniques and aesthetic issues.  Students begin to develop a portfolio showing quality work, broad knowledge base and an in-depth understanding of personal art.  Students continue to critique their own work and reflect about their process.

As a sequel to Honors Ceramics III, students continue to build upon their prior knowledge and skills to develop and clarify creative thinking and art production skills, as well as define their own personal aesthetic.  While students continue to work with teacher defined focus areas, they assume increased responsibility for idea development, as well as work collaboratively and conduct independent research related to the problem provided.  Relevant historical and contemporary artists related work is researched.  Work demonstrates more in-depth, independent and advanced explorations with a variety of processes, techniques and aesthetic issues.  Students produce a portfolio showing quality work, personal relevance and growth over time.  Students continue to critique their own work and reflect about their process.