Ceramics

and AP 3-D

with Ashley Graham

Welcome Back! I hope you are ready for the 2021-2022 school year!

CERAMICS OVERVIEW:

BEGINNING CERAMICS

The course is an introductory survey of clay and its position and purpose in art Students will learn hand-building techniques with low-fire clay; use the Elements of Art and Principles of Design; explore the context of ceramics in our world; begin to develop critical responses and create and maintain an artistic journal Prerequisite: None

INTERMEDIATE CERAMICS

This course is a continuation of study in Ceramics Students will learn wheel throwing techniques; begin study of glazing, utilize critical thinking; develop problem-solving skills; conduct critiques; and examine the economics of ceramics Students will begin to take a more personal approach in their production of ceramics while maintaining an artistic journal and a ceramic portfolio Prerequisite: Demonstrated proficiency in Beginning Ceramics and Teacher Recommendation.

PROFICIENT CERAMICS*

This course is a continuation of study and experience in low-fire ceramics Students will create a portfolio of ceramic work that showcases technical skill and personal style Glazing and firing techniques will be investigated The processes of critiquing, evaluating works of art and examining ceramics in a cultural and historical context will be conducted Maintaining an artistic journal and portfolio is required Prerequisite: Demonstrated Proficiency in Intermediate and Teacher Recommendation

ADVANCED CERAMICS*

This course focus is the development of a personal voice and aesthetic in creating ceramic art The advanced student must be self-directed and actively take ownership of their portfolio Students will engage in personal and peer; formal and informal; oral and written critiques Maintaining an artistic journal which includes the student’s artistic statement and reflection is required Students will be expected to exhibit their art Prerequisite: Demonstrated Proficiency in Proficient and Teacher Recommendation.


*indicates course levels that receive honors credit

About The Teacher:

I am an alum of South Mecklenburg High School and a graduate of Appalachian State University. I have a Bachelor's degree in Art Education, a master's degree in School Administration, and I have been teaching for 15 years.

My passion for art is something I love sharing with my students and my goal is to create a classroom that functions as an art studio. Art is about the making of it and that's where the learning happens. As a teacher, I find the process more important than the product and I work with students to reach their individual goals. Creativity only happens in a safe place and I allow students to have a lot of choice and freedom in the artroom to become who they want to be as artists. I'm here as a coach and to help support them in their growth with art.

I conduct studio hours after school on Thursdays and I make myself available as often as students need.

I want to share my love of art because it's a way to connect people. I'm not just an educator but also a practicing artist. It's important for me to continue to make art to show my students that I practice what I preach. Art is about exhibiting and sharing our visions, being vulnerable to critique for growth. I have several murals throughout the city and a billboard on 485 and 77 through Adams Outdoor Advertising. My murals are found at Smooth Monkey Smoothies (Pecan Ave in Plaza Midwood), Electrical Box Painting (corner of South Blvd and E. Tremont Ave by Tyber Creek), POS Nation (South End), Greystone Pub (South Blvd), Loan Pronto (Uptown), Tin Roof (Epicenter), and paintings in local restaurants (NODA Brewing Company, Counter, and Peculiar Rabbit). I use my connections in art and experience with making art to help drive my students to push themselves to a higher level of making and creating as well.

School Year Supplies Needed:

  1. Sketchbook (size 8.5 x 11 or larger)

  2. *Clay and other class materials

*Clay and other classroom supplies are provided by the school but all other materials listed are your responsibility.


COURSE PLATFORM:

  • Canvas is the sole platform for virtual learning.

  • Canvas can be accessed via the PowerSchool homepage.

  • Parents can join the course for monitoring.

  • All assignments must be submitted via Canvas

    • Projects will be photographed and submitted throughout stages of the work for feedback or grading as well as sketchbook assignments and other coursework.

      • Drop off/turn in dates for ceramic projects are required so that I can collect sculptures and fire them in the kiln.

    • Please be mindful of due dates listed on assignments in Canvas and meet the deadlines.

NOTE: Some days of remote learning will be used as studio time with students and I will not lecture as much. I will be a resource for students to engage in conversation about their work so that I can help coach them through the process. Art is a hands-on activity and I want to give students time to work on their projects with me and mimic studio time that we would have in-person. In order for me to guide students I need them working on their art with me.


WELCOME TO ART WITH GRAHAM.mp4

Let's get to know each other:

Who am I as the artist and teacher? Here's a video to share a little bit about myself. In Canvas, tell me about who you are as a student, artist, and person!