Ceramics, Levels 2, 3, & 4

Art 2 - Ceramics

This course is an introduction to the basic history, practice, and techniques of working in ceramics. Students will continue their study of the elements and principles of art, art history and appreciation. Students will also continue to study and develop their own creative process through the production of 3-dimensional art, producing functional and nonfunctional art. Students will learn both hand-building and wheel-thrown techniques. Major projects are designed to be conceptual/open-ended in nature, encouraging students to make decisions and take risks. The emphasis is on art elements and principles as well as on creative visual thinking and problem-solving. Strong importance is placedon individual conceptualization in students’ projects, as well as on classroom participation, and students working within a community to contribute to and maintain a large studio lab.

Art 3 - Ceramics

This course is a continuation of the basic art processes and techniques learned in Art II—Ceramics, as students learn to combine and refine their technical approaches with increased emphasis on individual conceptualization within project design. Projects may include a variety of media within the work, as well as art history, and art appreciation. This course requires increased independence and self-motivation as projects grow in complexity, and will likely require time outside of class to complete projects. Participation in annual art competitions is strongly encouraged. Students are expected to continue to develop skills and begin to combine methods with growing precision, working within a community to contribute to and maintain a large studio lab.

Art 4 - Ceramics

This class is designed for the advanced art student who wants to specialize in ceramics. The student will have the opportunity to explore, in depth, more challenging and sophisticated construction and decoration techniques. All ceramic methods will be used, but with greater emphasis on combining methods and the development of surfaces. Students will develop a deeper understanding of an artist’s conceptualization. Students will be expected to develop a creative, high-quality, and cohesive body of work that could be submitted in a college portfolio. The students must have previously demonstrated to the teacher self-motivation and commitment and must continue to develop all ceramic methods skills. Participation in annual art competitions is strongly encouraged. As projects grow in complexity, pieces will likely require time outside of class in order to be completed. Students will work within a community to contribute to and maintain a large studio lab.

Pinterest!

Idea boards for almost every project as well as for a host of related ideas can be found on the Westlake High School Art and Ceramics Pinterest page. Follow us and be inspired! (Ideas are posted for inspirational purposes only, not for plagiarism of any variety.)

Instagram!

Follow the success and mania of the ceramics and sculpture studio (art 1 classes happen in this studio too!) on our WHS Ceramics Instagram page! Find us @whs_ceramics_atx on Instagram. (Artwork and students likenesses are never posted without parent permission.)