Archived Assignments...

SPRING 2018!

Plate, Cup, Bowl: A Unified Set

http://prezi.com/tfrbp88kcq9f/unified-set-plate-cup-bowl/?kw=view-tfrbp88kcq9f&rc=ref-17035613

• Create a unifed set using any method you have learned in ceramics (handbuilding or throwing)
• Incoporate: Movement, Line, Texture, Form, Emphasis & of course UNITY!
• Can they fit together physically or visually?
• Construction- what is the best method for you to construct this set
• Craftsmanship- focus on the details: wall thickness, finished bottoms, attachments/seams, refined surface decoration!

FALL 2016

August/September:

Create an Element/Principle of Art Poster

Goal: To demonstrate understanding of the Elements & Principles of art while decorating our room with awesome inspiration!

Deadline: Due as a PDF file via email to cldalton@jeffcoschools.us by Friday, August 26th.

Focus on Problem Solving

Creating a Ceramic Environment for a Perennial Plant!

• What does your plant require?-- sunlight, space, drainage?
• What does it look like?-- does it hang down, will it get taller/wider, does it have flowers?
• Research it's needs!!!
• Form Vs Function
• Indoors vs Outdoors
• How will it be displayed?
• How will your container or "environment" relate to the plant's features themselves?
• Surface Design-- what type of surface will you incorporate?

Design. Label. Describe.

SPRING 2016

January:

ADVANCED: Proposal Project #1. Proposal due Monday, January 11th. Piece should be completed Tuesday, February 2nd.

Students have access to all files & assignments on Google Classroom. 1st Proposal is due on January 11th, with our project concluding on February 2nd. Throughout the project students will be documenting their progress in a Weekly Process Reflection. Consisting of both images & written description, this reflection will mainly serve as a resource in developing a greater knowledge in clay. These weekly assessments will show each individual student's progress and serve as quality worker points.

INTERMEDIATE: Japanese Tea Bowls: Set of 4

ADVANCED:

Student Choice Project (Final Project): Students will be choosing 1 assignment from the list below...

• Realistic Shoe
• Self Portrait
• Throwing in sections
• Unified Set: Teapot & Cups, Pitcher & Cups, Canister Set

OCTOBER:

Goal: Part 1 (200 Points)- To choose a Ceramic Artist from artaxis.org & create a piece based on the artist’s work. Your work needs to reflect the chosen artist piece in any or all of the following: technique, content, & style. The work should also have YOU in it somehow! (Should not just be a copy of artist piece)

Part 2 (100 Points)- Write an Artist Statement based on this piece of work. This will be your FINAL and we will discuss it further in November.

Artist Piece- Boomer Moore Student Piece- Lindsey M.

Requirements:

• Pieces must reference your artist's work, without being a direct copy. technique, content, & style.
• Amount of work= spending 12 class periods (approx 1 month) on project
• Craftsmanship
• Glazing/Finishing & Presentation!

DUE FRIDAY= 30 points

Detailed Sketches/Plans with a brief written description that includes...

• Who your artist is
• What EXACTLY you are creating
• Size of piece(s)
• How you plan on finishing & displaying the work

September- October:

Throwing Altered Forms: All Levels

Goal: To create a unified set of pieces (2+) by throwing & altering forms. Altering cylinders by faceting, cutting, darting & elongating sections to communicate an idea, and to decide what process works best for you. Learn a basic way to alter forms to reflect your own personal style!

Thrown & Altered Video Demonstration

Examples: Teapot & cups, Pitcher & cups, Oil & Vinegar set, Sugar & creamer, etc.

INTERMEDIATE: To prepare for your teapot final project, you will be using calipers correctly and create 2 different sized jars: 1 with a recessed lid & 1 with a flanged lid. Both jars must be thrown with well-fitting lids. You can create a set of whatever you wish!

February:

INTERMEDIATE: Realistic Shoe

Objective: Using an actual shoe as a still-life, you will replicate what you see to create a shoe made out of clay.

What you need to know/do:

• Build technical skill in realistic rendering
• Increase their understanding of the art elements: Shape, Form, Texture, Pattern, Rhythm and Color
• Use soft slab & coiling techniques to create a shoe that is 1 ½ times actual size

***See Shoe GradeSheet & Realistic Shoe Handout" at bottom of this webpage!

ADVANCED: Vase Choice- 1, 12-16" tall or 2, 8-10" tall

Objective: Using any altered surface technique you will create 1, 12-16” tall vase or 2, 8-10” vases. This is also an introduction to throwing with calipers! Use your creativity & motivation to design and plan 1 elaborate vase or 2 vases that share a common theme or trait- UNITY! Focus on Movement, Form, Texture & the overall surface of the piece- think 360º!

Fall 2014!

August:

Review of Working With Clay

• Do's and Dont's with clay....
• Building: Pinch & Coils
• Slip & Score, adding texture, etc.
• Firing: the process clay goes through from beginning to end & what factors you can control as a student
• Project: creating a "kiln god"

Collecting Interesting Tools!

Your homework assignment is to begin to look around your house for anything you may utilize as a texture object or interesting tool! Search that junk drawer, garage, shed, etc. for something unique!

Things to consider....

1. How could you use it while throwing?
2. Does it just draw onto the surface?
3. What would happen if you cut the tool down to a smaller size?

October:

Japanese Tea Bowls

Objective: To create a well planned and connected set of 4 tea bowls that portrays your own personal style by incorporating surface decoration/alteration and focusing on the Elements & Principles of Design.

October/November:

Incorporating Elements & Principles AND a Plaster Mold!!

Creating a Press Mold!

You will be creating a piece out of clay (or a found object with no undercuts) that you would like to make multiples of. We will then cast the object in plaster & you will use it in your first big piece of art!

Final Projects (April-May): ALL LEVELS

Inspired Artwork & Creating Your Artist Statement

All artists are inspired by something; their surroundings, nature, pattern, buildings, tactile experiences, family, history, etc. Your goal is to discover what inspires you to work in clay, or, what inspires you today!

An artist also defends or explains their work by writing an artist statement. This brief, typically 1 page statement has 3 main parts: Introduction/Description, Analysis/Interpretation & Summary/Judgement.

As a large part of your final project, you will be writing your very own artist statement. A Rough Draft (50 points) is due with your detailed sketch submission (20 points). Your FINAL DRAFT will be considered as your “FINAL EXAM”… but we will have a critique in class on Finals day for points. Your project will be approximately 150 points & varies depending on what level you are in… SEE HANDOUT AT BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS!

Intermediate: Your project is to design a teapot & 2 cups that have an inspired theme. Don’t just focus on something trite. Own it. Make it unique and meaningful. You now have the skills to create lids, handles & a unified body (remember your Dinnerware set?). Now you are taking what you’ve learned throughout the semester and making an inspired unified body. This will force you to think outside the box!

Advanced: We have now spent time creating a dinnerware set & sectional pieces (vase) that are unified as one. You have also started your own body of work through your Proposal project.

Now you will be creating an Artist Piece… where you will find an inspirational Ceramic artist (Functional or Sculptural) that you are drawn to. Determine what about their work inspires you… surface work, message behind the work, how it’s planned or laid out, etc. You will then need to make that idea your own… Your goal is to now create a piece(s) of your choice that is (are) unique to you. Do not directly copy or replicate another artist’s work… this is called plagiarism or CHEATING.

Studio: Earlier you were asked to find a Ceramic artist that inspires you (Functional or Sculptural).

Your goal is to now create a set of pieces that are unique to you. Do not directly copy or replicate another artist’s work… this is called plagiarism or CHEATING.

You will need to find inspiration in an outside source & an artist’s work that speaks to you. This may or may not be the same artist that you focused on before. (Please check your notebook or Infinite Campus for the artist you chose earlier). There are NO limitations on what you will create for your final but please remember, you have 10-12 class periods to work on this assignment NOT including your finishing/glazing days.

Artist Statement Rough Draft: 50 points

Project Sketches/Plans: 20 points

Finished Piece: approx 150 points

Final Draft of Artist Statement ("Final Exam"): 100 points

The purpose of this assignment is to grow as an artist and person. You will not only look at other people’s work and determine what makes them successful, but also decide what makes YOUR work successful. Often times in life you will need to defend something… this will help to get you started by making a well-thought out argument. You should spend several days determining what you will make & why you will make it. You must begin to look at the finished product in advance and figure out how you can create it and the most effective way to do so. Your rough draft is due with your sketches so you really consider your work as a work of art. Because sometimes the plan will change, your Final Draft may change as well. Make necessary adjustments to create a well-written and descriptive defense/explanation of your work.

March: Intermediate & Advanced

Sketches due: Thursday, March 6th

Relief Printing on Clay!

….a new approach to creating texture/surface design.

Objectives:

1. To expand what you know about surface design on clay, by creating a unique & original image to print on clay. You will make preliminary sketches, draw a final design, learn how to transfer the image to a printmaking block & carve the negative space away!
2. You will then decide how to incorporate this image into a finished piece(s) of artwork!- Plates, cups, teapots, trays, vases, possibilities are endless! This will be a test of your creativity! Focus on all Elements & Principles of Design, especially Space, Line & Texture!

Artists to Reference: Check them out for ideas…

Amy Sanders

http://theretherepottery.blogspot.com/

Kristen Kieffer: Thrown & altered

http://kiefferceramics.com/

Sandi Pierantozzi: Hand-built pieces using a template

http://sandiandneil.com/gallery/

Demonstrations! How to incorporate your design into a piece of art…

Sandi Pierantozzi Demonstrates How to Use a Template to Make a Textured Soft-Slab-Built Bowl with a Wrapped Rim

http://ceramicartsdaily.org/clay-tools/decorating-tools/handbuilding-video-sandi-pierantozzi-demonstrates-how-to-use-a-template-to-make-a-textured-soft-slab-built-bowl-with-a-wrapped-rim/

Amy Sanders makes a bud vase:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YHgDAzj1SA

Please download the attached worksheet: Printing on Clay Handout

Intermediate Ceramics------------------------------ 125 Points +20 glazing Points

How to use Calipers to create 2 Lidded Jars: Prep for teapot project

Requirements:

You must create 2 jars, any size, with 2 of the 3 choices of lids.

Incorporate your Relief carving onto the surface of 1 jar (or wait & use it on your teapot)

• Recessed Jar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjCzECXG7c0
• Flanged Lid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TosoD0Mw4qA
• Capped Lid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4gcKpI0s30

March: Studio- Artist Piece!

Sketches due: Thursday, Feb 27th

Please download attached Document: Artist Piece

Artist Project

Objective: (200 Points)- To create a piece based on a particular artist. (Use handout provided as a reference, websites, magazines, etc) Your work needs to reflect the chosen artist piece in any or all of the following: technique, content, & style. The work should also have YOU in it somehow! (Should not just be a copy of artist piece)

Artist Piece Goals:

• Synthesize visual images, themes, and ideas to create original works of art which reflect personal views, ideas, and experiences to communicate an intended meaning
• Know and use the elements of art and principles of design in creating their own work
• Conceive and create works of art that exhibit a proficiency in the use of materials, techniques, processes, and technology
• Create art based on the evaluation and synthesis of historical, cultural, and personal contexts
• Acknowledge and respect copyright laws, including those covering electronic resources, to avoid plagiarism
• Master the skills and attitudes that result in good craftsmanship

February-May: STUDIO level

Please see "Project Choice" Handout below for Projects & Deadlines

February: Intermediate & Advanced

Due for Bisque Firing on Friday, Feb 28th

Vase Choice!

Objective: Using any altered surface technique you will create 1, 12-16” tall vase or 2, 8-10” vases. This is also an introduction to throwing with calipers! Use your creativity & motivation to design and plan 1 elaborate vase or 2 vases that share a common theme or trait- UNITY! Focus on Movement, Form, Texture & the overall surface of the piece- think 360º!

• Watch demonstration on how to use calipers to make pieces in sections.
• PLANS- Use magazines in class for ideas!!! 30 points
  • DETAILED sketch- draw a lot even if you have 1 idea= 15 points
  • WRITE A DESCRIPTION!- Determine how to create them- slabs, thrown, combination? “Advanced” caliber work= no THICK pinch pots/coil pots. Use the techniques you’ve learned to impress me. High standards for craftsmanship & originality! = 15 points

How You’re Graded:

• Originality: Cannot be something you could from Walmart-ish store. -40pts
• Height: 2 Vases, between 8-10” –or- 1 vase between 12+” -20pts
• Surface Detail: Must include some sort of sodium silicate surface -20pts
• Glazing: Does your glaze enhance your piece, or did it cover important details? Did you rub stains into the texture first to make it pop? -20pts
• Craftsmanship: Attention to detail – 20pts

Throwing in Sections: Step 1----

http://www.cleanvideosearch.com/media/action/yt/watch?v=DIb_VEIaJPg&list=PL48674F13E8557FCD&index=42

Throwing in Sections: Step 2-----

http://www.cleanvideosearch.com/media/action/yt/watch?v=OeDSmtyyLsg&list=PL48674F13E8557FCD&index=43

January: Intermediate, Advanced & Studio Level students

All work due on Greenware shelf by: January 31

Dinnerware Set!

<---- Lorna Meaden

First... Let's ask...?

• What types of pieces/dishes come in a set?

<--- Peter Pincus

• Organic vs Geometric?
  • Organic: http://www.tabletopjournal.com/1/post/2011/04/orion-goes-organic-with-johnny-jensen-porcelain.html
  • Geometric: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Deco
  • Mix: http://www.etsy.com/listing/107039033/geometric-series-nesting-bowl-set
• Surface Techniques...?
  • Simplicity:
    • Drawing: http://debsbeesnest.blogspot.com/2010/11/porcelain-paint-pens.html
    • Impressed Textures: http://www.blog.designsquish.com/index.php?/site/2012/11/
    • Trailing: http://backbaypottery.blogspot.com/2013/03/french-country-handmade-dinnerware.html
  • Complex:
    • Painted detail:http://www.westelm.com/products/wave-dinnerware-set-c967/?cm_mmc=socialmedia-_-blog-_-wave-dinnerware-_-westelm
    • Elaborate detail: http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/city-plates
• Form VS Function
  • It's cool, but how would you use it? http://www.pinterest.com/pin/120612096241839716/
  • Lid Fit-------> http://finemessblog.blogspot.com/2012_01_01_archive.html
• Inspiration!!!!...
  • Design: Do you focus solely on the surface? What about the 3D structure?
  • Are you inspired by SOMEONE, SOMETHING, PLACE, TIME PERIOD...?
  • http://mvrooman.com/student-galleries/project-galleries-advanced/dinnerware-sets

What should I make...? Amount...? What type of pieces...?

• 3-5 pieces, depending on your abilities, work pace vs time allotted... and also what TYPE of pieces you choose!!!

Thumbnail Sketches------> http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6925407875_6ef0e8779a_z.jpg

• Due: Friday @ the end of class... You must have 3 DIFFERENT sketches of your dinnerware set(s). This means you need 3 ideas for a set of dinnerware... whatever you decide to create! = 30 Sketchbook Points
  • Include: What specific pieces you wish to create
  • What's your theme??
  • How will you create it... Pinch, coil, soft slab, drape, throw? Will you add/trim feet?

Artist Examples::::: Bonnie Seeman--holy cow! http://www.bonnieseeman.com/

Fall 2013

Nov 19- Dec 6: Levels 1 & 2- 3 if time

All work due on Greenware shelf by December 6th- no exceptions!

Empty Bowls Donation

• Students will be creating 4 well made bowls with feet for our empty bowls outreach next semester.
• Can be hand-built or wheel thrown
• Focus on design: what makes someone interested in a piece of art? Surface work? Textures?
• Money raised from the event will go to a local food bank

Oct 22-Nov 14: Levels 1 & 2 only

Due on Greenware shelf at end of class Friday, Nov 15

Trompe-l'oeil: "To fool the eye"

1. style of painting in which objects are depicted with photographically realistic detail; the use of similar technique in interior decorating
2. a trompe l'oeil painting or effect
3. something that misleads or deceives the senses

Look at other's art!

http://research-arm.blogspot.com/2009/03/marilyn-levine.html

http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/dining-entertaining/vases/ceramic-trompe-loeil-unfurled-vase-eric-serritella/id-f_822783/

• What common themes do you see?
• What makes this work successful?
• How is their craftsmanship!?

What you're going to create!... (Choose something you haven't created!)

• Shoe
• Food
• Still-life

It's up to you what you want to create... BUT you must justify why!

Make it fun, interesting & REALISTIC! Your goal is to fool someone!

First steps... 30 points due: Friday

Visual study:

Decide what you want to create... Find as many images as possible, take them yourself or bring in the actual object(s) you wish to create!

Draw in detail (or with as much detail as possible) the object you wish to create!

Draw the object from several angles! (ex. shoe from top, bottom & side view)

Plan:

Use your preliminary sketches (above) to plan our dimensions (measurements!) This is KEY for all artists before they begin a big piece!

Create a mock up/small model (Only if necessary)

September 19- Oct 16 : due on Greenware shelf at end of class that Tuesday

How to use Calipers! (All Levels, all students... differentiated depending on what level you're in)

What are those red things living in the drawer? ... Do they measure your brain!?

No! They're for making bigger forms or vessels with lids!

• Again we will reference Elements & Principles... Form, line, texture, unity, etc.
• What did you like about your tactile cups? What can you incorporate from them into this piece?
• Students will plan, sketch & create the following based on what level they're in...
  • Level 3+ A larger vase or sculpture created by throwing in sections or assembling some thrown pieces with some hand-built pieces.
    • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ3b07hSF8c&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLCF78A8CA9E3F6439
  • Level 2- Create a creamer set... lidded vessels should be thrown
    • 1 small pitcher w/ a lid, 1 sugar container w/ lid & 1 tray to hold set -or-
    • 1 small pitcher w/out lid, 2 containers w/ lids & 1 tray to hold set
    • Or, if you enjoyed the teapot final project from last semester, you can create a teapot & 2 cups again!
  • Level 1- Canister set- 3 lidded jars that can vary in size. These must be thrown.
• Recessed Jar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjCzECXG7c0
• Flanged Lid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TosoD0Mw4qA
• Capped Lid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4gcKpI0s30

Sketches, plans & reflection are due by end of class FRIDAY for 30 points max.

Must include: detailed sketch of idea, written description of what you are going to do (size,etc.) & a brief reflection about your cups, what you liked about them that you may incorporate.

**See attached documents... for further details.

August/September: Greenware shelf- Thursday, Sept 19th

How do you interact with art? (All Levels/Product differentiated for each level)

"Tactile": 1. of or connected with the sense of touch; 2. Perceptible by touch or apparently so, tangible

• Again we will reference Elements & Principles of design.
• Students will reflect (written & verbally) on objects they connect with every day... ex.) phones, utensils, car steering wheel, etc. & observe how they interact and work together... ex.) how the cup fits in their hand, weight of the object (is it too heavy and bulky or light?), what would they do differently?
• Students will plan, sketch & create projects based on their level. Mini critiques will happen throughout the process.
• Example of sketches------- http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6925407875_6ef0e8779a_z.jpg
  • Level 3+ Create 8+ cups, each uniquely different, yet have a sense of unity through the experience of touch. Pieces can be thrown - or - handbuilt (slab/pinch) but all must have a good physical weight, explore the tactile experience, be well planned/designed & executed. Consider surface & how you would like the glaze to interact with the pieces.
  • Level 2- Create 6+ cups, all other requirements will be met.
  • Level 1- Create 4+ cups, all other requirements will be met.

August:

Ceramic Inspiration Board! (All Levels/All Students)-----> Due by Thursday, August 29th for lamination= 15 points

• We will review Elements & Principles of design in reference to ceramic art
• Students will create their own inspiration board filled with pictures from magazines provided in class along with pictures they may print off from Pinterest. **Please see lesson below about Pinterest account if you do not have one.**
• You may add other images of inspiration ex.) nature, fabric, places, etc. No images of boyfriends/girlfriend please.
• Boards will be laminated & displayed around the room to not only remind the artist what inspires them & what direction they want to go in, but also so others may see & be inspired as well.

Spring 2013

January:

Review Elements & Principles

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B7DdN5V6N7JHcllmSHhKZTNzMDA

• Re-introduction to the building blocks of design.

Pinterest Inspiration Board!

http://pinterest.com/eldersceramics

• This will be discussed further in class. You will need to create a Pinterest account & pin art/design related images that can be shared as a class!
• We will use this board throughout the semester.

Contemporary Tableware:

• Create a unified set accessing prior knowledge of creating ceramic artwork (hand building or throwing)
• Incorporate: Movement, Line, Form, Emphasis, Unity & Surface Design!
• What pieces are you creating????
  • Examples: Sushi set, bowls, cups & saucers, jugs, plates, serving dishes, salt & pepper shakers, butter dish?

** Amount of work you will create is based on what pieces you choose to make**, Preliminary sketches/thumbnails are REQUIRED!

HOMEWORK due 1/25 Bring in any object/item that could be kept in our texture box= 10pts

ex.) Doilies, Cookie cutters, Burlap, Old stamps, or anything that could leave a texture in clay.

Fall 2012

Everyone: A Unified Set: Plate, Cup, Bowl

http://prezi.com/tfrbp88kcq9f/unified-set-plate-cup-bowl/?kw=view-tfrbp88kcq9f&rc=ref-17035613

• Create a unifed set using any method you have learned in ceramics (handbuilding or throwing)
• Incoporate: Movement, Line, Texture, Form, Emphasis & of course UNITY!
• Can they fit together physically or visually?

Advanced Group 1: Realistic Shoe

* See attached Files*

• Learn how to model from life
• Focus on how something is constructed
• Craftsmanship!
• Larger than life!

Advanced Group 2: "Self Portrait"

• Create a bobble head, sculpture bust or vessel with sculpted elements
• Use your creativity to interpret "yourself" in any way
• Focus on Craftsmanship, details & making it somehow resemble you!