Advanced Ceramics 2 continues to build upon the foundation skills you acquired in your previous ceramic classes. All projects are problem-solving exercises. For each semester you are to complete 4 projects (2 projects each Quarter). You are presented with problems that you may solve using any technique or techniques (pinch, coil, slab, wheel or combination)—unless otherwise stated. You are to fill out a grading sheet for each project, have drawings approved BEFORE you begin and conference with me when appropriate. There will be no exams, your grade will be based solely on your work and meeting deadlines. Once required projects are met you will be encouraged and expected to work on additional extra credit projects, for grades of course.
Semester 1: Semester 2:
Concave/Convex Slip Trailing
Eclay Bowls/horses Engobe
Contemporary Ceramist What's in a Word
Your Choice Your Choice
**FUNCTIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS (F.Q.S.)**
1. Smooth Glazed interior
2. Well attached handles or lugs
3. No Cracks
4. Even or regular rim, edges rounded to prevent crawling
5. Clean, even glaze line
1. Functional form
2. 6” in height Maximum
3. Any method(s) of construction
4. Decoration- carving, sprigging, wax resist OR functional item(s)—handles, lugs
5. FQS
1. 6” inside rim to inside rim
2. 2 matching bowls- one for yourself, one for eclay
3. Convex in form
4. Minimum of 2 decoration/ function techniques: handles, lugs, carving, sprigging- for example
5. Handbuilt- Coiled or combination only, no wheel
6. FQS
**Student bowls will be sold on eclay during second semester. If you would like to create 2 horses, I have another hand out for you**
1. 8” in one dimension
2. Draw first on a grading sheet and get approval before beginning
3. Successful application of slip decoration
4. Clear coat of glaze
5. Decoration
An engobe is a colored slip that is applied to the surface of leather hard pots. Once the engobe is semi dry you carve through it to reveal the color of the clay. I have examples, just ask.
1. 8” in one dimension
2. Complexity of form
3. Colored Engobe
4. Sgraffito
5. Clear coat of glaze
2. Song- lyrics and meaning
3. Sketches
4. Image of artist and part of song lyrics on your teapot
5. Minimum of 7” in height
6. Body, lid with keeper, spout, handle
7. Glaze pencils for image and lyrics
8. Repeating pattern
For this project you will investigate a folder labeled “Turkish Tiles” and try to replicate (copy) 3 tiles. These tiles could be modern or traditional make sure you have references and look at actual examples. You will see that many tiles have a floral motif with intricate designs. Your goal for this problem is to replicate this as close as possible.
1. Approval before you begin with drawings
2. 3 Navajo white tiles- flat
3. Each tile measures 4 inches x 6 inches minimum
4. Decorations must fill the tile and be authentic
5. Painted with underglazes and a clear coat
For this problem you may create a functional form and you may use a combination of construction methods.
1. 14” or larger in one dimension (green ware)
2. Any functional form
3. Draw first on grading sheet, get teacher initials before beginning
4. F.Q.S.
5. Must be decorated using one of the following techniques:
· Glaze inlay
· Stamping/ impressing
· Sprigging/ Engobe/ Slip Trailing
· Wax Resist
For this problem, you may make a form that has more than one neck or opening.
1. Functional form
2. 8” minimum
3. F.Q.S
4. Must be drawn on completed grading sheet and approved by instructor before starting. Drawings must include both shape and decoration plans.
1. 8” minimum in height
2. Relieved interior
3. Must be drawn on completed grading sheet and approved by instructor before starting. Drawings must include both shape and decoration plans.
4. Glaze or Acrylic painted
5. F.Q.S.
For this problem you will research and create a sound amplifier for a smart phone.
1. Research ceramic sound amplifiers
2. Draw first on grading sheet, get teachers initials before beginning
3. Sound Opening- One minimum
4. 9” Minimum in one dimension
5. Exterior decoration- sprigging or carving
6. Zoomorphic
7. Functional- sound amplified and phone must fit
8. FQS
While these are the most basic of serving vessels, students will soon find that they are not so simple to make!
1. Set of 3 – each 8” minimum
2. Platters should be oval or oblong, plates round or equal-sided polygons
3. F.Q.S.—no warps or cracks
4. Large platters (8” and over) should include handles or lugs.
5. Must be decorated using one of the following techniques:
· Glaze inlay
· Stamping/ impressing
· Sprigging/ Engobe/ Slip Trailing/ Wax Resist
For this project you will create a slab lidded box without a top and pierce designs on all for sides. The idea is eventually you will place a candle in it to view shadow designs as well.
1. 4 sided slab (include a bottom) 5 inches tall x 4 inches wide minimum
2. Footed
3. Design piercing all 4 sides
4. F.Q.S
For this problem, you must look at examples of roofs, HANDOUT and your dwelling must be based on an actual building.
1. Draw first on grading sheet, get teacher initials before beginning
2. Must use CN1 Brown clay
3. Building must have an identity and research: Modern, Victorian, Santa Fe etc.
4. Paper model out of graph paper to scale taped together
5. 8” MAXIMUM in one dimension
6. Tar paper cut to model—measuring by using grids
7. Slab construction—attaching to tar paper
8. Base
9. Exterior decoration—sprigging and carving
For this project you will throw a concave/convex form on the wheel.
1. 8” in height
2. Any functional form
3. Convex and concave curves
4. Footed, trimmed for profile and weight
5. F.Q.S.
6. Must be decorated using one of the following techniques:
· Glaze inlay
· Stamping/ impressing
· Sprigging—handles or lugs
· Wax Resist
A wide variety of forms and styles might be used for this problem. You need to do some research on pottery from Europe (including Egypt and the Middle East) or Asia (Japan, China and Korea) or South East Asia (Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam).
1. 8” Minimum (in any dimension)
2. Shape and decoration must be derived from Greek Chinese/Japanese/Korean/ Thai/ Vietnamese or Islamic examples. Research documented- sources and drawings
3. Decoration technique should be appropriate for culture chosen
4. F.Q.S.
5. Must be drawn on completed grading sheet and approved by instructor before starting. Drawings must include both shape and decoration plans.
For this project, you will create a dinner set in miniature.
1. Ceramic forms UNDER 3” in height Maximum
2. Functional 6 piece minimum
3. Construction methods: Wheel or hand built
4. Carving or Sprigging
5. F.Q.S.
6. Must be drawn on completed grading sheet and approved by instructor before starting. Drawings must include both shape and decoration plans.
For this project, you need to demonstrate what you have learned this year in ceramics. The project you select may be anything, including a repeat of a previous project, but it should be challenging.
1. Project must be drawn on a proposal sheet and include details of decoration and cross-sections.
2. You should come up with your own Quality Standards (minimum of 4). These standards will be used to evaluate and grade the project.
3. Instructor must approve project before starting.
For this problem you will create a ceramic form that will accommodate a band of loom beadwork. You are adding to your skills by including a bead strip to your ceramics. Ideally this beaded strip should fit snuggly around the neck of your vessel.
1. Ceramic form 8” Minimum (in any dimension)
2. Functional with a band of patterned bead work- 11 beads wide minimum
3. Beadwork (pattern and colors) and glaze color are visually complementary
4. F.Q.S.
5. Must be drawn on completed grading sheet and approved by instructor before starting. Drawings must include both shape and decoration plans.
6. Beadwork should fit snug onto ceramic form
This projects allows for more freedom and creativity.
1. Create a 3-dimensional work of art that is based on a fantasy theme or has elements of fantasy. Some examples: mythological beasts, warriors or wizards, surreal images or dream images
2. Functional or sculptural
3. Must be 6” minimum in height
4. Must have 4 different surface treatments
5. Write a 1 page artist’s statement that explains the work, your working processes, creative inspiration for the work and/or technical considerations.
For this project you will investigate the Japanese Tea Ceremony. You will find that the ceremony itself is complex and ritualistic. You will need to investigate not only the Japanese tea ceremony, but the tea house and garden. I want you to understand the basics of the tea ceremony, the Japanese aesthetic and the ceremonies appreciation for nature. INFORMATIONAL BINDER AVAILABLE
1. Research and approval before you begin- include drawings of all pieces
2. One teapot- spout and lid- minimum of 6 inches in height from lid to foot
3. 2 tea cups- minimum of 3 inches in height rim to foot
4. Tea cups and tea pot need to look like a set
5. Must be decorated using one of the following techniques:
· Glaze inlay
· Stamping/ impressing
· Sprigging
· Wax Resist
For this project you will create a functional piece (further take on the slab lidded box project) that is in the shape of a purse.
1. Must be a functional purse shape
2. Lidded form with keepers- passing 45 degree lean test
3. Minimum length 8 inches
4. Sprigging and Carving
5. Signed and approved with instructor before beginning
6. F.Q.S.
For this project you will create a functional ceramic piece that is based on Disney theme. Let’s call this Disney, but this can include any school appropriate animation from Pixar, DreamWorks, etc., Ask if you have a question. How will you incorporate this idea in your piece? How do you get the message across? This is not a repeat of a project you might have already worked on in class. You create 4 quality standards- this does not include your F.Q.S
1. 4 Quality Standards
2. F.Q.S
3. Drawing with details approved before beginning.
In the 1800s African slaves in the Southern United States created face jugs as grave markers. These jugs depicted a scary expression to ward off any evil spirits and allow the deceased souls to go to heaven. Typically, these jugs were made by slaves and for slaves. While you were alive you would use a face jug to store water, food or medicine—sometimes even poison- the face was to scare small children to stay away. A famous slave potter was Dave Drake known and “Dave the potter” was a slave who created face jugs.
1. Research face jugs, look at some youtube videos as well
2. Create 4-5 Quality standards for this project, separate from F.Q.S.
3. Drawing with details before beginning
Both Egyptian and Greeks have an ancient culture and mythology, both produced phenomenal forms of art and more importantly to us, both cultures produced ceramics. When you investigate both cultures’ ceramic pieces you will see similarities and differences. Their stories and legends are depicted on their art.
1. You will need to research and list 3 differences, and 3 similarities when comparing ceramic forms, methods, uses and depictions on the pieces on your grade sheet.
2. Create 4-5 Quality standards for this project separate from F.Q.S
3. Detailed drawing approved before beginning
Your choice: mug, bowl, concave/ convex, teapot, that has an ocean theme. You are welcome to research on the web for ideas concerning this project. How would you include images such as starfish, mermaids, waves, fish, dolphins, seaweed, ships, coral or other nautical themed images to your piece? I am only listing a few ocean ideas for you to incorporate—the possibilities and combination are limitless.
1. Create 4-5 quality standards, separate from F.Q.S
2. Detailed drawing approved before beginning
For this project you will create a slab lidded box in the shape of a skull.
1. Slab lidded box 5 inches in height by 4 inches across at the widest point minimum
2. Lid with keepers
3. Skull decoration on lid- Eyes, nose socket and mouth
4. Skull design must be symmetrical
5. Glaze inlay
Choice-- A PIECE OF CAKE (OR PIE)
For this project you will create a functional slab lidded box in the shape of a piece of cake or pie. You will need to research deserts in order to make this look realistic.
1. Functional- lid with keepers
2. Well seamed slabs
3. Dessert research for realism
4. 8” Length x 5” Height x 4” depth- greenware
5. Sprigging
6. Carving
7. Underglazes
Choice- REGAL CREATURES
For this project, you will create an animal from royalty. The animal can be realistic or cartoon but you need to put forth the message that this animal is regal-- has power and influence.
Sculptural- caving and sprigging included
7 " in height minimum
Hallowed form with dots
Your animal will have a minimum of 2 regal references: crown, cape, belt with emblem, scepter, throne to name a few
Minimum of 2 textures
1. Folder—a folder must be kept and contain the following
· Notes from lectures & discussions in class
· All class handouts (including this one)
· All grading sheets for projects- class is largely self evaluated and you keep records
· Pattern and decoration worksheets
· Any other notebook assignments made during the term
It is important that you remember that the class is largely self-evaluated. Therefore, you need to be responsible for your own performance and keep your own records of performance. As long as you evaluate yourself in accordance with the grading standard and work to the quality standards for each project, you will become highly competent in the creation of ceramics and you will earn a decent grade.
I will work to help you reach your potential. If you have the same goal, then we can’t do anything but succeed!
GRADING STANDARD:
· A= Work exceeds standards. Work shows evidence of skills and effort beyond what is required for the project or activity. Exceptional craftsmanship and creativity.
· B= Work meets standards. Mastery of all required skills and techniques. Good craftsmanship and evidence of effort.
· C= Work is below standards in one or more required elements of standards, but project has been completed. Student can provide evidence of effort.
· F= Failure to complete work, lack of effort
WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE?
Syllabus revised Fall 2025