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Today We Will:
Today We Will:
Intro the Project – Learn about the Sgraffito in Ceramics, combining ceramic form and carved surface design
Research Artists – Look at how artists use portraiture and symbolism in 3D work
Take a Reference Photo – Capture the image you’ll use for your portrait carving
Homework: Reference image printed for next class
Intro To Clay
Documentation via visual note-taking is always encouraged
9m
Intro to Ceramics and Sgraffito (15m)
Homework: Reference image printed for next class
Your reference image should FILL the entire paper for scale - it should be black and white (don't worry about nice colors) - it should be clear and crisp
How do we Analyse Art?
In the video attached we see an artist creating an artist study. Notice that this artist didn’t simply look at the work and copy it. As he speaks over his re-creation, he explains how research and understanding went into the work before diving into the remake. To create an honest study, you must first learn about the artist’s context and understand their forms. Only then can you create a meaningful investigation.
What are some interesting research points you hear him make about the context or content of this particular work?
Artist Study (20m)
Checklist of things you MIGHT include
There is not a right or wrong way to explore an artist. Here are some student examples of strong artist study/artist research screens.
Use this checklist to make sure your artist study screen is clear, focused, and aligned with IB expectations.
1. Artist Introduction
☐ Did you include the ceramic artist’s full name, origin, and time period?
☐ Did you explain what kind of ceramic work they make and what they are known for?
Key vocabulary: ceramicist, studio pottery, functional ware, sculptural ceramics, contemporary craft, vessel, ceramic traditions
2. Cultural and Historical Context
☐ Did you explain the social, cultural, or historical context behind their ceramic work?
☐ Did you explore how place, culture, or heritage influences their use of form, surface, or firing techniques?
Key vocabulary: tradition, indigenous, utilitarian, ceremonial, folk craft, heritage, regional style, cultural symbolism, clay sourcing
3. Formal and Conceptual Analysis
☐ Did you describe their form, surface treatment, and building technique?
☐ Did you analyze how shape, glaze, texture, and material choices support the meaning or function of their work?
☐ Did you identify how the artist balances concept with craftsmanship?
Key vocabulary: handbuilt, wheel-thrown, slab construction, coiling, glaze layering, slip decoration, texture, form, oxidation/reduction firing, kiln atmosphere
4. Personal Reflection
☐ Did you explain why this ceramic artist is meaningful or relevant to your own interests?
☐ Did you describe what you learned from them about working with clay or expressing ideas through ceramic forms?
Key vocabulary: influence, inspiration, connection, material exploration, tactile, intuitive process, reflective practice, engagement with form
5. Connection to Your Work
☐ Did you show how this artist influenced your project or helped you think differently about working with clay?
☐ Did you include visual experiments (e.g. test tiles, clay maquettes, glaze samples) that relate to their style or method?
☐ Did you clearly explain how their influence appears in your work through form, texture, or meaning?
Key vocabulary: adaptation, material response, surface development, technique translation, functional design, sculptural approach, refinement, glaze experimentation
6. Visual Quality
☐ Did you include at least one high-quality image of the artist’s ceramic work (with title, year, material, and dimensions)?
☐ Did you annotate or highlight important features like surface details, form, or glaze behavior?
☐ Did you include your own work, tests, or sketches that respond directly to their approach?
Key vocabulary: detail, foot ring, rim, vessel wall, silhouette, tactile quality, visual rhythm, balance, profile
7. Citations
☐ Did you credit all artist images with name, title, year, material, and source?
☐ Did you cite any articles, interviews, or websites you referenced?
A Look Ahead
Next Class We Will Prepare Your Shelf Concept:
You need to plan your design with intention and function in mind.
Know Your Attachment Plan
Decide how and where your shelf and coil will connect to your portrait slab.Consider Hanging Method
Think ahead about how your piece will hang on the wall. Be sure to leave space for a nail hole or add a built-in hanging system. This is part of your functional design.Sketch Your Final Vision
You should have a clear, labeled sketch of what your finished portrait shelf will look like, including:
• Shelf placement and shape
• Coil placement and shape
• Any decorative or symbolic elements
• Hanging solution
Optional: Indicate materials or textures you plan to include
Strong planning now will lead to a stronger, more successful final piece
Minimum Requirements:
1 Portrait Slab – Slightly larger than A4 size (this will hold your carved portrait - leave room for a nail notch)
1 Shelf Slab
1 Coil
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Prepare Your Portrait for Transfer:
Prepare Your Portrait for Transfer:
Digitally: Use a drawing app or editing tool to trace bold lines around the important features of your face (eyes, nose, mouth, jawline, hair, etc.). Focus on outlines, features, and areas of contrast. Consider where you might want to add texture or pattern in your carving.
By Hand: Print your photo and use a colored pen or pencil to trace the key contour lines of your face. Focus on outlines, features, and areas of contrast. Consider where you might want to add texture or pattern in your carving.
Extend your design down to your shoulders. Avoid letting features "fade off" the bottom of the page. Anything left vague or open at the edge won’t transfer well onto the clay.
Consider how your portrait slab and shelf will connect. Think about where the slab will sit and how the two parts can visually and structurally work together.
Design your shelf with intention. Will it be simple or detailed? Carved or textured? Think about how the design, texture, or symbols on the shelf itself can support or enhance the meaning of your portrait.
Your goal is a piece that feels cohesive, thoughtful, and personal, from surface to structure.
Make sure your lines are clear, intentional, and easy to see, this is what you'll use for your sgraffito carving!
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