Sculpture and Ceramics I
(Intermediate)
Course Description
Prerequisite(s): Visual Arts I – Beginning or Portfolio Review
Students begin to develop their knowledge and technical abilities in three-dimensional design through the medium of clay and other sculptural materials. Various types of clay construction and glazing techniques are explored. Emphasis will be placed on technique, originality, planning and organizing three-dimensional compositions.
Sketchbook Assignments and requirements:
Sketchbook assignments for this class are broken down into two different categories: Artist Research and Project Design Prompts. Each assignment category has its own requirements listed below.
Artist Research Requirements:
Research assignments require students to choose an artist who works in 3-dimensional media (see list provided or choose your own) and fill at least one full PAGE with research about your chosen artist. Include a minimum of the following requirements:
At least one drawing of the artist’s works. (You may include other printed images as well).
Who: A short biography of the artist.
What: What type of work do they create? Describe their style.
When: During what time period did the artist work?
Where: Where is the artist from?
Why: What was the purpose behind the artist’s work? What were they trying to communicate?
How: What sculptural processes did the artists use to create their work?
Write in your own words, don't plagiarize! The obvious sources are only a google away. Consider using a combination of print and web sources. There are many art reference books available in the classroom for you to use.
Examples of possible Artist Research spreads. Be considerate of usage of space and overall visual appearance of your page and/or spread. Keep your page visually organized, and use appropriately sized drawings and images. Avoid turning in a wall of text with tiny drawings - this will lead to a deduction in your grade.
Link for Examples:
Sketchbook designs by Henry Moore
Project Design Requirements:
Fill one full SPREAD (2 facing pages) for each assignment.
The left page will be used for quick brainstorming – thumbnails, lists, notes, research, etc. There should be evidence of at least 4 different designs. Brainstorming may be very loose and fast, but should show evidence of thought. Demonstrate creativity and depth of thought in interpreting the prompt.
The right page will be reserved for ONE refined and clean drawing of your final proposed design, including color. Drawings should be 3-Dimensional in nature and describe the Form of the proposed sculpture. Side/Profile drawings of the sculpture (from a different angle) are highly recommended. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of drawing three-dimensional form, including accurate perspective and value.
Project Design prompts
design #1 - Dwelling
A manufacturer of pet and aquarium supplies has put out a call to artists for sculptural ceramic works that will serve dual function as dwellings for animals. The manufacturers are seeking creative and unique solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. What kind of animal or creature is your dwelling designed for? How will it enter and exit? What will the interior and exterior look like?
Requirements:
Must be at least 5" in any dimension (Height, Width , or Depth).
Does not need to be to scale of your actual creature.
BE CREATIVE! Think beyond trite and overused imagery (i.e. Mushroom Houses.)
You must create an appropriate sized version of your animal or creature to be displayed with the completed sculpture!
Final products may be glazed or painted. Include final surface colors in your proposal.
Sculpture created by former CHS Student
Sculpture created by former CHS Student
Design #2 - Mask
Masks are created by almost every culture across the history of modern mankind, and their designs vary drastically between different cultures, religions, and backgrounds. What would your mask look like? Create a design for a mask that incorporates elements of your personality and identity into the design. Think about symbolism and interesting forms – the mask does not have to have realistic human features.
Requirements:
Must be the size of an average human face. (approximately 8" tall)
Must incorporate an element of symbolism about your personality or background.
Must include two small holes at approximately the height of the temples in order to thread a wire or fishing line for hanging and display.
Must have a thoughtful consideration of surface treatment (paint/glaze/etc.) Include final surface colors in your proposal.
design #3 - Acoustic Amplifier
Create a design for a ceramic sculpture that doubles as an acoustic amplifier for your smart phone or iPod. The design should include a stand/holder for the phone with an opening where the speaker is located – a larger, hollow space for the sound to reverberate within, and a larger opening for the sound to come out of. Be creative with the form, but consider the balance between form and function.
Requirements:
Minimum of 6" in any dimension (H,W,D), but scale should be based upon the dimensions of the current largest popular smartphones, including case.
Must FUNCTION. We are learning about sound for this assignment.
BE CREATIVE! Think beyond trite and overused imagery (i.e. Mushroom Houses.)
Final products may be glazed or painted. Include final surface colors in your proposal.
Image from Google Images.
Design #4 - Plaster Carving
Study the sculptures of the artists Henry Moore and Jean Arp, two very well renowned sculptors whose styles are based upon abstracted forms with an emphasis on the usage of negative space. You will be working with a subtractive carving method from a solid hardened block of plaster for this assignment.
When designing your sculpture, think about what inspires you about the style of these two artists.
Sketchbook Requirements:
Answer the following questions:
How will you utilize abstraction in your design?
How will you utilize negative space in your design?
How will this sculpture be viewed "in-the-round?" (consider all viewpoints).
Create a series of a minimum of 4 thumbnail drawings of your chosen design. Choose one design and draw it neatly and cleanly for presentation as your proposed sculpture.
Design #5 - Juxtaposition
Create a design for a ceramic sculpture that utilizes juxtaposition – combining two unlikely objects together into a single piece to create a jarring, contrasting effect. Juxtaposition was a technique widely used by artists of the Surrealism movement of the 1930s and 40s, which sought to combine reality with dreams or the unconscious mind. Salvador Dali's "Lobster Telephone" and Meret Oppenheim's "Object (Fur Covered Cup)" are both great examples of juxtaposition in surrealist sculpture.
Requirements:
Minimum of 6" in any dimension (H,W,D)
May be created using any combination of slab, pinch, or coil construction. Should be highly detailed and demonstrate expert craftsmanship.
Final products may be glazed or painted. Include final surface colors in your proposal.
Louise Nevelson, Black and White.
design #6 - Found Object Assemblage
Study the sculptures of Louise Nevelson and create a design for a sculpture that incorporates a variety of different found objects (such as scrap wood, frames, computer parts, etc.) into a cohesive sculptural design based on the principles of design, in particular rhythm and unity. Think about the objects that are available to you (either at home or provided at school) and create a design that incorporates a variety of these objects into a 3-dimensional composition. Consider how each object will be attached (adhesives, mechanical connections, etc) in your designs.
Requirements:
Create a series of a minimum of 4 thumbnail drawings of your chosen design options. Choose one design and draw it neatly and cleanly for presentation as your proposed sculpture.
Size: Minimum of 18" in at least one dimension (height, width, or depth).
Final project will be painted with a clean, consistent color using spray paint. Black or white recommended.