ceramics
This course will introduce students to clay properties, proper firing temperatures, different firing techniques, glazing and methods for hand-building building with clay. Students will learn about different periods in history that were strongly influenced by ceramics and pottery. Students will explore the century old controversy of art versus craft and the differences between the two. Students will learn about contemporary and historic styles of ceramics and how ceramics has evolved over time.
After successfully completing this course, students will be able to create complex works of art using a variety of techniques, technologies, resources and independent decision making. Students will also gain the knowledge necessary to fire and glaze clay properly as a result of this course.
After successfully completing this course, students will be able to create complex works of art using a variety of techniques, technologies, resources and independent decision making. Students will also gain the knowledge necessary to fire and glaze clay properly as a result of this course.
Objectives
1. Demonstrate clay handling, maintenance and storage.
2. Identify and demonstrate handbuilding techniques
3. Identify and demonstrate the various surface decoration technique.
4. Demonstrate proper glazing skills on a clay form
5. Identify and demonstrate proper tool usage
6. Identify the properties, characteristics and techniques of glaze
7. Identify and demonstrate the elements and principles of art
8. Students can formally critique a piece of art
9. Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
10. Students will be able to identify the elements of art and how they are used in works of art.
11. Students will be able to use these elements of art to make original and independent works of art.
12. Students will be able to talk about their own artwork and the work of others in a constructive manner.
13. Students will be able to make content connections in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and music.
14. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of cultural history and connections to the arts.
2. Identify and demonstrate handbuilding techniques
3. Identify and demonstrate the various surface decoration technique.
4. Demonstrate proper glazing skills on a clay form
5. Identify and demonstrate proper tool usage
6. Identify the properties, characteristics and techniques of glaze
7. Identify and demonstrate the elements and principles of art
8. Students can formally critique a piece of art
9. Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
10. Students will be able to identify the elements of art and how they are used in works of art.
11. Students will be able to use these elements of art to make original and independent works of art.
12. Students will be able to talk about their own artwork and the work of others in a constructive manner.
13. Students will be able to make content connections in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and music.
14. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of cultural history and connections to the arts.
Projects
Unit 1: Slab project
Students create a Richard Serra-inspired Slab construction. Project explores foundational understandings of slab building, stages of clay, and surface decoration techniques. See links below for more in depth content regarding each aspect of the Unit 1: Slab.
Glazing
Glazing correctly and creatively is one of RLHS Fine Arts Power Standards in Ceramics. See link below to review correct glazing techniques.

glazes[4].ppt | |
File Size: | 11345 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
Unit 2: Abstraction vessel
For this unit, students are transforming an ordinary pinch pot vessel to make it extraordinary. They are using abstraction methods to accomplish this. Below, you will find unit resources explaining the details of the project.
DRAPE BOWL PROJECT
CREATING BOWLS FROM A MOLD
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS:
•Bowl form must come from a drape mold
•Lip must have some type of altered/organic look
•Must have original feet for support on bottom
(At least 3 feet recommended for balance)
•Must use at least two surface techniques
•Your bowl must have a theme
•Your bowl must be “stain glazed” somewhere
•Your bowl must use the Principle of Design: Pattern
(In the lip, in the design, or in the surface techniques)
ADDITIONALLY, TO QUALIFY FOR A “4” ON THIS PROJECT, YOU WILL NEED TO INCLUDE A DESIGN, PATTERN AND THEME FROM INSPIRED BY A SPECIFIC CULTURE. CULTURAL OPTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
AZTEC
ABORIGINAL
GREEK
INUIT
EGYPTIAN
BOWL MUST INCLUDE DESIGN, PATTERN AND CLEAR CONNECTION TO ONE OF THE ABOVE CULTURES. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO SKETCH, AND PROVIDE A WRITTEN REFLECTION ON HOW YOUR DRAPE BOWL CONNECTS TO THE CULTURE YOU CHOSE. FOLLOW THE LINK TO VIEW INFORMATION AND EXAMPLES OF EACH CULTURE:
•Bowl form must come from a drape mold
•Lip must have some type of altered/organic look
•Must have original feet for support on bottom
(At least 3 feet recommended for balance)
•Must use at least two surface techniques
•Your bowl must have a theme
•Your bowl must be “stain glazed” somewhere
•Your bowl must use the Principle of Design: Pattern
(In the lip, in the design, or in the surface techniques)
ADDITIONALLY, TO QUALIFY FOR A “4” ON THIS PROJECT, YOU WILL NEED TO INCLUDE A DESIGN, PATTERN AND THEME FROM INSPIRED BY A SPECIFIC CULTURE. CULTURAL OPTIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
AZTEC
ABORIGINAL
GREEK
INUIT
EGYPTIAN
BOWL MUST INCLUDE DESIGN, PATTERN AND CLEAR CONNECTION TO ONE OF THE ABOVE CULTURES. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO SKETCH, AND PROVIDE A WRITTEN REFLECTION ON HOW YOUR DRAPE BOWL CONNECTS TO THE CULTURE YOU CHOSE. FOLLOW THE LINK TO VIEW INFORMATION AND EXAMPLES OF EACH CULTURE: