Emphasizes functional pots and the wheel as the primary technique of construction. Introduces the history of functional ceramics as an idea source for functional designs and includes instruction in kiln stacking. This class meets for six (6) hours a week.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
To provide the basic skills in developing forms on the potter’s wheel necessary for students interested in a possible ceramics emphasis at a four your art program, a career in ceramics or for setting up a home studio, and to encourage creative problem solving skills within the arts.
- Course overview and vocabulary
Develop and understanding and utilization of the vocabulary used to describe the various ways and means of working on a potter's wheel.
- The potter’s wheel
Demonstrated the ability to center, open and pull up clay on the potter’s wheel.
- Tumblers
Create a group of cylindrical tumblers on the potter’s wheel
- Bowls
Create a group of functional bowls on the potter’s wheel
- Trimming
Transform the shape of thrown pieces by trimming a foot on the bottom edge
- Mugs
Create a group of mugs that have functional and aesthetically pleasing handles
- Surface design
Demonstrate proficiency in using slips and glazes to put aesthetically pleasing as well as functional surfaces on pottery.
- Glaze mixing
Demonstrate the ability to use the balance scale and mix a large batch of glaze.
- Kiln loading
Assist in the stacking of both electric and gas kilns
- Ceramic aesthetics
Analyze and contrast different themes and construction techniques in one’s work and how discuss how these fit into a historical and/or contemporary overview of the media.
Assessment and Requirements
- Evaluation of hands-on projects.
- Critiques and class discussion.
- Written quizzes.
- Final exam.
The Complete Potter by Steve Mattison
Thomas, Shafer: Pottery Decoration, NewYork, Watson-Guptill
The Complete Potter - Throwing by Richard Phethean
Outcomes
Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Demonstration of live ability to make all the items covered in class to a high skilled level.
Extensive portfolio of ceramic work done by the individual that covers the work cited in the Course Master
Determined by department.