Art Department -Art 190V Art 190V Intermediate Ceramics: Hand building and Wheel Throwing

ART DEPARTMENT - ART 190V SYLLABUS

Art 190V Intermediate Ceramics: Hand building and Wheel Throwing

Instructor: Jennifer Owen

Office: Ceramics Studio

Phone : 984-3202 (ext. 202) Ceramics studio

Email: jowen@hawaii.edu | Web page : www2.hawaii.edu/~jowen

A. Course Description:

Art 190V develops vessel and sculptural concepts using hand-building and/or wheel throwing techniques. The course introduces the elements of art through the making of ceramic form. The class progresses beyond basic hand building and wheel throwing techniques to advanced skills: various forming and embellishing techniques, work with colored slip, glaze work, and the firing of kilns. Students work towards development of individual creative expression.

B. Course Credits and Contact Hours per Week:

Three credits, and six lecture/lab contact hours.

C. Prerequisites:

Art 105, or consent.

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D. Learner Outcomes:

Students completing this course will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a proficiency in hand building and/or wheel throwing techniques and an effort to develop a personal style.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of different clay bodies and the relationship of geology to the origin and characteristics of clay.

3. Demonstrate knowledge of the varieties of materials and techniques of the glazing and firing processes, including the basic chemical compositions of glazes, oxidation and reduction firing, low temperature and high temperature firing, and proper kiln care and safety.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of color and surface as it relates to three-dimensional form in the use of glazes and oxides.

5. Demonstrate an ability to load a kiln, and an understanding of the chemical changes that transform clay and glaze at each stage of the firing process.

6. Demonstrate knowledge of historic and contemporary examples of hand built and wheel thrown ceramics.

E. Course Requirements:

1. Completion of 10-15 projects in clay, some being very specific assignments, and others being chosen by the student, following assignment guidelines.

2. Three quizzes, which will test the students' understanding of vocabulary, concepts and techniques of ceramics.

3. Active participation in loading of at least one bisque firing and one glaze firing, and active participation in maintenance of kiln wash on kiln shelves.

4. Mixing of at least one glaze from a recipe, and the making of at least one colored slip.

5. Keeping a notebook that records every clay project, with glaze notes for each piece, as well as lecture notes and notes on glaze tests.

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F. Evaluation and Grading:

Letter grades will be given based on 90-100% = A, 80-89% = B, 70-79%=C, 55-69%=D.

The course requirements will be weighted as follows:

Projects and assignments in clay: 50%

(grading is based on each student's progress, and will consider technical ability, originality, form, surface, glaze, and expression)

• Note: Project grades are based on each student's progress during the class. Projects are graded on craftsmanship, creativity, vitality, form, surface, glaze, expression, and effort.

Participation in class: 15%

Three quizzes: 15%

Mixing glaze and slip: 5%

Notebook 5%

Loading kilns/maintaining kiln shelves 10%

Note: This is a studio course and therefore more emphasis is given to projects than written exams.

Note: Projects are graded when they are unloaded from their final firing. If a piece is damaged or broken before it can be completed, show the instructor what remains of it, for partial credit.

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G. Course Content:

Weeks 1-3:

Introduction to clay

Wedging and recycling clay

Advanced pinching techniques

Originality (pinching unique forms or decoration, texturing surfaces, stamp patterns, adding clay)

Refresher on throwing on the potter's wheel: cylinders

Demo trimming on the wheel when pot is freshly thrown

Altering the forms of thrown cylinders

Lecture: science of clay: plasticity, particle size, grog, cracking, drying, shrinking

Assignment due: one unique pinch pot or one thrown and altered cylinder to share in our first group review. Three other cylinders or pinch pots are also required assignments, but only one needs to be presented for the class review.

Weeks 4-6:

Quiz on clay

Advanced coil techniques and working large with coils

Shape development and aesthetics of proportions

Throwing bowls and plates

Special treatment of rims on the wheel

Review of trimming, both on the wheel and by hand carving

Begin working with colored slips: banding, painting, sgraffito, and mishima

Historical and contemporary slides and discussion of coiling and throwing and altering

Assignment due: one coil project (functional or sculptural), or one thrown piece (functional or sculptural). These projects must show special attention to the overall form of the piece as well as particular attention to the top or rim and base or foot. During our second group review on Feb 18, we will be looking for special treatment of the base and top of each piece, whether coil built or wheel thrown.

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Assignment due: mix a colored slip

Bisque loading and firing, and kiln care and safety (lecture and demonstration).

Lecture topics: atmospheric water, chemical water, quartz inversion, red heat, low fire vs. high fire, gas kilns vs. electric kilns, oxidation vs. reduction

Weeks 7-9:

Quiz on bisque loading and firing

Advanced slab techniques

Planning: drawing and pattern making

Armatures

Using hump mold for bells

Throwing off the hump; making lids and spouts and assembling teapots

Assembling components on the wheel: bells and goblets

Making a simple double wall pot on the wheel: candle holders

Review handles if needed

More slip: wax mishima, layered slip, graduated slip, stencils, dotting

We will hold our third group review of work in progress, looking at the following three assignments:

Assignment due: one slab built project (functional or sculptural) that is planned out using drawings and patterns, or one thrown project that is assembled from at least 3 thrown elements (may be functional or sculptural). This may be a teapot but is not limited to a teapot.

Assignment due: one bell donated to MCC, either thrown and assembled on the wheel or handbuilt.

Assignment due: one candle holder donated to MCC, made as a double wall pot on the wheel or hand built using pattern provided by instructor.

Assignment due: The creation of one musical instrument out of clay besides the bell. This could be a flute or percussion instrument, or another kind of bell.

Weeks 8-15:

Glazing: paint, dip, pour, sponge, waxing, etc. (review, lecture and demonstration)

Lecture on the science of glaze (chemical composition, effects of temperature and atmosphere of firing on coloring oxides)

Lecture on loading and firing glaze (kiln wash, vitrification, , low fire vs. high fire, gas kilns vs. electric kilns, oxidation vs. reduction)

Health and safety in relation to glazes

Overlapping glazes and special effects

Staining techniques

Quiz on glaze science and application and glaze kiln loading and firing

Begin throwing large by coil and throw or sectional throwing

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We will hold a fourth group review to look at progress on the following assignment:

Assignment due: Make six small studies (maquettes) for sculptures, with each exploring one of the following styles:

• Realistic (looks like something we would recognize)

• Organic (based on the form of a living plant or animal)

• Geometric (based on geometric forms)

• Architectonic (like architecture or buildings)

• Abstract (not looking like anything we would recognize)

• Expressionistic (expressive of emotions)

Next, make one larger version of one of your maquettes. You may alter the piece somewhat from the maquette, but it should definitely be inspired by the original design.

Assignment due: Mixing of one bucket of glaze.

Assignment due: two planters donated to MCC, made to specifications for the collaboration with the AG program for 2004 pottery and plant sale fundraiser.

Assignment due: Research a style of ceramics or a ceramic artist or a historical period, Xerox or print out some images to show the class, take written notes on your research, make an oral report to the class, and make a ceramic piece inspired by the artist or period you researched. You will find two periodicals, Studio Potter and Ceramics Monthly in our MCC library, as well as some good books. The public libraries or the Internet are also sources. There are numerous copies of Ceramics Monthly in the MCC ceramics studio that may be used for research in the studio (they may not be taken home).

Assignment due: A ceramic piece (functional or sculptural) of your own design, using any techniques you like. If you would like an idea to follow you may find an object, either from nature or man-made, and use it as inspiration for a piece or make a piece that looks like it is made of a material (or object) other than clay.

Assignment due: Decorate two pieces with two different kinds of slip decoration.

Assignment due: It is required that you assist in the loading and firing (during class time) of at least one bisque and one glaze firing. You will also be required to participate in the regular maintenance of the kiln shelves (chiseling, grinding, and repairing kiln wash). If you choose to fire pieces in raku firings, you must assist in setting up and putting away the kiln, as well as cleaning up after each firing your work is included in.

Week 15&16:

Final firings

End of class review and grading

Clean up of studio

Assignment due: Check and grade notebooks for glaze notes, lecture notes, and notes on research and projects.

H. Attendance

Attendance and punctuality is extremely important if you wish to do well in this class. If you have a legitimate emergency (health, work or family crisis) you must call ext. 202 ( 984-3202 ) to report the reason for your absence before the class meets. If you are not excused from a class, your absence will be marked against you. Tardiness will also be marked against you. If you are tardy four times, that is the equivalent of being absent once.

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I. Supplies

By the second class meeting, you will be expected to have:

• notebook (You must record glaze notes for every piece you glaze. You will also be expected to take notes during lectures. Handouts should be filed in notebook.)

• a tool kit or the equivalent (available at the MCC Bookstore), and a tool box to store tools (cutting wire, sponge, scoring tool, clay knife, rubber rib, wood rib, metal rib, serrated metal rib, needle tool, etc.)

• clay (a 25 pound bag, available at the MCC Bookstore)

• dry cleaner plastic or several kitchen size plastic garbage bags

• small and medium paint brush (kind that comes to a point)

• rubber gloves (surgical or kitchen type)

• green scrubby pad for sanding unfired clay

• water bucket, minimum 1 quart size

• optional:

• water spray bottle (spritzer)

• plastic triangle square

• ruler

• apron or smock to keep your clothes clean

• small towel for cleaning up or drying hands

• sheet of 80 grit sand paper for sanding fired clay

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J. Safety:

Throughout the course, safety will be stressed, with particular attention given to safety in kiln firing procedures, glaze mixing and handling, and the prevention and hazards of dust throughout the entire studio and in every stage of working with clay and glaze. Each student will be expected to leave the course with a clear understanding of the health hazards associated with ceramics, and well-developed habits in the safe handling of ceramic materials. Any deviance from safety procedures will not be tolerated and will be corrected immediately.

“Assumption of Risk and Release Forms” are required from all students. Before using the equipment for a class project, your instructor will review safety procedures. It is also your responsibility to review those procedures before using the equipment.

Activities that create dust from clay or other silica-bearing materials require the use of an OSHA-approved particle mask. These activities include: 1) scraping kiln shelves (protective Eyewear is also required); 2) mixing dry glazes; 3) using the dry glaze room; 4) grinding or sanding clay; and 5) sanding glaze. Please ask for a dust mask or respirator when needed, and perform these activities outside the classroom, away from other students. Manipulating clay involves some repetitive motion, which can put students at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome and other disorders. Students are to inform the instructor immediately if they experience any pain or discomfort in or after class.

K. Service Learning Option

Instead of the research assignment(written report, oral report, and ceramic piece inspired by research) and one other assignment of your choosing, or instead of taking the three quizzes , a student may elect to volunteer for a non-profit arts organization for 20 hours during the semester. Possible organizations include the Maui Arts and Cultural Center Exhibit Program (helping with the installation of shows in the gallery), the Hui No`eau Visual Arts Center (assisting the teacher in a children's ceramics class), and Hale Makua (helping with craft activities or creating decorations for the facility).

Service Learning is a learning method that connects meaningful community service experiences with academic learning, personal growth, and civic responsibility. It enhances what is taught by extending students' learning beyond the classroom and providing opportunities to acquire skills and knowledge in real-life situations in the community.

Your instructor has already arranged for certain non-profit agencies to participate with MCC and our class in Service Learning. Students make their own contacts with the volunteer coordinator or director at an agency of their choice. Students arrange their own schedules, keep a time log and have it signed by a supervisor, record their experiences in a reflective journal, share their experiences with their classmates, and submit a two-page paper at the end of the semester.

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L. Extra Credit Opportunities

There are 3 quizzes. If a student wants to raise any quiz grade by half of a grade point, they may take advantage of several extra credit opportunities.

There are three videos on ceramic artists on reserve in the library, for viewing in the library only. If any student views a video and hands in a one-paragraph summary or notes taken while viewing the video, they will raise one quiz grade by half of a grade point.

There will be some other opportunities to earn extra credit by attending art lectures or exhibits and writing a 3-6 sentence response to the experience. The instructor will announce these opportunities as they arise.

M. Library Resources

There are two periodicals in our MCC library devoted to ceramics: Ceramics Monthly and Studio Potter . There are also many books on ceramics with call numbers in the range of TT 900-950 and NK 3600-4500.

Three videos have been placed on reserve for your use. They are:

Toshiko Takaezu: Portrait of an Artist

Randy Johnston: The Nourishable Accident

Betty Woodman: Thinking Out Loud

Ceramics Studio Procedures

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N. Use of Facilities

• Only students currently registered in ceramics may use facilities; children, family or friends are not allowed in the studio.

• Excessive production of ceramic works will not be allowed, and the interpretation of the word “excessive” is entirely at the discretion of the instructor. The MCC studio is not an environment where the production of commercial work is appropriate, and it will not be allowed. The instructor reserves the right to refuse to fire any work, either because it is inappropriate for the college environment, because it is too large, because it is repetitive, because it is of low quality, or because it poses a risk to other work or to the kilns or other equipment.

Music

• Radios and other music may not be used during class time, except by permission of the instructor.

Smoking

• Smoking is not allowed in or near the studio.

Footwear

• Footwear is mandatory at all times.

Work Space

• Please make it your responsibility to help keep the studio clean. Your contribution to studio chores will figure in to the “attendance” portion of your grade. Work habits and effort are an important part of the evaluation process of your grade. If you come late, leave early, sit around the studio when kilns need to be stacked, glazes need to be mixed, etc., you will be losing grade credit towards your final grade in the course. Helping in the studio is mandatory and is part of the course. At the end of each class, studio tools and work surfaces (wheels, tables, slab roller, extruder) are to be clean and all work stored on shelves.

• All clay and glaze (wet or dry) and water containing clay or glaze must be kept out of the lavatory sinks in order to prevent clogging the drains. Instructions will be given for use of the outside barrels.

Phones

• Cell phones and beepers should be turned off during class. Only in an emergency should phone calls be made or received during class time, and the instructor must be informed of this necessity before class.

Special Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for students with documented physical, sensory, systemic, cognitive, learning and psychiatric disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring accommodations in this class, please notify Lisa Correa - Special Needs Coordinator at 984-3496 or Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) 984-3325 or the Text Telephone (TT) replay service at 643-8833. That office will verify your disability and provide the course instructor with recommendations for appropriate accommodations.

Declaring grade when student registers.

Under the banner system the student must declare a grading option when he registers (either online or in person). If he does not, it will default to GR (letter grade). He may choose GR, C/NC, or L for audit. However, if he does not choose any grade when he registers and it defaults to GR, the student has until the end of late registration to change to an “audit” grade. He must go online to his record or ask student services to do this for him. The second choice is if he wishes CR/NC, he has until the end of withdrawal date to go in and change the grading option on the class to CR/NC. The instructor cannot change the student's record.

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