ART 54 - Ceramics III - Low Fire

Transfer Status

CSU/UC

Prerequisite

ART 50

Unit(s)

3.00

• Lecture: 34.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
• Lab: 51.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
• Total: 85.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course expands on the hand-building and wheel-throwing skills learned in the introductory class, with an emphasis on a variety of low-fire glaze and surface techniques, setting up additional possibilities for creative expression.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Differentiate low-fire clay varieties, ceramic forming glazing, and firing processes.
2. Create ceramic forms utilizing pinch, coil, soft slab, hard slab, and throwing techniques.
3. Analyze and demonstrate existing ceramic pieces and distinguish the forming, glazing, and firing processes used in creating them throughout history.
4. Produce and apply low-fire surface treatment to a variety of different forms.
5. Examine and describe historical and contemporary developments, trends, materials, and approaches in low-fire ceramics.
6. Assess and critique ceramics in group, individual, and written contexts using relevant critique formats, concepts and terminology.
7. Safely handle and use all studio equipment, tools, and materials.
8. Create a body of finished work based on assignments, self expression and individual direction.

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lab

1. Class Activities
2. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
3. Instructor Demonstrations
4. Lecture
5. Multimedia Presentations
6. Problem-Solving Sessions

1. Quizzes
2. Portfolios
3. Class participation
4. Lab Projects
5. Critiques will be given on work in process as well as finished work. A notebook of class handouts and notes taken from lecture/demonstrations will be required and a written exam on lecture material will be given.

Reading Assignments

1. Prior to attending class during which plaster mold-making is demonstrated, read about these techniques in the textbook "Hands in Clay", and write down some questions for the instructor to answer during and after the demonstration.
2. Read the chapter "Surface: Texture, Color, and Glaze" in the textbook "Hands In Clay". Come to class prepared to discuss techniques you'd like to try in your own work.

Writing Assignments

1. Using the list of ceramic artists provided, research seven and submit a 2-3-page written summary. You should include a biography, artists' ideas about their work (see artist statements), processes, including building techniques, types of clay and firing, and connections or divergences to other artists. How do they use clay for the exploration of ideas and emotions? Include visual examples of the work.
2. Keep a journal in which you write entries describing the evolution of form and concept for all assigned clay projects.

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. View the color plates that are presented in the textbook "Hands in Clay". Pick a low-fire piece pictured there that you regard as worthy of emulation. Create a project that is similar in form and surface treatment but which includes distinctively personal twist.
2. Attend a local or regional art show or an exhibition at an art museum to get ideas for sculptural forms. Take photographs (where permitted) or make sketches of forms you are interested in for future reference. Alternative options to complete this assignment will be identified in the instructions.

Louisa Taylor. (2022). The Ceramics Bible. Chronicle Books, revised edition. 978-1797215143.

Other Learning Materials

Students will purchase their own clay and tools.

Art (Masters Required)

Ceramic Technology