Since we are currently working towards making projects on the wheel, I would like each of you to find

an image of a bowl or mug

online, in a book or magazine and bring it in to class by Friday Sept. 30th

(if you bring it in early you will get extra credit!)

Choose a picture that inspires you and gives you ideas in terms of surface design or decoration

Tremendous Texture Tiles!

For this project, you will create tiles with an image drawn, carved, pressed and/or painted onto the surface. You will need to bring in at least 3 items to press into the clay to create textures (think leaves, sticks, lace, buttons, old jewelry, etc.) Your central image will be a narrative (based on a story, true or fictional). Choose from literature, or create your own story (but you have to write it down!) You have two options for what type of tiles to create:

Single Tile: One tile, approximately 6”x6”, square or irregular outside shape.

Must include: at least 3 textures, at least one area of 3D sculpting, even background tile thickness

Multiple Tiles: Three or Four tiles, connected through a central image. Each tile is approximately 4”x4”.

Must include: at least 3 textures, at least one area of 3D sculpting , even background tile thickness

Your projects will be graded on the following:

Craftsmanship: Neatness, careful control drying (no warped tiles), glazing

Creativity: Well-planned ideas based on a story, careful application of textures

Community: How you relate to your peers, cleanup habits, attendance

Mrs Patterson * Beginning Ceramics

Clay is an ancient medium that began as a means to create functional objects used in everyday life, and has evolved to become one of the most beautiful forms of artistic expression. In this class, you will have the opportunity to explore your creativity through the form and function of ceramics. I encourage you to take risks and develop your personal style throughout the semester. In this class, we will study the beginning techniques of pinching, coiling and slab building. We will also practice beginning skills on the wheel. In addition to the class work, you will have weekly assignments reinforcing the techniques we are studying.

For this class you will need: a shoebox to store clay and projects in (I have some used ones, or you can get your own) a notebook to record outside assignments and sketch project ideas (lined, blank, leftover from Foundations…) three plastic bags to wrap clay in--small trash bags and gallon-sized Ziploc bags work wellsoap, hand lotion or tissues to contribute to the classroom

Grading Your projects will be graded by the execution of the technique studied, the glaze or finish, and your written feedback on the grading sheet. You are responsible for any assignments written on the board, so check it daily! Your overall grade will be a combination of your projects, outside assignments, and effort.

Cleanup Keeping this room clean is a matter of safety. Each artist is responsible for their own workspace as well as a weekly studio job, which will help with the general maintenance of the studio space. Completion of your cleanup jobs will factor into your effort grade.

Expectations

*You will show up on time and remain in class until the bell rings. If you need to leave, tell me. Lining up at the door before the bell shows me that you have extra time to do more cleaning!

*You will work on projects throughout the class, and clean up well every day. Your effort grade is heavily based upon everyday work habits, so make them good. No non-enrolled students are allowed in the room during class time.

*No food or drink in the room. It is unhealthy to eat in this room due to the nature of the materials we use, and this also avoids messes in the workspace.

*No Ipods or cell phones during class. This is a school rule as well as my own rule—these devices are distracting and antisocial, making it difficult for me to teach and for you to learn.

*Respect the kilns! They are almost always running, and they get very hot. Please be careful when bringing work into the kiln room

*Respect each other. Remember the Golden Rule? Your language and attitude create the atmosphere in our classroom, and make it a comfortable place to be. If you can speak in a respectful way and manage your time well while you are in this class, you will do well this semester!