HOMEWORK... June 8 - 12 CERAMICS: Visit a local art gallery or museum, the class webpages and links to ceramic websites. Read/study Chapters 1 - 6 (in text). Prepare for final exam. CERAMICS ASSIGNMENTS MR. BOYD MULTI-FORM WHEEL PIECE (4X4) Combine at least four (4) wheel-thrown forms in one large object (i.e. bottle, vase, jug, and cylinder) approximately 18” high. Create contours that conceal all joints (using scoring and slip) by treating the surface with various textures (a minimum of four). Textures should compliment each other and the form, as well as develop unity for the piece. MIXED MEDIA OBJECT (CONTAINER) Using any technique or combination of techniques, create a covered (lid) container with other materials included for handles, knobs, feet or decorations. The function of the piece will determine its form, and mixed media may include wood, metal, leather, hardware, etc. Brass, copper, and hardwoods are recommended materials, but seashells, rocks, driftwood, bones may also be considered as items to use in the finished work. Contrasting textures should create interest. SERIES – A COLLECTION OF WORKS Select any subject and any technique(s) for this group of pieces—all related by subject matter. These works do not necessarily need to be utilitarian in nature, but could be functional with a common purpose. There should be five separate pieces in this series demonstrating different techniques, textures, materials, and other art elements. Keep in mind the group must maintain unity with the obvious attention to diversity. SLAB SCULPTURE This abstract work will be constructed entirely of slabs. Emphasis should be directed towards creating dynamic and interesting space within the piece and capturing the essence of the subject (characteristics). Planes (slabs) should intersect with boldness and joints should be finished with care and precision. The scale of the work should be in harmony with the weight and proportion of the sculpture walls, a minimum of 12” high. Surface treatment of the slabs should not detract from the overall form and appearance. NARRATIVE WORK Select a work of literature to illustrate or depict using clay. The ceramic work may employ any technique and may include more than one object (i.e. tableau). The source may be fiction or non-fiction, mythology, proverbs, fables or short stories, but the origin, title, author, etc. should be documented. The ceramic work should clearly represent the subject selected and require little explanation for the viewer to interpret. Humor could be used to create interest in this piece. PRESS MOLD PIECE Construct or locate a mold to use for a “press mold” ceramic object. This piece may be functional or non-functional but should be created largely using the slab or “patch” method. Molds may be made of wood, plaster, metal or plastic and could include large kitchen bowls, wooden boxes, pre-made plaster forms, plastic containers, etc. The form of the work should be based on some geometric shape, and the size minimum is 10" in any direction. Texture and pattern will be vital elements in the work, and the use of negative space is highly recommended (desirable). CEREMONIAL OBJECT Create an object that appears to be an actual artifact of some significance— some special ceremonial relic from the past. This object may be based on historical facts related to an ancient culture, or the story and the ceremony may be entirely fictitious. Complete the piece using any technique (s) with careful attention to detail. Attempt to finish the object in a manner (use of technique and material) that suggests the appearance of a true antiquity (color, texture, and surface finish), convincing the viewer that the work is real. Size will be established by the object’s purpose and importance. CERAMIC WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS MR. BOYD Complete the following assignments with care and attention to proper writing guidelines (spelling, grammar, structure, content, neatness, etc.). It is recommended students use the computers (wordprocessing program) in class to complete the assignments appropriately (use any computer printer). Prepare to present each paper to the class. 1) Summarize an article from Ceramics Monthly or ART NEWS – select any issue to review and read. Your written summary of one article should be approximately one page (typed using computer) and include relevant and interesting information on the topic reported (artist, technique, movement, museum, etc.). 2) Report on selected ceramic artist from research on Internet, using sites suggested. Biographical report should include basic factual information on the artist and contain interesting anecdotal bits as well, and should be no more than three pages (typed on the computer). 3) FILM REVIEW – write a review (one page typed) of the film shown in class: include the title, describe the topic(s) presented, its contribution to subject (ceramics), approach to delivering information, and appeal to viewers. 4) After visiting a local art gallery, write a summary (minimum of three typed pages) of your impressions of the experience. Describe the gallery, its location and surroundings, in addition to the works of art exhibited. Include quotes of the people you interviewed (owner, manager, artist) for information on sales and operation. Comment on the artists’ intentions, artwork, and business relationship with the gallery.