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.
