VSH Ceramics

Produce Creature

2012-02-02T14:39:00.000-05:00

Produce (noun): agricultural products collectively, esp. vegetables and fruits.

Animal (noun): any member of the kingdom Animalia, comprising multicellular beings that have well-defined shape and limited growth, can move voluntarily, actively acquire food and digest it internally, and have sensory and nervous systems that allow them to respond rapidly to stimuli, esp. mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians.

The activity:

An environmental disaster has occurred. DNA has mutated. The Animal Kingdom and the Vegetable Kingdom have been forced to combine and create new species and creatures? Your activity will be to create a ceramic representation of a new produce create.

Processes you will learn and use:

Perfect pinch pots, reshaping a pinch pot globe, scoring and slipping procedure for attaching clay together

What you’ll do:

Brainstorm a list of 20 different kinds of produce and 20 different animals.
Research both produce and animals and narrow each list to 3. Choose and pair produce and animals that you find interesting and that could work together for an inventive new creature. For example, a pineapple would not pair well with a snake because their characteristics are not similar. You should have 3 pairs.
Elaborate and define the characteristics of each item in your 3 pairings. Characteristics should include things such as: shape, color, texture, size, etc.
Continue research and sketching for the 3 pairs in order to help decide a final matching.
Choose a final pairing of produce and animal. There are restrictions…I may reject your pairing.
Bring in to class - actual piece of chosen produce & 5 visual representations of chosen animal from a variety of different angles. Note: if you have a 3D form of the animal, bring that in as well.
Sketch from a minimum of 3 angles what your new produce creature will look like. Consider where and how legs, arms, eyes, etc would attach and work with the produce. For example: stems could be tails or tongues, etc. Also, choose a new name for your produce animal hybrid creation.
Recreate a realistic replica of your chosen produce that is a minimum of 4” and maximum of 6” in one direction. Do this by creating 2 perfect pinch pots and reshaping them as done in previous classes. If two circular pinch pots won’t work to create your produce, consider alternate methods and strategies.
*** Don’t forget to poke or cut a hole in your pinch pot produce.***
Use additional clay to attach animal features and characteristics to your produce replica. This will create your final new produce creature.
Paint your produce creature with acrylic paints after it has been fired in the kiln.
Present the final creation with a high regard for craftsmanship.

Requirements (see rubric):

List of 20 different varieties of produce and 20 different species of animals
Top 3 produce and animals that have been paired together, with characteristics defined
3 sketches from 3 different views of final produce and animal combination
Actual piece of produce and 5 printed visual examples of animal to use as reference
Size: minimum 4”; maximum 6” in one direction

Due Dates:

3AC Classes:

Project Packet – Tuesday, 2/7 – start of class

Clay Construction – Friday, 2/17 – end of class

3BD Classes:

Project Packet – Wednesday, 2/8 – start of class

Clay Construction – Thursday, 2/16 – end of class

Let your creative nature go in producing a Fun Fresh Produce Farm Fantasy!

Produce Creature

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First Day of Ceramics - Spring Semester

2012-01-29T21:12:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the first day of Ceramics! I'm looking forward to the next 20 weeks and I hope you are too. Below is the presentation from our first class...because I know you're going to want to review it again. : )

Ceramics - First Day

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"What's Your Cup of Tea" Final Project

2012-01-06T09:51:00.002-05:00

Below is the project packet and presentation for your Ceramics I final project. Everything you need to complete this project is in these 2 files. Please make sure you check the calendar and make sure you are meeting all of the deadlines.

Enjoy!

Ceramic Tea Set Final Project

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Ceramic Tea Set Final Presentation

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"There's No Place Like Home"

2011-12-07T08:35:00.000-05:00

For centuries, the idea of home has been a source of inspiration for numerous artists. The most basic definition for ‘house’ is that of a building in which people live. But, isn’t it more than that? The landscape around the structure can sometimes feel as much as home as being inside it. Whether you live in an apartment in the city, or in a house in the suburbs, a house by the beach or a farm in the countryside, your home can be more than just a shelter. It can be a reflection of yourself, created from your own imagination. The Chinese Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-25 A.D.) were so connected to their houses, that they created tomb offerings that were clay models of their temples and houses, including the animals and furnishings that were in them. It was their way of taking a piece of their everyday life with them in the afterlife.

The activity:

You will create a small animated house and use the walls to illustrate the world in which the house exists.

What you’ll do:

1. Review a brief history of architecture and research the significance of a variety of dwellings from around the world.

2. Analyze how the house has been used as a symbol in artwork. Look at the work of artists:

a. Robert Arneson - http://www.verisimilitudo.com/arneson/alice/alice.htm

b. Christine Federighi - http://people.eku.edu/molinaroj/vce/federighi.html

3. Analyze how humor and cartoon-like illustrations are used in the fine arts by artists:

a. Roy Lichtenstein - http://www.lichtensteinfoundation.org/

b. Claes Oldenburg - http://www.oldenburgvanbruggen.com/

c. Red Grooms - http://www.marlboroughgallery.com/galleries/chelsea/artists/red-grooms

d. Theodor Geisel - http://www.catinthehat.org/history.htm

4. Research architecture and the artists above and choose one style of architecture AND one artist that have inspired you in some way… their style, subject matter, social statements, etc… and print three works that you have gained inspiration from. Be ready to explain how your piece reflects this inspiration.

5. Brainstorm ideas on the kind of house you will create. See Brainstorming & Sketches sheet.

6. Sketch 3 different house ideas based on your brainstorming. Share sketches with teacher and then choose one final design.

7. Create Template… From your sketch, draw the shape of the front wall and one of the side walls on a piece of coated board as if you were going to construct the house out of this board. Houses should be no more than 8 inches tall or wide, so you must get teacher approval on the templates before you cut them. Once approved, cut those shapes, flip them over and trace the cut shapes on top of the remaining board to get the shapes for the back and second side wall. Cut those new shapes. Draw and cut the roof and any other elements to your house. Once all pieces are cut, assemble with masking tape to get a sense of how your house will look once complete. Make alterations if necessary. Label your template.

8. Use template to cut slab pieces and set aside to become leather hard.

9. Develop concept of design… Think of where your house exists and draw a setting for it. See Concept of Design sheet.

10. Build your house using either type of clay available then add details, textures, and any of the features you developed previously.

11. Once fired, you glazes and underglazes to finish your house based on the drawings of the setting.

Slab House

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Greek Pottery - Coil Pot

2011-09-29T15:09:00.000-04:00

The history of pottery stretches back millennia. People across the world have fired or baked moist clay to make pots, plates and ceramic decorations since prehistoric times.

Pottery of Ancient Greece

It is apparent from Greek legends and mythology that clay held an important place in early Greek life.

Mythology tells us that the goddess Athena was the inventor of many useful articles, including earthenware pottery, and that she became the patroness of Greek potters. “Hands in Clay”

What you’ll do:

Visit the site: http://www.ancientgreece.co.uk/ (The British Museum –Ancient Greece)
Click on Daily Life and read about the Greek people.
Next, visit Explore to discover what Greek pots tell us about the life and beliefs of the Greek society. Read through the meaning and uses of Greek pottery and how form followed function.
Last, click on Find out about different pot shapes and complete Worksheet #1: Form and Function. For each pot diagram, write the name of the form and the function of the pot. There are two blank boxes – you can choose 2 pot shapes from the remaining not already shown, draw them in and complete the form and function sections. You should also use the 2^nd link at bottom of page.
As you’ve seen, there are beautiful images and patterns on Greek pottery. Visit the site: http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/greekkey/index.htm and read about the Greek Key pattern. Explore the various links within this page, and then search for additional Greek patterns, motifs, keys and meanders. Note pages and motifs you find interesting in your packet. Print if desired.
Now that you’ve seen a variety of patterns and designs, you will create your own by completing Worksheet #2: What’s Your Pattern?. Your final pot will need at least 2-3 design elements, so be sure to complete at least 6-8 different pattern designs.
As a class, review a PowerPoint about Greek Pottery.
Once you have completed Worksheet #1 and #2, choose and circle 3 or 4 of the Greek pot shapes AND 3 or 4 of the designs or patterns you created. Remember the personal connection – think about the function of the shape and the personal symbolism of the patterns. What you choose should relate to and accommodate your design. Make a few thumbnails sketches of what your pot could look like on the back of Worksheet #1.
After discussing your ideas for your pot and design with teacher, create a final drawing of both your pattern and design and how it would look on the pot shape you’ll build in clay. Your final drawing should fit on the Final Drawing page provided, and your lines should be clean, straight, and the pot should be symmetrical. Be sure you write the Greek name for your pot shape.
Next, you’ll begin working with the clay in materials workshops

Teacher demonstration of coil construction
Self practice by constructing a coil pot with handle with a 3-4” diameter base and 3-4” tall.
Teacher demonstration and practice of sgraffito finishing technique.

Before beginning your final Greek pot, you will create a full size template that will be used as a guide to keep your pot symmetrical. You will make your guide out of Bristol and masking tape.
Using everything you have learned and the sketches you made, you will create a traditional coil formed pot that is a minimum of 6” and maximum of 8” tall and has functional handles.
Finally, you’ll sgraffito and glaze your design on the Greek pot to create a finished work of functional art.

Greek Pottery

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Produce Creature

2011-09-12T11:22:00.000-04:00

Produce (noun): agricultural products collectively, esp. vegetables and fruits.

Animal (noun): any member of the kingdom Animalia, comprising multicellular beings that have well-defined shape and limited growth, can move voluntarily, actively acquire food and digest it internally, and have sensory and nervous systems that allow them to respond rapidly to stimuli, esp. mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians.

The activity:

Processes you will learn and use:

Perfect pinch pots, reshaping a pinch pot globe, scoring and slipping procedure for attaching clay together

What you’ll do:

Brainstorm a list of 20 different kinds of produce and 20 different animals.
Research both produce and animals and narrow each list to 3. Choose and pair produce and animals that you find interesting and that could work together for an inventive new creature. For example, a pineapple would not pair well with a snake because their characteristics are not similar. You should have 3 pairs.
Elaborate and define the characteristics of each item in your 3 pairings. Characteristics should include things such as: shape, color, texture, size, etc.
Continue research and sketching for the 3 pairs in order to help decide a final matching.
Choose a final pairing of produce and animal. There are restrictions…I may reject your pairing.
Bring in to class - actual piece of chosen produce & 5 visual representations of chosen animal from a variety of different angles. Note: if you have a 3D form of the animal, bring that in as well.
Sketch from a minimum of 3 angles what your new produce creature will look like. Consider where and how legs, arms, eyes, etc would attach and work with the produce. For example: stems could be tails or tongues, etc. Also, choose a new name for your produce animal hybrid creation.
Recreate a realistic replica of your chosen produce that is a minimum of 4” and maximum of 6” in one direction. Do this by creating 2 perfect pinch pots and reshaping them as done in previous classes. If two circular pinch pots won’t work to create your produce, consider alternate methods and strategies.
*** Don’t forget to poke or cut a hole in your pinch pot produce.***
Use additional clay to attach animal features and characteristics to your produce replica. This will create your final new produce creature.
Paint your produce creature with acrylic paints after it has been fired in the kiln.
Present the final creation with a high regard for craftsmanship.

Requirements (see rubric):

List of 20 different varieties of produce and 20 different species of animals
Top 3 produce and animals that have been paired together, with characteristics defined
3 sketches from 3 different views of final produce and animal combination
Actual piece of produce and 5 printed visual examples of animal to use as reference
Size: minimum 4”; maximum 6” in one direction

Due Dates:

Will be posted of the board for each class.

* Let your creative nature go in producing a Fun Fresh Produce Farm Fantasy! *

Produce Creature

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First Day of Ceramics

2011-09-05T23:47:00.000-04:00

Ceramics - First Day

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Welcome!

2011-09-04T23:58:00.006-04:00

You've found yourself at Mrs. Duckworth's ceramics site. This is a place for students, parents, teachers and whoever else is interested in learning more about ceramics at Victor Senior High School. I am excited to teach you about creating 3D art with clay!

For our students, please bookmark this site and refer to it often. Your assignments and their subsequent due dates will be posted regularly, as will any reference material necessary to complete your homework. Oftentimes we will post images of art created by you, your classmates and artists throughout history that we would like you to post your intelligent thoughts and opinions about. You will be asked to use your critical thinking skills, thereby demonstrating your growing knowledge of the vast world of art!

For parents, please use this site to keep up to date on what your child is currently learning in his or her ceramics class. We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. Check back often to learn about the new and exciting projects we are working on.

Thank you for visiting and again, please stop back soon. Your contributions will help make this blog a success!

- Mrs. Duckworth

Art History Teapot

2011-05-04T09:33:00.000-04:00

See below for final teapot project materials...

Teapot Final Project

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Teapot Research Packet

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Teapot Final Project Presentation

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Coiled & Stamped Dish

2011-03-31T19:42:00.000-04:00

Hump Mold: is the process of laying a slab of clay over a shape, the hump, and shaping the clay to the form. You can also use the coil method on the mold and not blend the coils together, creating a pattern on the inside. A slump mold is the opposite – where you lay the clay inside of a shape.

Clay Stamping: creating a pattern in clay and shaping it into a stamp form. The stamp is then bisque fired and used to press into soft clay, thus transferring the pattern so it can be repeated in a design.

The activity: Using high-fire clay and glazes, you will create a functional dish using a hump mold, clay coils and clay stamps.

What you’ll do:

Review the PowerPoint on coiled and stamped dishes to understand the process and techniques.
Look at examples and research clay/ceramic pieces created using the coil method, as well as clay pieces that have been stamped.
Find 3 examples of each – coil and stamp. These examples should appeal to you. Print them and attach them to Worksheet #1 – Inspiration Page.
Design your own clay coil dish inspired by your examples. You should design at least 3 different patterns and be sure to include a place to add stamped details. This should be done on Worksheet #2 – Designing and Planning Page.
Design your own clay stamp inspired by your examples. You should design at least 3 different stamps and be sure they work well with the coil patterns you have already designed. This should also be done on Worksheet #2 – Designing and Planning Page.
Bring in a dish from home to use as your hump mold.
Participate in a clay stamp making, coil making and hump molding demonstration.
First, create your clay stamp and put in on shelves near kiln to be fired.
Second, roll several clay coils to use on your dish and make sure they are kept moist by always having them under damp towel and plastic.
Create your coiled dish using the pattern you designed and your hump mold.
When leather hard, pull dish from mold, and repair any mistakes on the inside of the dish. Then you can add details – handles, feet, borders, etc. – and choose an area to be stamped.
Bisque fire your final dish – put it on shelves near the kiln, loosely covered.
Glaze your dish after it has been bisque fired, and return it to shelves near kiln to be fired again.

Tips:

Think about if you want your design to be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
Roll some practice coils to be sure they will form the way you want.
Make all your coils first, and make them the same size. THIS IS KEY! The mold will dry your coil pattern while you take time to roll more coils.
Remember to add details – borders, handles, feet, etc.

Requirements:

Complete Worksheet #1 – Inspiration Page
Complete Worksheet #2 – Designing and Planning Page
Bring in your own mold
Create a clay stamp
Create a final coil dish using a hump mold and clay stamped details

Coiled & Stamped Dish

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Ceramics Tile Molds - Geometry in Design

2011-03-02T09:56:00.000-05:00

Geometry has provided structure and a visual language to designers and makers for centuries. We see geometry’s influence in Islamic tile work, Celtic design and MC Escher’s tessellations. For this project, you will explore how geometric design can be continuous in nature and one design can become a greater whole.

Mold Making: The act or process of making molds. It is necessary for reproducing several of the same three-dimensional patterns in clay.

The activity: You will design a 4”x4” patterned tile in clay, create a plaster mold of the tile and then press four clay tiles from the mold. The four low relief designed tiles will then be put together creating a continuous pattern through all four tiles.

What you’ll do:

1. Review the PowerPoint Geometry in Design.

2. Look at examples and research Islamic, Celtic, and MC Escher patterns, designs, artwork, etc.

3. Find 3 examples of each - Islamic, Celtic, and MC Escher artwork. These examples should appeal to you. Print them and attach them to Worksheet #1 – Inspiration Page. See sheet for further directions.

4. Focus your inspiration on either Islamic, Celtic or MC Escher artwork… and be sure your design could become a continuous pattern.

5. Design your own continuous pattern inspired by your examples. You should design at least 5 different continuous patterns on Worksheet #2 – Designing and Planning Page. Your square designs will be 4”x4”. The worksheet has the squares set for you with additional instructions.

6. Participate in a tile making demonstration.

7. Practice creating you own design/pattern in clay based on your drawings.

a. Roll a slab 1/2” thick and cut it to 4”x4” square. Make a template for the square if needed.

b. Let tile dry slightly before carving.

c. Transfer design to the tile and using a variety of ceramics tools, carve your design into the slab.

d. You can also add coils and details onto the tile for more additional raised elements.

e. As the tile becomes more leather hard you can carve more intricate and refined details.

8. Make a plaster mold of your tile before it is completely leather hard…this means keeping your tile wrapped up tightly until you are ready to make a mold.

9. Duplicate the original tile when the plaster mold has cured (become solid).

a. When plaster is dry, remove original tile and discard that clay, then wash and dry the plaster mold.

b. Press and roll soft clay into the mold, let it dry briefly and then CAREFULLY remove the clay from the mold.

c. OR…you can pour liquid slip into the mold, wait for it to dry to the touch (at least 30 minutes, possibly more). This process is called slip casting.

d. Repeat one of the processes above 3 more times so you end in 4 identical tiles.

e. Carefully carve name into back of each tile when they are close to leather hard and put them on the shelves near the kiln to be fired.

10. Glaze your tiles after they have been bisque fired, and return them to shelves near kiln to be fired again.

11. Mount your final glaze fired tiles into an 8”x8” square for display at Victor Senior High School’s Random Acts of Art Show on May 11^th.

Tips:

* Think about the meaning of your chosen design – research the meanings of Islamic, Celtic and Escher’s artwork. Choose something that is meaningful to you.

* Try several different practice patterns to be sure they work as a whole.

* Make a mini version of your tiles as practice.

* Pay attention to details – a mistake in your original tile will carry though to your mold and every tile you create from it.

* Carefully plan, check and re-check your pattern to make sure it is continuous…a mistake may mean your 8”x8” design doesn’t work.

Requirements:

1. Complete Worksheet #1 – Inspiration Page

2. Complete Worksheet #2 – Designing and Planning Page

3. Create 4”x4” tile in clay

4. Create a plaster mold of your clay tile

5. Create four final and identical tiles that end in a continuous pattern and 8”x8” design

Ceramic tilemolds

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Ceramics Syllabus Review

2011-01-30T22:49:00.000-05:00

See the presentation below for a quick review of key components of the Ceramics 2 syllabus.

Ceramics Syllabus

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Welcome Back to Ceramics!

2011-01-28T12:34:00.000-05:00

Hello, again! In case you forgot about this blog, here's a reminder of what it is...

You've found yourself at Mrs. Holtz and Mrs. Duckworth's ceramics blog. This is a place for students, parents, teachers and whoever else is interested in learning more about ceramics here at Victor Senior High School. We are very excited to continue this course at VSH and teach you about creating 3D art with clay!

For our students, please bookmark this site and refer to it often. Your assignments and their subsequent due dates will be posted regularly, as will any reference material necessary to complete your homework. Oftentimes we will post images of art created by you, your classmates and artists throughout history that we would like you to post your intelligent thoughts and opinions about. You will be asked to use your critical thinking skills, thereby demonstrating your growing knowledge of the vast world of art!

For parents, please use this site to keep up to date on what your child is currently learning in his or her ceramics class. We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. Check back often to learn about the new and exciting projects we are working on.

Thank you for visiting and again, please stop back soon. Your contributions will help make this blog a success!

"Set of..." Final Project - Phase 1

2011-01-05T09:07:00.000-05:00

Here’s your final challenge for Ceramics I… Over the past weeks, you have created ceramic pieces using a variety of clay hand-building techniques - pinch pots, coils and slabs. For Phase 1 of this project, you will brainstorm, research, sketch and plan a functional ceramic set that will incorporate all 3 hand-building techniques in the process and final product. Phase 1 of this project is the planning…if you are moving on to Ceramics II, you will complete Phase 2 and actually create the set in clay.

So, what is a set? It is a collection of articles designed for use together, and have a similar nature, design, or function. Some examples of sets include: salt & pepper shakers, tea cups & saucers, plates, bowls, etc. Your set must include a minimum of 3 pieces, and a maximum of 4 pieces, so consider this as you brainstorm additional types of sets.

Motivation & Inspiration

Your set should be functional, but also have an interesting conceptual theme. Consider the variety of functions a set can have, as well as what meaning and intent could go along with that function. When developing a conceptual theme, think about memories, stories, fables, legends, folklore, nursery rhymes, clichés, puns, irony, religions, politics…

What you’ll do in PHASE 1:

1. Review a PowerPoint and assignment sheet.

2. Review expectations and grading structures.

3. Complete planning steps on following pages…

4. Research & brainstorm a minimum of 10 different types of functional sets.

5. Research & brainstorm a minimum of 10 different conceptual themes to base the style and design of your set on.

a. YOUR OWN idea development and planning.

b. FIVE detailed color drawings, from several angles, that illustrate what your final piece will look like once complete.

c. A detailed set of steps on the process and techniques you will use to create the final set.

d. Complete and hand-in your sketchbook pages, rubric, and one paragraph description of the process you will follow to complete the creation of this set. ALL PAGES MUST HAVE YOUR NAME ON THEM!!!

6. After completion of Phase 1, and if you are moving on to Ceramics II, you will use the processes you have planned and your drawings and notes to create a functional ceramics set.

Tips:

* Detailed planning & process documentation will improve the final product, and your final grade.

* Go beyond the expected and ordinary. This is a FINAL project…my expectations are high!

* Be sure your set is matching – both in style, size, design, concept and function.

Requirements:

1. Complete 5 full pages in sketchbook

2. Complete reflection and one paragraph description of process

3. You developed the piece on your own and did not rely on teacher to solve problems

4. Your final product will contain pieces built using pinch pots, coils and slabs

5. Your final product will include a minimum of 3 pieces, and a maximum of 4 pieces

You will also be required to conference with teacher on your initial project idea, meet with teacher again for an in-progress review of your work, and participate in a final critique of your plan. Due dates are outlined below.

This project should be treated as a final exam – your ideas and work should be original and your own, no part of this assignment can be turned in late, there will be no make-ups, re-dos, or additional time and materials provided, and you will be required to solve problems on your own (not rely on teacher to give you answers). If any portion of this project is lost or not submitted by the due date, it will be calculated as a ZERO grade.

Final Project Grading Breakdown:

* The 2-part final project is worth 20% of your overall grade.

* “Set of…” Phase 1 is worth 75% of the final project grade.

* 50-question open note test is worth 25% of the final project grade.

Project Due Dates: See handout for due dates.

Research and planning for a successful functional set! And...have fun!

Set Of...Final

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Greek Coil Pot - What's in a Pot?

2010-10-04T08:01:00.000-04:00

The history of pottery stretches back millennia. People across the world have fired or baked moist clay to make pots, plates and ceramic decorations since prehistoric times.

Pottery of Ancient Greece

It is apparent from Greek legends and mythology that clay held an important place in early Greek life.

Mythology tells us that the goddess Athena was the inventor of many useful articles, including earthenware pottery, and that she became the patroness of Greek potters. “Hands in Clay”

What you’ll do:

1. Visit the following site: http://www.ancientgreece.co.uk/    This site is The British Museum –Ancient Greece

2. Click on Daily Life and read about the Greek people.

3. Next, click on Story to understand the lives of the Spartan and Athena people.

4. Lastly, visit Explore to discover what Greek pots tell us about the life and beliefs of the Greek societies.

5. Complete Worksheet #1: Exploring Daily Life in Ancient Greece based on what you learned in the Explore section

6. Complete Worksheet #2: What’s Your Story? by thinking about an “event” or “happening” that is important in your life and that you wish to illustrate on your Greek influenced pot. Part of this worksheet includes brainstorming and completing 2-3 thumbnail sketches.

7. As a class, review a PowerPoint about Greek Pottery

8. Complete Worksheet #3: Form and Function. For each pot diagram, write what the name of the form is and what the function of the pot is. There is one design missing – you must find it, draw it in and complete the form and function sections.

9. Once you have completed Worksheet #3, choose and circle 3 or 4 of the Greek pot shapes that could best relate to and accommodate your design and make a few thumbnails sketches of what your pot could look like.

10. After discussing your ideas for your pot with teacher, begin a final sketch of both your image and how it would look on the pot you’ll build in clay. Your final sketch should fit on the paper provided, and your lines should be clean, straight, and the pot should be symmetrical. Be sure you write the Greek name for your pot shape.

11. Next, you’ll begin working with the clay in a materials workshop.
       a. Teacher demonstration of coil construction
       b. Self practice by constructing a sample coil pot that has a 4-5” diameter base and is 3-4” tall.

12. Before beginning you’re final Greek pot you will create a full size template that will be used as a guide to keep your pot symmetrical. You will make your guide out of cardboard and masking tape.

13. Using everything you have learned and the sketches you made, you will create a traditional coil formed pot that is at least 10” tall and has functional handles.

14. Finally, you’ll carve, paint and glaze your story on your Greek pot to create a finished work of functional art.

Enjoy!

Greek pottery

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Produce Creature

2010-09-15T09:20:00.000-04:00

Produce (noun): agricultural products collectively, esp. vegetables and fruits.

Animal (noun): any member of the kingdom Animalia, comprising multicellular beings that have well-defined shape and limited growth, can move voluntarily, actively acquire food and digest it internally, and have sensory and nervous systems that allow them to respond rapidly to stimuli, esp. mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians.

The activity:
You will create a combination of produce and animal using clay to create a new produce creature.

Processes you will learn and use:
Perfect pinch pots, reshaping a pinch pot globe, attaching clay together

What you’ll do:
1. Brainstorm a list of 20 different kinds of produce and 20 different animals.

2. Research both produce and animals and narrow each list to 3. Choose and pair produce and animals that you find interesting and that could work together for an inventive new creature. For example, a pineapple would not pair well with a snake because their characteristics are not similar. You should have 3 pairs.

3. Elaborate and define the characteristics of each item in your 3 pairings. Characteristics should include things such as: shape, color, texture, size, etc.

4. Continue research and sketching for the 3 pairs in order to help decide a final matching.

5. Choose a final pairing of produce and animal.

6. Bring in to class - actual piece of chosen produce & 5 visual representations of chosen animal from a variety of different angles. Note: if you have a 3D form of the animal, bring that in as well.

7. Sketch from a minimum of 3 angles what your new produce creature will look like. Consider where and how legs, arms, eyes, etc would attach and work with the produce. For example: stems could be tails or tongues, etc. Also, choose a new name for your produce animal hybrid creation.

8. Recreate a realistic replica of your chosen produce that is a minimum of 6” and maximum of 10” in one direction. Do this by creating 2 perfect pinch pots and reshaping them as done in previous classes. If two circular pinch pots won’t work to create your produce, consider alternate methods and strategies.

9. *** Don’t forget to poke or cut a hole in your pinch pot produce.***

10. Use additional clay to attach animal features and characteristics to your produce replica. This will create your final new produce creature.

11. Paint your produce creature with acrylic paints after it has been fired in the kiln.

12. Present the final creation with a high regard for craftsmanship.

Requirements (see rubric):
* List of 20 different varieties of produce and 20 different species of animals
* Top 3 produce and animals that have been paired together, with characteristics defined
* 3 sketches from 3 different views of final produce and animal combination
* Actual piece of produce and 5 printed visual examples of animal to use as reference
* Size: minimum 6”; maximum 10” in one direction

Due Dates:
Will be posted of the board for each class.

The potential number of successful solutions is infinite. Work with and consider the characteristics of both produce and animals to come up with a successful and inventive pairing to create a new produce creature!

Welcome to Ceramics!

2010-09-06T20:55:00.002-04:00

Happy first day of school! We are really looking forward to the next 20 weeks...and we hope you are too.
- Mrs. Holtz and Mrs. Duckworth

Welcome!

2010-06-29T22:13:00.000-04:00

You've found yourself at Mrs. Holtz and Mrs. Duckworth's ceramics blog. This is a place for students, parents, teachers and whoever else is interested in learning more about ceramics here at Victor Senior High School. We are very excited to bring this course back to VSH and teach you about creating 3D art with clay!

For our students, please bookmark this site and refer to it often. Your assignments and their subsequent due dates will be posted regularly, as will any reference material necessary to complete your homework. Oftentimes we will post images of art created by you, your classmates and artists throughout history that we would like you to post your intelligent thoughts and opinions about. You will be asked to use your critical thinking skills, thereby demonstrating your growing knowledge of the vast world of art!

For parents, please use this site to keep up to date on what your child is currently learning in his or her ceramics class. We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions. Check back often to learn about the new and exciting projects we are working on.

Thank you for visiting and again, please stop back soon. Your contributions will help make this blog a success!

- Mrs. Holtz and Mrs. Duckworth