Spring 2011 Syllabus

Instructor: Bryan Wilkerson

Ceramics Handbuilding and Wheel Throwing

Email: wilkersonbs@roanestate.edu  phone: 865.882.4649

Course blog: http://www.rsccceramics.blogspot.com

OB J E C T I V E S

-To obtain a working knowledge of all of the primary ceramic hand-building (ART 151) or wheel throwing (ART 152) techniques, methods, and materials; and a greater understanding of the entire ceramic process.

-To experience and develop creative & aesthetic problem solving and decision making.

-To be exposed to contemporary and historical art through lectures and personal research.

-The course will consist of demonstrations, supervised studio work, the critique, discussion, and slide lectures. It is

designed to cover a wide range of processes, methods, and theories using ceramics. This includes sculpture, vessels, pottery, tiles, and mold making. You should expect to spend substantial time outside of class to finish assigned projects.

Extensive time must be spent outside the studio to make your best work. You can never succeed by working at the last minute in this class. You can add to a drawing or a Photoshop file 5 minutes before class, but this will never work in ceramics. If you cannot meet deadlines and expectations then you should find another class. There is zero tolerance for attendance problems or late assignments.

Requirements

Attendance is mandatory. Arrive on time.

Do not leave early. More than two unexcused absences will result in one lower final class grade. Excessive late arrivals will be counted as an absence. Every day an assignment is unfinished, I can drop it one letter grade. Do not use class time to schedule other events in your life.

SKETCHBOOK/PARTICIPATION

This will count as one of your grades for the semester. It should be an easy one. You can use any sketchbook you want. However you must have a place where you can write down and keep technical information that I will be giving out on.Participation includes making clay, offering feed back in critiques, helping with kilns,clean up, etc.

Teaching is a dynamic. No matter how difficult, it is your responsibility to talk to me if you are

having problems. I want to help and am always accessible. Though I try, I am unable to read minds most of the time.

THE Art Lab

We work in a shared, communal space that others  use. We will leave the room cleaner than we found it. You are allowed to work in the studio anytime the room is not occupied once you sign in at the front desk.

You will be REQUIRED to obtain several toolsand supplies, and a sketchbook.

Headphones are great as long as you remove them when important announcements or teaching moments are happening. Music in the studio is allowed at appropriate times. Please be respectful with cell phones and texting while I am demonstrating.

ASSIGNMENTS

There are 5 major assignments due this semester for both ART 151 and 152.

Class time is will involve active work on assigned projects, with discussion, critique, presentations,  used

to highlight important points.

GRADING

 Each assignment is graded individually. At the end of the semester, the grades will be averaged along with

your sketchbook/participation grade, and attendance and this will be your final grade.

Materials

Materials can be purchased at Mighty Mud in Knoxville
(make sure you tell them you are a student to receive a 10% discount)Kemper tool KitFettle KnifeTrim ToolRolling Pin200 lbs of clay (not necessarily needed all at once)3 Spectrum Opaque Lowfire GlazesWax ResistSketchbookClay working board-- plywood and canvas (2X3 feet is a good size)Assorted brushesFine Detailed BrushesPlastic sheets (dry cleaning plastic is best)Old NewspaperApron

***other materials may be required during the semester

You will need to purchase your materials from Mighty  Mud Ceramics in Knoxville

2444 Sutherland Ave., Suite C,

Knoxville, TN  37919
phone: 865.  595.  1900

(it is on the back side of the building)