ancient cup project

 

This is an ancient Vessel from Ciempozuelos, beginning of the second millennium BC. It is a Bell Beaker cup, a style that has been found all over Europe and dates back millennia. They have been suggested to have been designed for the consumption of alcohol as bear and mead content have been found on some samples. They were also used as reduction pots for smelting copper ores, as food vessels, and as funerary urns. The process for making and firing the cups varies greatly as they have been found across

Genevieve Krass Historical Project

 

This piece is a decorated global vessel, with an everted lip, from an Igbo tribe in Africa. 

To make the vessel, the clay was mined and prepared, then mixed the clay with water until it was malleable. Matter (such as ground sand, pebbles, old pottery, or crushed dried grass) was mixed into the clay to decrease shrinkage during the drying and firing process. The substance mixed in never exceeded 50% of the mixture. Clay was coiled around a flattened base, then molded and smoothed into a shape. The piece was then sundried, decorated when fully dried, and then wood fires for four hours.

Test 3

 Test

Test 2

 Test 2

Test

 Test 

Historical Project

 Project 1 _ Post an image of your cup and any related technical information. 

You will recreate this cup as well as make a modernized version of it.

WILD CLAY | Part II - IMPROVED PROCESS

STEP 1: DIG UP SOME CLAY- You will find it everywhere. The photo above shows a nice piece of naturally occurring compact clay I found along a river bed. You can tell its clay and not a rock because your finger nail can scratch it.

STEP 2: LET THE CLAY DRY AND BREAK IT INTO POWER - Do this outside and wear a mask so you do not breath in dust. I used heavy plastic to contain the clay but you could also use an old t-shirt or pillow case.

STEP 3: SIEVE THE CLAY - I used a common kitchen sieve to remove any possible rocks or organic material.

STEP 4: YOUR CLAY SHOULD BE POWDER and then you can REHYDRATE it by slowly adding the powder to  water. Start with a small amount of water. You don't want to add too much water at this point just enough to allow the clay to be formed up a little and NOT a slurry.

STEP 5: Allow your clay to dry to a workable consistency. I will next use a coil building method to create some small vessels which will be fired in a primitive pit firing. No special equipment or tools to create ceramics in your back yard.

LAUREN DOUGLAS RESULTS

GRACE CHRISMAN RESULTS

 Local Clay Project 

Refining clay that was dug up in my backyard was time consuming and didn’t yield the best results, but I have revised my method and plan to try again. The first time around, I started with a bin of red dirt from the lowest point in my yard. I added water and mixed vigorously to suspend the clay particles, as they are very fine. 

I decanted the mixture into another bucket, leaving the solids behind in the bin. I let the bucket sit for 20 minutes so that the particles settled. 

Then, I sieved it into a new bucket and let that sit for an hour. 

After that, I poured off the water from the top and emptied the tin into a pillowcase, which I tied up and let sit overnight. The next day, after all the moisture seeped through the pillowcase, I was left with a ball of clay. 

The clay wasn’t great to work with. It was pretty useless structurally, it was difficult to attach pieces, and was apparently very saturated because any water added just slid off. 

Next time, I want to work on getting more organic matter out, which means decanting/sieving more. I also want to transfer the solution between buckets more times so that the heavier particles will be left behind. Not having my favorite tools was also a setback. I will put more effort into finding alternative tools around the house. I previously only used a paintbrush and an exacto knife. 

WILLIAM SNIFFEN RESULTS

Got almost 20lb yield. Cured in light shade around 4 lb chunks. Took almost 4 days dry before I had a not pudding consistency. Also have massive piles of brush to burn. Going to attempt firing on wood coals once all the kids are back home next week and can sculpt.

PHOTOS:

Link to Critique Sheet

Click here to download the PDF

Some highlights from our Spring 2015 Potluck

 

Some of the glazes that we currently have in the studio

Links to topics discussed in class

Troy Bungart TOOLS!!!!
Click here for his ETSY shop

Ceramics FALL 2014

Roane State Community College
Division of Humanities
ARTP 1510,1520
Handbuilding I and Wheel Throwing I


Name: Bryan Wilkerson
Office:  0-116 Main Campus
Office Hours: MW Main Campus TR ORBC
Phone: 865-354-3000  ext4748
Email: wilkersonbs@roanestate.edu


COURSE INFORMATION

Course Type: Studio Class
Day and Time: TR 9:00-12:05
Credit Hours: 4.5

Course objectives :
-To obtain a working knowledge of all of the primary ceramic hand-building 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/PATICIPATION
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.

Handbuilding:
* Know the properties for different clays and how they behave in firing.
* Understand the relationship between form and function and surface.
* Have analyzed and discussed many varied examples of art created in clay.
* Understand aspects of studio safety and health issues.
* Appreciate a clean and organized working environment.
* Be able to demonstrate basic formation methods for ceramics including pinch, coil, slab, and wheel thrown works.
* Know how to use the basic tools of ceramic art.
* Create surface design, texture, and decoration using a  variety of methods.
* Knox the basics about mixing and application of glazes.
* Know how to prepare work for firing, how to stack a kiln for bisque and glaze firings, and how to conduct oxidation, reduction, and raku firings.

Throwing:
* Know the properties for different clays and how they behave in firing.
* Expand aesthetic ideas regarding clay as an art medium.
* Have analyzed and discussed many varied examples of art created in clay.
* Understand aspects of studio safety and health issues.
* Appreciate a clean and organized working environment.
* Further skills in basic formation methods for ceramics including pinch, coil, slab, and wheel thrown works and new ways to create clay forms and combinations of basic forms.
* Explore more personal directions in the clay medium.
* Expand a repertoire of ways to create surface design, texture and decoration by working with slips, stencils, and advanced techniques.
* Further knowledge about the mixing and application of glazes.
* Know how to prepare work for firing, how to stack a kiln for bisque and glaze firings, and how to conduct oxidation, reduction and raku firings.

Learning outcomes:
There are 5 major assignments due this semester for both handbuilding and wheelthrowing. Class time is will involve active work on assigned projects, with discussion, critique, presentations, used to highlight important points.


Prerequisites for the course: Handbuilding NONE Wheelthrowing: Handbuilding I

MATERIALS
-three cone 04 Spectrum Gloss Glazes (pick any three colors...you will have access to many more colors on your work.....every one is required to furnish 3 to the communal glaze supply)
-At least 25lbs of clay to start out (get either raku or earthenware....I suggest raku for handbuilding)
-A kemper tool kit
-A sketchbook
-A collection of small brushes (at least one for fine detail)
-Plastic (dry cleaner bags are the best)
Materials can be purchased here at Mighty Mud
Additional suggested materials:
Fork
Apron
Towel
Sponge

Materials
You will need to purchase your materials from
Mighty Mud Ceramics in Knoxville
www.mightymud.com
1300 McCalla ave, Knoxville, TN  37915
phone: 865.595.1900    


GRADING PROCEDURE AND GRADING SCALE
A= 90-100 B= 80-89 C=70-79 D= 60-69 F=Below 60

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.

PLAGIARISM AND ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic Misconduct includes, but is not limited to, Plagiarism, Cheating, Fabrication and Facilitation.   Academic misconduct is prohibited.  Upon identification of misconduct, an instructor has the authority to assign an “F” or a zero for the exercise, the examination, or the entire course. Students guilty of academic misconduct that would typically result in the grade of “F” for the course will not be permitted to drop the class in which the academic misconduct occurred.  The instructor will contact the appropriate Division Dean who will then contact Records and request that an administrative hold be placed on the course in question.  The instructor will notify the student of the appropriate due process/appeal procedure.  The administrative hold will remain in place until the academic misconduct matter is concluded.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services office staff. Prior to granting disability accommodations in the course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services office staff. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with the disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND ADDITIONAL STUDENT RESOURSESCTAT/Help Desk:

SYLLABUS CHANGES: The  Instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus as long as the students are notified.



Roane State Community College | Syllabus Template

Pot Luck and Presentation

Ceramics Now

Access Ceramics

Arrowmont Figure

Everyone must complete a power point choosing a contemporary ceramic artist from one of the previous links. Please include images, bio, process, and statement of work. Everyone will present their presentation during the Potluck on Tuesday December 10th.

Jordu Schell and more!!

Welcome to CERAMICS FALL 2013

Roane State Community College
Division of Humanities
ARTP 1510,1520
Handbuilding I and Wheel Throwing I


Name: Bryan Wilkerson
Office:  0-116 Main Campus
Office Hours: TBA
Phone: 865-354-3000  ext4748
Email: wilkersonbs@roanestate.edu


COURSE INFORMATION

Course Type: Studio Class
Day and Time: TR 2:00-5:05
Credit Hours: 4

Course objectives :

-To obtain a working knowledge of all of the primary ceramic hand-building techniques, methods, and mate- rials; 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/PATICIPATION
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.



Handbuilding:

* Know the properties for different clays and how they behave in firing.
* Understand the relationship between form and function and surface.
* Have analyzed and discussed many varied examples of art created in clay.
* Understand aspects of studio safety and health issues.
* Appreciate a clean and organized working environment.
* Be able to demonstrate basic formation methods for ceramics including pinch, coil, slab, and wheel thrown works.
* Know how to use the basic tools of ceramic art.
* Create surface design, texture, and decoration using a  variety of methods.
* Knox the basics about mixing and application of glazes.
* Know how to prepare work for firing, how to stack a kiln for bisque and glaze firings, and how to conduct oxidation, reduction, and raku firings.

Throwing:

* Know the properties for different clays and how they behave in firing.
* Expand aesthetic ideas regarding clay as an art medium.
* Have analyzed and discussed many varied examples of art created in clay.
* Understand aspects of studio safety and health issues.
* Appreciate a clean and organized working environment.
* Further skills in basic formation methods for ceramics including pinch, coil, slab, and wheel thrown works and new ways to create clay forms and combinations of basic forms.
* Explore more personal directions in the clay medium.
* Expand a repertoire of ways to create surface design, texture and decoration by working with slips, stencils, and advanced techniques.
* Further knowledge about the mixing and application of glazes.
* Know how to prepare work for firing, how to stack a kiln for bisque and glaze firings, and how to conduct oxidation, reduction and raku firings.

Learning outcomes:
There are 5 major assignments due this semester for both handbuilding and wheelthrowing. Class time is will involve active work on assigned projects, with discussion, critique, presentations, used to highlight important points.


Prerequisites for the course: Handbuilding NONE Wheelthrowing: Handbuilding I

Course Topics:


MATERIALS
-three cone 04 Spectrum Gloss Glazes (pick any three colors...you will have access to many more colors on your work.....every one is required to furnish 3 to the communal glaze supply)
-At least 25lbs of clay to start out (get either raku or earthenware....I suggest raku for handbuilding)
-A kemper tool kit
-A sketchbook
-A collection of small brushes (at least one for fine detail)
-Plastic (dry cleaner bags are the best)
Materials can be purchased here at Mighty Mud
Additional suggested materials:
Fork
Apron
Towel
Sponge

Materials
You will need to purchase your materials from
Mighty Mud Ceramics in Knoxville
Mighty Mud Website
1300 McCalla ave, Knoxville, TN  37915
phone: 865.  595.  1900    


GRADING PROCEDURE AND GRADING SCALE
A= 90-100 B= 80-89 C=70-79 D= 60-69 F=Below 60

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.

PLAGIARISM AND ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic Misconduct includes, but is not limited to, Plagiarism, Cheating, Fabrication and Facilitation.   Academic misconduct is prohibited.  Upon identification of misconduct, an instructor has the authority to assign an “F” or a zero for the exercise, the examination, or the entire course. Students guilty of academic misconduct that would typically result in the grade of “F” for the course will not be permitted to drop the class in which the academic misconduct occurred.  The instructor will contact the appropriate Division Dean who will then contact Records and request that an administrative hold be placed on the course in question.  The instructor will notify the student of the appropriate due process/appeal procedure.  The administrative hold will remain in place until the academic misconduct matter is concluded.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services office staff. Prior to granting disability accommodations in the course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services office staff. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with the disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT  AND ADDITIONAL STUDENT RESOURSESCTAT/Help Desk:

SYLLABUS CHANGESThe  Instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus as long as the students are notified.




Roane State Community College | Syllabus Template

Screen Printing Info from Amy Hand Demonstration

Rhino Tough Graphics

Ryonet

Matthew Chambers

 

See more of Matt Chambers work here ►►►