List of Projects: Hand-Building Intensive
Project 1: Binary / Dichotomy
Binary / Dichotomy – In critical theory, a binary opposition (also binary system) is a pair of theoretical opposites. A simplified example of this is hot and cold - words or ideas that define what the other is not. Dichotomy is also another closely related word to binary. Dichotomy is defined “a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different: a rigid dichotomy between science and mysticism.” Develop work that embodies this idea or plays with opposite concepts. Think ‘Nature’ and ‘Technology’ or ‘wild’ and ‘domestic’.
To start, pick an object you find interesting. Or pick a concept you find interesting and chose an object that represents your concept. Next figure out what its binary would be. Be aware of how your object communicates metaphorically. This will help in understanding what its binary may be.
Next, pick two objects that embody the binary system you would like to use in your piece. Print out an image of both objects. Finally, devise (work out ideas in your sketchbook) a way to combine these images to create one form. You may use the slab and/or the coil method to make your piece. Your piece must be 15 inches in one dimension. You must do ‘to scale’ drawings and have them approved before you start.
Project 2: Re-iterate
For this project do one more iteration of the piece from project 1. This time around you must incorporate on non-ceramic material in the piece. The main part of the piece must be ceramic and must be 15 inches in one dimension.
Project 3: Human or Animal Form Narrative
For Project 3 you will have to make a human and/or an animal form that tells a narrative. You may use coils, slab, or solid forming. Your final piece must be 12 inches minimum in one dimension. To develop your narrative, you must select your favorite children’s story. Using this story as a baseline you must then weave your own personal, political, or social comment into the narrative of the forms you create.
Project 4 and project 5: Your choice
For the final two projects you are required to write a proposal of what you would like to make. You may use any technique you choose. I will help advise on what each project will be - meaning size, firing method and use of non-ceramic materials. Each piece should be large (as this is the focus of this semester). ‘To Scale’ drawings must be made and approved for the final two pieces.
Project 6: Glaze Testing and mixing
This project will be ongoing throughout the semester. You will learn to develop and mix a base glaze. After your initial base glaze is developed, you will then add colorants to your glaze through a series of colorant testing. We will work with cone 6 glazes and fire them in Reduction and Oxidation. You will be required to assist in firing the gas reduction kiln. This means we will need to fire it 2 times. No exceptions. We will set the firing dates as a group.
List of Projects: Throwing Intensive
Project 1: 10 Bowls
Project 1 is to throw 10 chili bowls with a trimmed foot. Each bowl should be made with a minimum of 1.5 lbs. of clay.
Project 2: 10 Mugs
Project 2 is to throw 10 mugs ALL with a pulled handle. Start by playing with a few forms. Once you have found a form you like, you must replicate that form and handle for your 10 mugs. Your grade will be assessed on throwing the forms even, how well the handle is pulled and how similar all the forms are grouped together.
Project 3: Plates
Throw 5 plates using 3 to 5 pounds of clay each. Each plate must have a trimmed foot.
Project 4: 2-Part Throwing
Project 3 is to throw 5 flowerpot forms using 2, 3 lb. balls of clay. Start by throwing the first form with a bottom, just as you would generally throw a 3 lb. flowerpot form. Next you must throw another piece to fit on top of the first form you made. It must be attached and then thrown to look as though you have made one form with 6 lbs. of clay. Finally throw a basin for each form.
Project 5: Multiple parts, One Form
Throw 3 forms composed of at minimum 3 parts. One part must be thrown with 3 pounds of clay, and the other two must be thrown with at minimum 1 pound of clay. Your forms may be containers (although a lid does not count as one of the parts), vase forms or sculpture. Your work will be assessed on the complexity of the thrown parts and the overall design of the form.
Project 6: Teapots
Throw six teapot forms. Each piece must have a thrown lid and spout with a pulled handle.
Project 7: Glaze Testing and mixing
This project will be ongoing throughout the semester. You will learn to develop and mix a base glaze. After your initial base glaze is developed, you will then add colorants to your glaze through a series of colorant testing. We will work with cone 6 glazes and fire them in Reduction and Oxidation. You will be required to assist in firing the gas reduction kiln. This means we will need to fire it 2 times. No exceptions. We will set the firing dates as a group.