ARTS 242 Ceramics Studio: Wheel Throwing

This course is designed for experienced ceramic students who wish to build upon clay knowledge acquired in ARTS 124 or ARTS 240 using the potter’s wheel as a vehicle for creating both functional and non-functional forms. Students will focus on mastery of spiral wedging, clay centering, and throwing a variety of basic forms. Through assigned projects, students will be introduced to processes that involve larger and more complex wheel-thrown forms. Variations of attachment, such as lids, spouts, handles, and footing devices will be covered. This course will emphasize an in-depth study and practice of various firing and decoration techniques, guiding students as they develop a personal artistic direction. Students will have the opportunity to learn glaze mixing, kiln-loading, and firing. Faculty may modify the major topics of the course each semester in order to present students with new approaches deemed pertinent to the practice of ceramics and wheel throwing.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

ARTS 124 or ARTS 240, or ARTT 151

Hours Weekly

4

Course Objectives

1. Demonstrate mastery of wedging, clay centering, and basic throwing techniques.
2. Plan and construct larger or more complex wheel thrown forms.
3. Explore basic and advanced glaze testing, decoration techniques, and attachment methods to achieve a desired aesthetic.
4. Analyze the relationships between design elements and explore an artist’s intent to arrive at an overall evaluation of a work of ceramic art through verbal and written critiques.
5. Research and present information about a ceramic art period or a contemporary ceramic artist’s work by identifying the techniques employed, communicating a concise critique of the work, and analyzing and describing the role that the specific ceramic artist or artwork plays within a culture.
6. Demonstrate mastery of course objectives through an original body of wheel thrown work that displays creativity, craftsmanship, and technical competency.

Course Objectives

1. Demonstrate mastery of wedging, clay centering, and basic throwing techniques.
2. Plan and construct larger or more complex wheel thrown forms.
3. Explore basic and advanced glaze testing, decoration techniques, and attachment methods to achieve a desired aesthetic.
4. Analyze the relationships between design elements and explore an artist’s intent to arrive at an overall evaluation of a work of ceramic art through verbal and written critiques.
5. Research and present information about a ceramic art period or a contemporary ceramic artist’s work by identifying the techniques employed, communicating a concise critique of the work, and analyzing and describing the role that the specific ceramic artist or artwork plays within a culture.
6. Demonstrate mastery of course objectives through an original body of wheel thrown work that displays creativity, craftsmanship, and technical competency.