Ceramics I Assignments Instructor: Dawn Jacobson

This course is intended for those studying ceramics for the first time and is a comprehensive introduction to the craft of clay working. The primary
emphasis is on studio work leading to a portfolio of finished pieces by the end of the semester. In addition to demonstrations of technique and
technical assignments, you will historic and contemporary examples of fine ceramic art. Periodically throughout the term, I will show slides or films
to help illustrate what you are learning, short quizzes and warm ups will also be given to assess learning. Please bring your chromebook every day
and bookmark djacobsonart@weebly.com and thatquiz.org.
http://ceramicartsdaily.org/ceramics-monthly/

Project One: Pinch Pot Jar with a Lid Animal Theme

Students will create a series of sketches of a round pot with lid that have a animal
theme. Students will form a pinch pot from white earthenware that will be the body of the
animal. Then additive and subtractive methods of construction, scoring and slipping will
create the rest of the animals forms. Bisqueware will be painted with Amaco lg
glaze. Time on project: 10 days

Project Two: Nature Impressions Soft Clay Slab Bowl

Students will construct a textured slab bowl formed with red terra-cotta
clay pressed over a mold. The bowl size may vary but not smaller than
least 6 x 6 inches. Students will learn how to attach a footring to
the base. Final bisqueware will be glazed with either a amaco
transparent gloss glaze. Quality of texture, slab thickness, edges and feet
will be assessed.
Time on project: 5 days
Project Three: Low Bas Relief Nature Inspire Tile
Students will create 4 thumbnail sketches of a nature inspired image that they will but on
a 5x5 square. Final idea should be well balanced, able to be carved well, and pleasing to
the eye. After choosing the best design, make a pattern out of poster board roll out clay to
be 1/4 inch thick and even thickness and lay pattern onto white earthenware and cut out.
Keep edges of the tile perfectly square. Trace the design and let set to firm up almost to
leatherhard consistency. Use carving tools to carve into the clay, refine and smooth
carved areas to enhance the carved image in the clay. Flip over, score the back to prevent
warping and make a hanger. The final bisqueware tile will be painted with black acrylic
paint and highlighted with metallic paints. TIme on project: 5 days
Project Four: Coil Pot which is larger at the bottom that the top.
Students should create a series of sketches of a shape for a coil pot that is larger
at the bottom and top. They must plan dimensions of the width and height of the
pot, and make a pattern to follow. Pot should be no smaller than 7 inches high
and constructed from Red Terracotta Clay. Coils can be exposed in the design in
a pattern or the coils may be smoothed. Students will learn how to use Amaco
Opalescent Glaze and Potters choice glaze to decorate this project. TIme on
project: 15 days

Project Six: Clay Slab Hidden lid box

The students should design and construct a six sided box using the firm slab method that is at least 5x5 inches in size or
larger. The theme of the box will be student interests and hobbies. White earthenware clay will be used. Slabs should be
rolled a thick. A pattern made from poster board will be used to cut the slabs a perfect shape. When slabs are firm
enough to hold their shape students may begin constructing the box. When the box is slipped and scored together, a lid
will be cut with a wire or an exacto knife. Final fired project will be glazed with Mayco Stroke & Coat glaze. Time on
project: 10 days

Project Seven: Functional Nonsense

Students will draw the name of two unrelated things from a hat. Their design
problem will be to combine the two things into something that is believable and
then sculpt that nonsense thing out of clay using any method learned in
class. Time 10 days