Intermediate Sculpture (FA16a-1)
Object In ClaySpring 2017
Christopher FrostMon. & Wed. 1:00 - 3:50pm
Office hours: Monday, 11:00 – 12:00
Course Description
This course investigates various methods of sculpture and object-making using clay as the primary medium. Students will be introduced to various ceramic techniques: hand-building (slab and coil construction), wheel-working, press molds and extrusions. Projects will reinforce these ceramic techniques while exploring ideas of alternate glazes, incorporation of non-ceramic materials and site-specific installation.
Course Requirements
Students are required to complete ALL projects and participate in class discussions and critiques. Completing course projects will require students to work outside of class time. Success in this 4 credit hour course is based on the expectation that students will spend a minimum of 8 hours a week on preparation, readings, papers and/ or creation of artwork outside of scheduled class times.
Course Grading
Your grade for this course will be determined by five factors;Projects, Performance, Participation, Responsibility and Progress.
-Project Completion. All projects must be completed in full and on time. (This includes any written or group assignments).
-Studio Performance. Working/ performing in a studio setting requires that students act and work safely, assist and cooperate with others and be respectful of their own and others work. Studio performance also means a strong work ethic in and out of class time, i.e. using time effectively. Studio Performance also refers to responsible use and upkeep of the physical space. Students are required to keep our work space clean and organized. Students may also be required to assist in studio functions such as clay reconstitution, kiln loading and emptying and kiln operation.
-Studio Participation. The studio setting also demands group participation. Students are required to participate in class discussions and critiques. This dialogue between peers, students, teachers and TAs is essential for a cohesive and creative environment.
Course Grading (cont.)
-Responsibility (Attendance). You have to come to class and be on time. Three unexcused absences will result in grade deduction (ex. A- goes to a B+). Every absence after the first 3 will also result in a grade deduction. Excessive tardiness will also affect your grade.
-Progress. It is the goal of this course to introduce technical, material and conceptual methods in the creation of sculpture. For each student, the assimilation of these ideals and concepts will be determined by their progression through the semester. Assigned projects will be viewed as evidence of this progression as students use new materials, learn techniques and apply concepts of creativity. It is encouraged that students be willing to experiment and take risks with their work and ideas.
Mid-term;There will be a mid-term evaluation of each student either in written form or personal meetings.
In the Studio and the Shop;
Though our class will meet in the clay studio (room 112), students in this class do have accessto the sculpture studio and shop (room 130). These are some guidelines for the use of the studio/ shop area.
Jon Koppel is the shop technician, Error! Hyperlink reference not valid..He is available for shop demonstrations and questions. Feel free to contact him directly.
You may work in the studio at any time there is not another class being held. The building is open at night and during the weekends. The studio has a ‘Shop Monitor’ system, in which trained monitors can assist you and make tools available. The schedule for these monitors will be determined in the beginning of the semester.
When working in the studio you must follow these rules;
-Welding, table saw and other advanced tools require clearance from Jon. Do not use tools you have not received instruction for.
-Use the buddy system when using shop tools. Follow safety rules.
-Keep the studio/ shop clean. Place your work in your class’ designated shelves.
-Do not use materials unless they have been designated for our specific class. We share the studio with other classes and individuals and many materials have been purchased for their use only.
-Do not use toxic materials within the studio.
Course Schedule
January
Wednesday18Intro.to course/ Intro. Project 1- (hand-building)
Monday23continue work on Project 1
Wednesday25continue work on Project 1[Special Assign. – GPTD]
Monday30Intro.to glazing/ Project 2 - wheel throwing
February
Wednesday1continue work on Projects 1 & 2
Monday6Critique Project 1
Wednesday8continue work on Project 2
Monday13Critique on Projects 2
Wednesday15[Special Assign. – MFA visit]
Monday20[No Class - Winter Recess]
Wednesday22[No Class]
Monday 27Intro.toProject 3 – Sculpting the Model (in class and assigned)
March
Wednesday 1continue work on Project 3
Monday6continue work on Project 3
Wednesday8Continue work on Project 3
Monday13Continue work on Project 3
Wednesday15Intro.to Project 4 – Found Object Sculpture
Monday 20Critique on Project 3
Course Schedule Cont.
March
Wednesday22 continue work on Project 4
Monday27[Special Assign. – Blue and White]
Wednesday29Continue work on projects
April
Monday3continue work on projects
Wednesday5Crit. On Project 4,Project 5 Introduced - Art In Environment
Monday10[no class – spring break]
Wednesday12[no class – spring break]
Monday17[Special Assign. – Decordova visit]
Wednesday19continue work on projects
[Arts Festival 14 -17]
Monday24Critique Blue and White Assign.
Wednesday 26continue work on Project 5
May
Monday1continue work on Project 5
Wednesday3Last Day of Class Critique Project 5
Kiln Firing Schedule – Spring 2017
January
Wednesday 25bisque
Monday30bisque
Wednesday1glaze
February
Monday6bisque
Wednesday8glaze
Wednesday13bisque
March
Wednesday2bisque
Wednesday9glaze
Wednesday23bisque
Wednesday30glaze
April
Monday 17bisque
Wednesday 19glaze
Wednesday26bisque
May
Monday1glaze