UWMC : Art 154, 254, 255 : Ceramics Syllabus

University of Wisconsin Marathon Center

General Syllabus .......... Art 154 , 254 , 255 .......... Professor Tom Fleming

CRITIQUE DATES	Art 154 Topics/Assignments
6th week	Using slabs, coils and modeling techniques, build an abstract or representational relief sculpture. Use planes and/or projections as the basis for your shapes. Be aware of the positive and negative space you create. Six 6" wheel thrown cylinders Independent work
10th week	Four trimmed & footed bowls Mold assignment: Use a mold one or more times in a piece combined with other elements of your choice, (i.e. any other molded, thrown, handbuilt or extruded sections). Independent work
Last class final CRITIQUE (everything finished)	Related set of four cups w/ handles Four covered containers, one of them sculptural all best work from throughout semester

CRITIQUE DATES	Art 254 Intermediate Topics
6th week	5 Teapots, 1 functional, 1 sculptural, 3 your choice. 10 cup forms Independent work
10th week	Extensive use of molds in a sculptural context, OR Complete place setting for two, functional or sculptural interpretation 10 new cup forms Independent work
Last week final CRITIQUE (everything finished)	Series based on a central theme or visual device 10 new cup forms plus best of the other cups all best work from throughout semester

Art 255 Individual Topics .... Same dates as above

    
              Approx. DECEMBER 1    EVERYONE!   LAST DAY OF WET WORK

Glazing & Firing assignments

Art 254 & 255 students are required to be involved in basic glaze formulation. The following kilns must also be used for some of your work:

Mandatory: Stoneware, Salt

Pick 2: Raku, Residue, Low Fire, Primitive (Pit, Sawdust, Dung)

Art 154 students are invited and encouraged to participate as well.

General Information ALL CLASSES

REQUIREMENTS

All students are expected to be present and working during class.

I do take attendance.

All assignments must be completed by the due date.

Assignments may be redone up until the Final Critique date, December 16.

Late assignments, if accepted, will be penalized a letter grade. They may not be redone.

GRADING

Your grade will primarily be based on your concepts, implementation and technical execution. Attendance, critique involvement and active participation in the kiln activities will also be part of your grade. Individual research, proper handling of shop tools and equipment and correct safety and maintenance procedures in regard to the art shop functions may be considered.

SUPPLIES

towel
cut-off wire
needle or probe tool
loop tool #5
trimming/footing stick
elephant ear sponge
large sponge
1 gallon plastic bucket
cheap watercolor or bamboo brushes

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We will cover all the basics of working with clay. This includes direct modeling; use of the potters wheel, and plaster molding techniques for sculptural and functional objects. Personal expression is encouraged and expected. Glazing and firing in a variety of kilns and atmospheres will also be explored.

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REFERENCE

Check out the extensive holdings in the UWMC library.
- Ceramics .....Glenn Nelson .....classic general text
- Clay & Glazes for the Potter .....Daniel Rhodes ......classic general text
- Stoneware & Porcelain ......Daniel Rhodes .....classic stoneware text
- Finding One's Way with Clay .....Paulus Berensohn .....good color experiments
- Raku Art & Techniques .....Hal Riegger .....raku
- Salt Glaze Ceramics International .....Janet Mansfield .....salt fire
- Salt Glazed Ceramics .....Jack Troy .....classic Salt text
- Living Tradition of Maria Martinez .....Susan Peterson .....primitive black firing
- History of American Ceramics .....Paul Donhauser .....overview of styles
- Craft & Art of Clay .....Susan Peterson .....good reference & glazes
- Ceramics Monthly magazine
I have older Ceramics Monthly magazines you may read here. They are located by my studio door. Please put back in bookcase.
There is a book of ceramic exhibition postcards located on the bottom shelf of the slanted library cart near my studio door. Please return books to cart.