Ceramics Proficient Projects:

Spring 2017

1. Press Mold
Use a mold to use for a press mold ceramic sculpture. The form of the work should be based on
some geometric or organic shape, and the size minimum is 10 inches in any direction. Texture and
pattern will be vital elements in the work, and the use of negative space is highly recommended.

2. Art History Tile

Select a 2-dimensional, historically significant piece of Art to recreate in tiles that total at least 9 by 12
inches. Consider dividing your composition up into pieces that suit your subject. Stylistic
exaggeration is encouraged. MAKE IT ABLE TO HANG with holes or other means.
Recommended: Frank Stellas Raqqa Two
Starry night is highly overdone with this project

3. Mixed Media Project

Using any technique or combination of techniques, create a covered (lid) container with other
materials included for handles, knobs, feet or decorations. The function of the piece will determine its
form, and mixed media may include wood, metal, glass, hardware, seashells, rocks, marbles,
driftwood, bones, etc. Contrasting textures should create interest.

4. Emotive Bust
Create a bust measuring at least 10 inches high that personifies an intense emotion. Print or sketch
reference pictures of a human head for accuracy. Use well-wedged clay to construct your bust as a
solid sculpture that will be hollowed out before firing.

5. Wheel Thrown Abstraction

Using primarily wheel-thrown pieces, construct an abstract sculpture measuring at least 8 inches
high. Look to Yayoi Kusama for inspiration.
Abstraction in Fine Arts:
1.
of or relating to the formal aspect of art, emphasizing lines, colors, generalized or geometrical
forms, etc., especially with reference to their relationship to one another.
2. (often initial capital letter) pertaining to the nonrepresentational art styles of the 20th century.

6. Animal Figure study

Use an armature to create an animal sculpture. While the sculpture can be realistic or abstracted, a
careful study of the animals anatomy must be evident. Look to Deborah Butterfield for inspiration.

7. Teapot project
Using any technique or combination of construction techniques, create a functional 8 (any
dimension) teapot set that includes a handle, removable lid and spout. The surface texture and
pattern will be important elements in the finished decoration and visual appearance.

8. Series Project
Create a group of at least 5 separate pieces that have a unifying theme. Use at least two different
Elements of Art or Principals of Design when constructing your series. Your series should already
have variation while maintaining unity.

9. Slab Minimalism
This abstract work will be constructed entirely of slabs. Emphasis should be directed towards
creating dynamic and interesting space within the piece and capturing the essence of the subject
(characteristics). Planes (slabs) should intersect with boldness and joints should be finished with
care and precision. The scale of the work should be in harmony with the weight and proportion of the
sculpture walls, a minimum of 12 high. Surface treatment of the slabs should not detract from the
overall form and appearance.

10. Narrative Project

Choose a book, poem, mythology, short story or other literary subject to illustrate in clay. You may
use your own writing done in school or in your own time for this project as well. Cite your source in
your written review. Focus on using your sculpture to tell the story.
I recommend childrens book such as Shel Silversteins series. Look to Nathalie Choux for
inspiration.

11. Ceremonial object

Create an object that appears to be an actual artifact of some significancesome special ceremonial
relic from the past. This object may be based on historical facts related to an ancient culture, or the
story and the ceremony may be entirely fictitious. Complete the piece using any technique(s) with
careful attention to detail. Attempt to finish the object in a manner (use of technique and material)
that suggests the appearance of a true antiquity (color, texture, and surface finish), convincing the
viewer that the work is real. Size will be established by the objects purpose and importance.

12. Sqraffito
An underglaze will be applied to a ceramic surface. A design emphasizing line will be scratched out
using clay tools. A layer of clear glaze or other light glaze will be applied on top.

13. Linoleum pressed clay

The student may use a 4x4 inches or 6x6 linoleum block (depending on design.) Both sides can be
carved with the proper tools. DO NOT USE LINOLEUM TOOLS ON CLAY EVER. After a design has
been approved and carved, the student will use the block to create at least 3 separate pieces such as
the dish, teapot and pocket cup below.

14. Nesting bowls

At least 3 ceramic objects must be able to fit in one another with a common theme.

Game Board:
Make a functional Mancala or Chess board with pieces. Make the boards portable by using elastic to
fold the boards over or other means.

Required for each project before critique (will be posted online):

Preliminary sketch (see examples below),
at least one in-progress photo,
completed photo,
written reflection.
Sometimes preliminary sketches happen halfway through a project. Sometimes things break or dont
work out. As long as you keep documentation of your progress and have things presentable for
critique dates, I will take these things into account.

Example Sketches by Artist Vesna Jovanovic:

Critique Dates:
2/10- Altered Cone, Cube, Sphere due with 1 Artist Scrapbook
3/3- 2 projects due with 1 Artist Scrapbook
3/24- 2 projects due with 1 Artist Scrapbook
4/7- ( Note only 2 weeks instead of usual 3) 2 projects due no scrapbook due
Select 2 projects for consideration for the Mall Show
5/5- 2 projects due with Museum Scrapbook
5/26- 2 projects due with 1 Artist Scrapbook