Sculpture: 9th-12th grade

This course will introduce students to the various methods of sculpture construction using additive, subtractive, assemblage, and installation techniques. Students will master a variety of construction and building techniques, starting with the most basic and enhancing them to reach the most complex. Each project will be inspired by a relevant sculptor from art history and/or a traditional technique traced back to its first discovery. Students will integrate their knowledge of the learned processes and methods, along with their own personal voice into each design. A range of tools and materials will be utilized. Emphasis will be placed on creative problem solving and craftsmanship.

Students create collaborative cardboard hats the first week of class to get to know each other, while learning basic construction skills.

 Ceramics: 10th-12th grade

Using terra cotta and white clay, students learn and incorporate the building processes of pinch, coil, slab, and mold to construct individual pieces. We start with the most basic form, the pinch pot, and move to the most complex forms at the end of the semester with conceptual prompts.  In addition to hand-building techniques, students also have the opportunity to form pieces on an electric wheel.  They are introduced to the different tools associated with pottery building and how they may be used for various techniques. Students create and apply a variety of decorative clay and glazing techniques to enhance their individual projects.  The history of ceramics and various works of art are highlighted throughout the course. 

Sgraffito Pinch Pot Project: Art Spotlight (Prehistoric Sumerian Pots)

Create a pot using the pinch pot technique

  • Create a foot according to the shape of your pinch pot, using the score/slip/smooth technique to attach

  • Your pinch pot has a consistent thickness (around 1/4”) and is symmetrical

  • Your application of slip is consistent and thick.

  • Your sgraffito decoration incorporates line and shape into a repetitive pattern, creating movement around your piece.

  • The design covers 3/4” of the pot’s exterior

  • You achieved a high level of craftsmanship of the pot and the sgraffito marks.

Coil Pot Project: Artist Spotlight (Maria Martinez)

Create a Coil Pot using the coil pot technique

  • Follow directions. (coils are between 1/4-1/2 inches, the pot is between 9-11 inches tall, smoothed inside)

  • Use good craftsmanship. (surface is smoothed out, no cracks, even surface and shape)

  • Use the correct technique to attach clay. (score, slip, smooth)

  • Add a personal and creative touch. (with at least 2 alternate coil shapes)

  • Put in effort and be engaged. (good use of class time/clean up)

Slab Container: Artist Spotlight (Kimiyo Mishima)

Create a slab container using the slab technique

  • Create a slab container with a lid using the slab method and the score and slip technique.

  • The slab container and lid reach at least a 5x5x5 inch dimension total.

  • Each slab is between 1/4-1/2 inch in thickness.

  • You properly follow the additive and subtractive relief techniques and guidelines.

  • You attach slabs of clay using the score and slip technique, making sure to add fillets between joints.

  • A high level of craftsmanship is achieved. (smoothing out surface, joints, container stays supported)

Idiom Project: Can you match each idiom to its artwork?

Two Peas in a Pod

Elephant in the Room

Time Flies

Spill the Beans

Piece of Cake

Think Outside the Box

Biting the Bullet

Penny for your Thoughts

Storm in a Teacup

Pull Yourself Together

Mixed Media Project: Artist Spotlight (Simone Leigh)

Create a conceptual work of clay and combine it with a mixed media material post-firing

  • Your design clearly communicates a historical or current topic/issue using clay and a mixed media element.

  • Walls are in-between 1/4 and 1/2 inch.

  • Dimensions are at least 4x4x4”

  • Use a hand-building method we have learned before (pinch, coil, slab)

  • Add creative mixed media after it is glazed fire.

  • To include the Elements of Art: line, shape, texture, and space.

  • To include at least one of the Principles of Design: rhythm/movement, proportion, or repetition.

Student Example with their Artist Statement

Fool the Eye Project: Artist Spotlight (Claes Oldenburg)

Create a realistic object out of clay based on observation

  • At least 6x6” (if you want to do a piece of chocolate, create a whole box to meet this dimension requirement)

  • Realistic texture created through additive and subtractive decoration techniques

  • Integrate multiple elements to create a story (Ex. sushi and chopsticks)

  • Well-thought-out arrangement for display

  • The piece(s) are structured to stand on their own

  • Color theory and knowledge of highlights and shadows utilized in painting

JA Pottery (8th grade)

JA Pottery is a 9-week course that introduces students to the art of ceramics. The course builds ceramic knowledge, beginning with fundamental vocabulary and the characteristics of clay. Students will learn about the properties of clay and how to utilize those properties to obtain certain artistic results. They will understand the stages of clay, from plastic to glaze-fired. Throughout the term, students will continue to strengthen their ceramic skills, by learning different methods and techniques. Students will apply the main methods of hand-building: pinch, coil, slab, and mold to construct relief and in the- round sculpture.