Course Syllabus
WELCOME!
My name is Amie Ciluffo Larson and this is Ceramics Intensive (AKA Varsity Ceramics and Ceram-fam)! Extra help times are posted outside my door-room 345 and in the picture of my schedule below. My email address is larsona@wellesleyps.org. Please reach out if you need to touch base. The video below is an overview of what you can expect in this honors-level year long course.
Office hours: Posted in my schedule and outside the ceramics room door.
Course Objective:
Further exploration of the ceramic process; an introduction to more complex ways of
hand building and continuing to develop the art of wheel-throwing. Examination of the
technology and chemistry of clay, glazes and high temperature oxidation and reduction
firing.
Course Description:
In this course we will build on what you have learned in your pre-requisite classes. We
will focus on utilitarian pottery, and non-functional sculptural clay works. We will dive
deeply into Asian Pottery and finally you will be asked to use clay as a vehicle to affect
change in the world around us. Making good pottery is very difficult, it takes a lot of
time and practice to master the skill to a level that we can express our ideas. Making
pottery is also tremendously joyous and a passionately creative act. This class will have
a strong online component, please make sure you have access to our Canvas page.
Course Objective:
Further exploration of the ceramic process; an introduction to more complex ways of
hand building and continuing to develop the art of wheel-throwing. Examination of the
technology and chemistry of clay, glazes and high temperature oxidation and reduction
firing.
Course Description:
In this course we will build on what you have learned in your pre-requisite classes. We
will focus on utilitarian pottery, and non-functional sculptural clay works. We will dive
deeply into Asian Pottery and finally you will be asked to use clay as a vehicle to affect
change in the world around us. Making good pottery is very difficult, it takes a lot of
time and practice to master the skill to a level that we can express our ideas. Making
pottery is also tremendously joyous and a passionately creative act. This class will have
a strong online component, please make sure you have access to our Canvas page.
Course Requirements:
Students will have in-school assignments weekly. There is an
expectation for all students to participate in class critiques, complete assignments and
make a digital portfolio of work created.
Resources:
www.ceramicstoday.com
www.archiebray.org
www.wocef.com
www.nceca.net
www.potters.org
www.artaxis.com
www.ayumihorie.com
https://ayumihorie.com/ceramic-links/
Students will have in-school assignments weekly. There is an
expectation for all students to participate in class critiques, complete assignments and
make a digital portfolio of work created.
Resources:
www.ceramicstoday.com
www.archiebray.org
www.wocef.com
www.nceca.net
www.potters.org
www.artaxis.com
www.ayumihorie.com
https://ayumihorie.com/ceramic-links/
GRADING AND ATTENDANCE:
Assignments will be given approximately every five weeks and class critiques will follow.
Assignments must be turned in on time for full credit. Grading for each project will be
based on fulfillment of the assignments based on the quality of work done. Criteria for
assessing quality will be idea, formal resolution, craftsmanship and originality.
***idea development and craftsmanship are key
Assignments will be given approximately every five weeks and class critiques will follow.
Assignments must be turned in on time for full credit. Grading for each project will be
based on fulfillment of the assignments based on the quality of work done. Criteria for
assessing quality will be idea, formal resolution, craftsmanship and originality.
***idea development and craftsmanship are key
**** Final grades will be affected by your studio habits (which includes attendance), thoughtfulness, participation, clean up and improvement.
Attendance, participation in critiques, attitude and your work energy will be major factors
of your final grade. ANY unexcused absence can affect your grade.
PLEASE NOTE: OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE WILL TAKE PLACE THROUGH
CANVAS. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ACCESS TO
IT AND TO CHECK YOUR CANVAS DAILY.
CANVAS. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ACCESS TO
IT AND TO CHECK YOUR CANVAS DAILY.
HEALTH & SAFETY:
Health and Safety notes: Many of the materials used in the ceramic process are toxic or
harmful.
CLEAN UP IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. YOU WILL NEED 10 MINUTES TO CLEAN
UP AT THE END OF EVERY CLASS.
Your clean up practices will also affect your grade
Health and Safety notes: Many of the materials used in the ceramic process are toxic or
harmful.
CLEAN UP IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. YOU WILL NEED 10 MINUTES TO CLEAN
UP AT THE END OF EVERY CLASS.
Your clean up practices will also affect your grade
CERAMICS STUDIO RULES AND POLICIES:
1. Clean up after yourself. This includes wheels, splash pans, floor around
wheels and tables, table surfaces, studio tools and bats, sinks.
2. We will be trimming a lot of pots in this class – you MUST sweep the floor
gently or vacuum after you trim – every time! Trimmings can make a lot of
dust – Bad! Bad!
3. Never leave work out on wheels or tables. Move it to your assigned shelf.
Always remove boards and bats from your work when it is dry. Wash boards
and bats when you have finished using them and put them back in their
proper locations.
4. Never mess with anyone else’s property!
gently or vacuum after you trim – every time! Trimmings can make a lot of
dust – Bad! Bad!
3. Never leave work out on wheels or tables. Move it to your assigned shelf.
Always remove boards and bats from your work when it is dry. Wash boards
and bats when you have finished using them and put them back in their
proper locations.
4. Never mess with anyone else’s property!
If you are looking for classes outside of WHS, here are some ideas:
Local Art Resources:
Community Kiln in Framingham
Needham Potter's Shop & School in Needham
The New Art Center in Newton i
Feet of Clay in Brookline
Mutflats in Somerville
Overnight Art retreats in New England:
Art New England
Haystack Mountain School of Craft
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|