WELCOME!

My name is Amie Ciluffo Larson and this is Advanced Wheel Throwing!  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 semester-long course.

1.0 Syllabus Advanced Ceramics

Wellesley High School

Ceramics Advanced Wheel Throwing 

Course Syllabi 

 

Amie C. Larson, larsona@wellesleyps.org

 

Office hours: 

Office hours change each term and are by appointment only.  Available times are posted outside the ceramics studio.

Thursday’s 2:30-3:30pm

 

Course Objective: 

Explore the ceramic process using handbuilding techniques, the potter's wheel and mixed media as well.  We will use our creativity in and out of the ceramics studio.  With an open mind and a creative spirit, anything is possible!

 

Course Description: 

You will learn to add on to the basics of working on a potter's wheel.  Functional, usable wares will be our goal working into complex forms- teapots, section throwing and altered form.

 

Course Requirements: 

Be in class for the duration of our time, be open to constructive feedback and put in your best effort.  Working with clay is like learning a foreign language with your finger tips.  Be patient with yourself--this takes time!  I expect you to work alongside me as we continue to build your clay vocabulary and on and off the wheel.

 

 

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/

 

Materials needed for class: 

If you feel that you need to cover your clothes, you will need to come with an extra t-shirt or towel daily. Some students prefer to use gloves for their hands and dusk masks.  You will need to supply these for yourself.

 

GRADING AND ATTENDANCE: 

Weekly progress grades will be given in the form of comments in powerschool.

Assignments will be given 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.  An "A" is yours to lose.

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.

 

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 A MINIMUM OF 10 MINUTES TO CLEAN UP AT THE END OF EVERY CLASS. Wet cleanup is SAFE cleanup!

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.
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!