Project List
Art 10A Spring 2009
Rekedal
Unit 1. Americas/Africa: pinch/coil pot Using pinch and/or coil techniques, make a hollow egg, bird, or
organic pod shape. Burnish it in the tradition of Native American or African styles. OR make a whistle that
works, OR a ceremonial mask. Decorate with slips, incising, or sculptural additions if you like. (5 points)
Unit 2. Mediterranean: wheel pots
1 bowl, with trimmed foot (minimum size: 5” diameter)
1 mug or pitcher with handle (minimum size: 5” height)
OR comparable hand built work- utilize molds, pinch, coil, extrusions, slab, etc.
Decorate: slips or underglazes- sgraffito, stencil, slip trailing, mishima, sponge, etc. (5 pts. each, 10 total)
Student Showcase piece: Create something special to exhibit for Gavfest, May 2nd. The public is invited,
so go all out! This may be sculptural or a vessel form, made with hand and/or wheel techniques. Utilize
texture, form, color, and line to infuse your work with character. May be collaborative. This project must be
finished by May 2nd. (10 points)
Unit 3. Asia: slab piece: Make a box form with soft or rigid slabs. Use texture for this project: stamping,
impressions, carving, etc. (5 points)
Ethnic piece and paper: Create a piece which reflects the uniqueness of a culture’s ceramic works in at
least four of these areas: forming technique, shape, decoration, firing technique, clay body, function,
finishing (glaze, burnishing, etc), overall character. This may be sculptural or a vessel form. Write an
accompanying 3 page paper to describe the roots of your project. It should address the culture and ceramics
that inspired you and how your piece is tied to this tradition but also how it differs. Include the ways in
which your piece meets the above criteria of expressing that culture. Minimum length is 750 words. Include
a title, thesis statement, body, conclusion, and bibliography using a minimum of two sources. (10 points for
project, 10 points for paper, total of 20)
Unit 4. Europe/U.S.: Maiolica project: Using hand, wheel, or a combination of techniques, make a piece
to decorate using maiolica glaze and overglaze techniques. Consider a vase, covered jar, platter, or sculpted
wall relief (5 points).
Studio Management: Complete three activities from the following page or the list in classroom. (Each 20
minute activity is worth 1 point, 3 points total) Extra credit may be earned.
Oral or self critique: We will hold oral critiques beginning mid semester. (5 points)
Review of a Show: After visiting a gallery or museum, write a description and criticism of 1-3 works in
clay. Minimum 250 words. (5 points)
Sketchbook/glaze notebook: A record of your ideas for projects and a place to keep glaze results.
Minimum 10 pages. (5 points)
Participation in Student Display: Submit your best completed piece for a display of Gavilan Student Art.
(5 points)
Effort and participation: Attend class regularly, add to discussions and critiques, engage in classroom
activities. (10 points)
Notes for written work:
All papers should be presented in standard college form, with title, thesis,
introduction, body, examples, conclusion, and bibliography (research paper only). Grammar, punctuation,
spelling, and word usage all count. Papers not turned in on time will lose grade points.
The optional written self critique is a self evaluation of your own clay work during the semester. Minimum
250 words. (5 points) This is in lieu of an oral critique.
Grading is as follows:
projects, totaling 45 points
ethnic paper, 10 points
studio management, 3 points
gallery visit, 5 points
oral OR written self critique, 5 points
sketchbook/notebook, 5 points
participation in student art display, 5 points
Unit homework assignments (4), each worth 3 points, 12 total
effort and participation, 10 points
Studio Management includes a variety of hands-on learning options. After completing the required studio
maintenance jobs, extra credit may be granted for additional items. You may propose your own ideas for
other studio management credit. Keep an accurate record of each studio job you do and the time
involved, to turn in at the end of the semester. 20 minutes = 1 point.
1. Tutor other students
2. Load a bisque kiln
3. Assist in loading a glaze kiln
4. Unload a kiln
5. Mix slips or glazes as the class needs dictate
6. Prepare kiln shelves for use in the kilns
7. Remove abandoned work from storage shelves
8. Maintain inventory and stock raw materials in glaze room
9. Recycle clay
10. Perform minor repairs or make improvements to the studio and its equipment
11. Label drawers and cabinets
12. Make new glaze sample tiles
13. Make new glaze sample boards
14. Help with Gavfest
15. Help organize display of student work
16. Scan images for classroom use