​Clay and Sculpture - 2014

I. Course Overview:

     Sculpture & Clay is a class that introduces students to the fundamentals and principles of the visual arts and is open to any student in grades 10-12. This history and criticism of visual arts are presented through the use of projects, lectures, films and slides. This class provides a basic understanding of how to see, evaluate and interpret experience through a variety of media. Basic tools and techniques are explained, demonstrated and practiced to promote creative expression through active student participation. This class is designed for all students with or without previous experience in the visual arts and can prepare students for more advanced classes in 3D Design.

 

II. Sculpture and Clay is broken down into four major themes:

Design Basics- The majority of 1st quarter will be doing short studies that focus on the Element of Art and Principles of Design.  Color theory will be covered, as well as, some basic compositional strategies.

Building Technique- 1st quarter will also be spent experimenting with various materials in the art room.  These might include paper, vellum, paper mache, plaster, and ceramics.

Creating Concepts- 2nd quarter will focus on how to creating meaning in a piece of artwork.

Telling the Story- 2nd quarter will be spent creating a collection work in a book or portfolio format.  The focus of this unit will be on how artists tell stories in their artwork.

 

III. Course Objectives:

1)Define and use the Elements of Art and Principles of Design in a piece of artwork.

2)Successfully fire and glaze piece of artwork.

3)Define qualities of visual arts in the contemporary art world.

4)Write about the work of others and their own.

5)Describe major trends in contemporary art.

6)Critique their own and classmates artwork using the formal concepts of the principles and elements of design, as well as addressing conceptual concerns.

7)Keep an Art Journal to document ideas for projects and sketches of the forms.

8)Create a variety of art projects both sculptural and functional.

9)Develop a Visual Arts Portfolio/Body of Work.

 

III. ELSR’S Covered:

1.     Students will develop their spiritual dimension as an integral part of themselves.

2.     Students will become life-long learners able to meet their life needs by observing the world around them and thinking critically and creatively.

3.     Students will communicate effectively by interpreting and evaluating complex messages presented through various media.

4.     Students will develop and demonstrate a respect for diversity by viewing and making various artworks.  Students will make environmentally sound choices in regards to media and not wasting materials.

  

IV. Grading Policy:

Grades will be based on your participation on assignments throughout the class, your technical ability to produce a successful artwork, your aesthetic development, an artist’s portfolio and art journal.

 

The points possible on a given project is dependent on the level of difficulty of the assignment or the length of time to complete it.  I will announce the points possible for the given assignment when it is assigned and I expect for you to keep track of your own grades using powerschool.

 

 

V. Forms of assessment to be used to evidence students’ mastery of the material:

Semester Grades

1.     45% Quarter 1

2.     45% Quarter 2

3.     10% Semester Final

Quarter Grades

1.     80%  Projects, sketchbook assignments, write-ups/artist feature

2.     20% Attendance / In Class Work Habits

  

Projects will be evaluated on these criteria

a.      fulfill criteria of assignment

b.     originality / degree of difficulty

c.      craftsmanship

d.      aesthetic consideration

e.      critique write up

 

VI. Assignment Breakdown

Skills Assignments:

With each unit, you will receive a skills assignment in which you will learn how to complete the assignment.  These assignments will each be using different mediums.  Each assignment comes with a rubric that describes the grading criteria so that you know how you will be graded. You will have several days in-class to work on the assignment and several days outside of class as well.  There is NO late work in Sculpture and Clay unless discussed with me before the due date.

Homework:

For any assignment you have the option to take materials home and work outside of class time.  It is imperative that you complete the projects on time, not only for getting full credit, but it will be very difficult to catch up with the class if you have fallen behind.

Research Assignment:

You will complete one multimedia presentation on an artist you have researched.

Exhibition Participation:

You are invited to participate in the winter arts show. You are also invited to participate in any the of the monthly thematic student gallery shows on the 2nd Floor.

Clean-up Participation:

Your work area is shared, so each day you are expected to put away supplies and clean the tables.  When you are working in this room, you are expected to clean your own tools and workspace.  This amounts to 10% of your overall grade.

 

VII. Class Details:

Late work and other grading policies

Because of the structure of the assignments and the time allowed at home to complete a project, there will be absolutely no late work unless discussed with me before the due date.  You can always re-do or resubmit a project to improve your grade – please notify me of this in advance.  Make sure to finish work before the quarter or semester ends, or you will receive the first grade assigned.

 

Materials

It is important that you take great care in your materials.  If you misplace our art supplies, it will be up to you to replace them.

 

Class Breakdown:

Drawing:  Sculpture students will create original works using any pen, pencil, markers, etc. Student will experiment with ideas through sketching and brainstorming before constructing pieces. Students will plan and execute complex works on paper and/or thumbnail models.

 

Sculpture:  Through a variety of mediums, students will create three-dimensional pieces of work.  Ceramics will be one area covered.  These projects will also incorporate group work and collaboration.

 

Design:  Students will learn the basic design elements and principles for creating artwork. Many of the lessons taught in sculpture will focus on teaching the basics of design.  Students will have firm understanding of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design by completing assignments and research.

 

Art History: Students will expand their understanding of contemporary art works created within the past 20 years, as well as historical pieces of artwork.

 

Art Criticism: Students will participate in research papers, critiques, and create a Keynote/PowerPoint presentation on an artist/company you have researched.