Popcorn Drawings

Today in class we drew popcorn!  Unfortunately, the microwave decided to burn the bag a little bit, but most of it was still edible...

Everyone's popcorn drawings

Notice the contrast between the dark shadows and light highlights from Cole.

Pat shows off a great use of cross-hatching

Sarah really experimented with many drawing techniques to add value and depth

Alex carefully chose the composition of his drawing, allowing the popcorn to extend off the page.

Notice how dark Dylan was able to get his lines.  Great contrast!

Paper Animation

I recently attended a workshop at Cape Elizabeth Middle School on paper animation, led by Huey of Films by Huey.  The 7th graders will be using this skill to create paper animation projects in their language arts, social studies, and spanish classes.

About 10 students and 5 teachers attended and made this awesome video about the circus.  Enjoy!

Ceramics: Make-up Assignment

Is wheel-throwing just not your thing?  Did something explode in the kiln?  Did your friend accidentally drop your piece?  Well, I have a solution for you...

Ceramic Artist Profile

Find a ceramic artist (current or cold in the ground) to write a brief profile about.

      How do I find a relevant ceramic artist?
         - Look through ceramic books in the classroom
         - Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts - any of the artists listed that will be attending a residency this summer
         - Everson Museum Permanent Collection - scroll down to "Ceramics"
         - Ceramic Arts Daily - every article is written by a ceramic artist
         - Look through museum exhibitions online

Attach at least 3 pieces of artwork done by the artist.  Include title, material, and date created.

Questions to consider when writing the profile...
Describe the work.  How is it made?  What kind of clay is used?  How is it made (Hand built? Which technique? Wheel thrown?) What is the surface design like? Is it painted with slip, underglaze, majolica, glazes etc...?  How long has the artist been working with clay?  Did s/he go to college?  What does s/he say about the work?  What does the artist statement say?

EDIT YOUR WRITING! Grammar will count in the grade. Proofread everything.

Adv. Ceramics: Injustice Project

Morgan C.

Social/Political Injustice Project

1. Post a picture of your finished piece (photograph against a solid black background)

Include the title of your piece

2. Read this blog post: How to Write an Artist Statement that Doesn't Suck
3. Write a brief artist's statement about this specific piece.

Why did you create this art piece and what does it mean to you? What inspired you?

What emotions did you wish to convey?

Why did you choose to represent this piece in this way?

What do you call this piece and why?

What is the relationship between your research and your final piece?

What elements or principles of design have you emphasized in your piece?

Keep your statement clear and concise.  Avoid flowery language and 'artspeak'.  This only lengthens and weakens your statement.  Do not point out your short comings or what you wish you had done differently.

Sarah H.

Kia H.

Ally W.

Allie B.

Paige R.

Matt F.

Liz R.

Beg. Ceramics: Teacup with a Twist

PROJECT EXPECTATIONS:

Addie's teacup

Create a cup with a handle AND a saucer... but not just any old cup and saucer.  They should be influenced by something found in nature.  This should reflect your own individual creativity, style, and personality.  “Diner-style” cups are not allowed!

You are expected to use at least two of the four techniques you have worked on this semester in conjuncture with each other: pinch, coil, slab, or wheel-thrown.  Your final teacup will also need to be glazed to be watertight. 

Come up with 2 designs.  Illustrate with color to indicate glaze choices and decoration.  Take your time on these sketches - they will be graded on completion and effort.

PROJECT EVALUATION:

1. Include a picture of your original drawn design

2. Include a picture of your finished teacup and saucer (photograph against a black background)

3. Which 2 techniques did you use?  Was it difficult using 2 different techniques in one piece?

4. Did your design change at all once you began working in clay

Beg. Ceramics: Coil Vessels

Finished coil pots inspired by 5th graders' drawings

1. Attach a photo of the 5th grader's original painting (see Ms. DeWan for a digital copy)

2. Attach TWO photos of your finished coil pot: front and back (black background)

3. Briefly reflect on your vessel construction and painting:

• What was most difficult about creating a vessel of this size with coils?
• What was most surprising about working with coils?
• Why did you choose this 5th grader's painting?
• What do you think is happening in the painting?  What story is being told?
• How did you interpret the painting onto your vessel?
• Any other comments?

Mae's finished coil pot

TOPIC	OBJECTIVE	POINTS
CLASS TIME	I was engaged in the lesson during class time and was aware of the objectives (effort)	5
	I used the clay and clay tools responsibly and respectfully at all times (behavior) and helped clean up at the end of class	5
DESIGN	The coil pot has an interesting form	5
	The painting successfully uses the entire surface of the pot	20
	My design is original, unique, and interesting to view	10
TECHNIQUE	I carefully formed a coil pot that is at least 12”	10
	The coil pot has been smoothed out	10
	Glaze has been carefully applied	10
BLOG POST	I included an image of the 5th grader’s painting	5
	I included 2 images of my finished pot against a black background	10
	I carefully answered all the questions from the evaluation	10
	TOTAL	100

Trimming Demo