Heading into Holidays...

The ceramics classes are currently working on a new project based primarily on process. They've learned to "throw" a slab and let it dry just enough in order to create a sculptural slab vessel. Many of the results have been stunning.

Students are also beginning to see the results of their glazed masks. Here are just a couple. More to come!

And They're OFF!!

The Ceramics classes are off and running! Students have almost finished their contemporary pinch pots (using traditional forming methods) and are well on their way creating caricature masks. The students using the potter's wheels are completing a set of 3 bowls, trimmed, while 2nd years are creating a lidded vessel.  Soon, all classes will be moving on to textured slab vases. Just in time for the holidays!

Can't wait to see Everett's piece when finished!

Alex's melancholy mask is coming along nicely.

Abbey's rosebud vase is so delicate and beautiful!

Value Studies

The Painting and Printmaking students begin work on a value study.  Before moving into our black and white acrylic painting, we take time to practice *seeing* gradients and the affects of light on 3D objects. This exercise strengthens observational skills and will inform almost all other work in the class. Proportion, composition, and perspective are also reinforced. 

Maya has a stunning aesthetic of rich, textural lines that greatly enhance her drawing.

Adrien's bold, dramatic style draws the eye.

Danielle continues to refine an already stunning piece.

Sydney begins an extraordinary light study. 

I love to watch Lizbeth as she develops her page. Beautiful.

Julianna continues to add details and highlights. What great work!

I'm so proud of Nick's progress. Obviously, he's gotten the hang of it.

Group Sculpture Contest!

Today in class, each table had the task of creating a group sculpture that was to be judged by 2nd year students. The students were required to use an entire bag of clay, work for one hour, and include every artist at the table. Certain tables were encouraged to plan it out first, some tables could only chit-chat while working (but no previous planning), and some tables weren't allowed to talk at all! After finishing, the groups debriefed. Table representatives described the piece, the process, and how it felt to work in a group setting. 2nd years walked around the room, viewing the finished products, and then huddled up to vote. The winners got candy, of course! It might surprise you to learn that one of the winners today was a table that was not allowed to communicate with each other while working! 

A slug/monster gathering.

A group tries to convince the 2nd years that they've got what it takes to win!

Portland meets Germany. (Our class was hosting 2 exchange students today.)

2nd years throw a raku piece on the wheel while the 1st years work on their sculptures.

A Warm Welcome to Students and Parents...

Welcome to the start of the 2011-12 school year! Please take time to peruse posts from last year and familiarize yourself with the blog. I am in the process of updating links to syllabi, rubrics, and other forms. A big thank you to everyone that has donated to the program ($25.00 - ceramics, $10.00 Paint-Print). It's going to be a great year. Please email me with any questions at kmcclell@pps.net.

KILNS!!

The kilns are in! Aren't they lovely? The electrical is currently in the works. Thank you to the Cleveland Alumni Group and the PTA for helping out with the cost. Other upgrades include venting, shelving to go inside the kilns, and stilts.

Scholastic Arts!

Cleveland received 3 Golds, 10 Silvers, and 4 Honorable Mentions in the Scholastic Art Awards. Not bad for the first year entering! Congrats to both Amalia and Jin Mei in my Art 3-4 class!