Again and Again and...

Here, students have flipped a pinch pot upside down, chosen an organic shape, and repeated that shape at least 20 times. They are learning the basics of permanently adhering separate pieces of clay together and also learning (sometimes the hard way) the limits of the medium. We looked at the design principle of Repetition as we tried our hand at these stunning, lifelike sculptures.

Catching Up

My apologies for the long absence! The ceramics studio has been a busy place and the blog has fallen behind. A few things to note...

-The pictures below feature the work currently being shown at the Teacher and Student Invitational, Talisman Gallery, on Alberta.  The last picture features a figurative piece of mine that is showing next to the student work at the show. 

-In March, Oregon College of Arts and Crafts will be hosting their high school show which will include work from my classes as well as other art classes at Cleveland. 

-And finally, we have big news here! We received a grant from RACC! After studying the Willamette -River and watersheds from multiple angles, we will be putting on a fabulous juried show at the Disjecta Contemporary Art Gallery in Kenton, entitled, "Take Me to the River." We have already started work on the project and we're well on our way. The show starts in early April. Students will be exposed to prominent artists, authors, and other speakers that will help inform them, inspire them, and increase awareness as they work on their projects.

 Anya's sculptural piece was so large that it had to be fired in two separate pieces.

Zane's smoke fired coil pot with a masking tape resist.

My figurative piece, showing alongside student work.

Workin' it!

Weston has created a beautiful bamboo inspired sculpture.

Fiona has magically transformed a small pinch pot into a wonderfully creative work of art.

Zane and Eden happily work on their pieces.

This was too good to pass up. Everett came to class on pajama day with the most hilarious onesie I've ever seen! It was like one large blue sack. Thanks, Everett, for adding a little cheer to the classroom. 

Moira's soft stamping and sgraffito are so carefully done.

Brianna is fully engaged in the creation of her fabulous vase.

I can always count on Miranda for pushing the parameters of the assignment and producing something original and creative. Love it.

Kiah has found her passion during this assignment. Sgraffito! (Scratching through the glaze to reveal the clay body underneath.)

Jose had a good time attempting to make the largest leaf plate EVER. Love it, Jose!

Adrian combines his love of illustration with his van sculpture.

These are the first smoke fired pots from the intro students. We first burnished the pots (using a river rock),  bisque fired them, smoke fired them, and polished them. PHEW! 

Eden had the great idea of combining the leaf plates to create a wonderful bowl.

Some finished leaf plates. These are actually my demo pieces. 

A 3rd year ceramics student, Gennie, created this fabulous house out of firm slabs. What an accomplishment!

2nd years are just finishing up a platter assignment using hump and slump molds. I love Anya's sprigging and delicate additions. 

Welcome!

I am so excited to start another fabulous year of ceramics! I will soon be posting the updated syllabus for 2012-13 so please check back soon, or you may stop by my room for another copy.  Don't forget to bring in your $25.00 contribution this year! Also, you will need a one subject spiral bound notebook or a composition book. We will be using these next week in class. Good luck to everyone on a stress free yet exciting start to the new school year.

Alberta Arts!

Congrats to Emily Duke, Curtis MacNaughton, Maddy Hwee, Everett Wiethorn, and Amalia Pagura. Their artwork is currently being shown at the Talisman Gallery on Alberta. The Students & Teachers Invitational Exhibit will be up through March 25th. For more information, click on the link below.
http://www.talismangallery.com/

Congrats!

Congratulations to the Scholastic Arts winners! Everett Wiethorn (intro student), won a Silver Key Award for his amazing mask and Maddy Hwee (2nd year), won a Silver Key Award for her sculptural spheres. Also, Curtis MacNaughton (intro student) won honorable mention for his beautiful slab vase.

Everett Wiethorn

Maddy Hwee

Curtis MacNaughton

Entering Scholastic Awards!

This is the last week to enter student work into the Scholastic Art Awards. After registering online, students should return the appropriate forms, signed by a guardian, with cash or check for $5.00 per submission. See website info.
http://www.artandwriting.org/Registration

Check out some of the great work going on in class!