This one is for Lina

Hello potters,
   In Finland they say pottery is "Taika" or magic. Take a look at these examples of pottery from Finland. Tell me  what makes this pottery distinctly Finnish.  How can you identify them as Finnish? Your homework is due Friday, Feb. 10.

 

  

Which Artwork Do You Prefer?

Hello Potters,
   Below are 2 very different bowls. I want you to tell me which one you prefer and be very specific as to why you picked that piece. Tell me what about the ceramic you really like. Your homework is due Friday, Feb. 3.


 
         Artwork 1                                               Artwork 2

                  

Would you want to dig your clay?

Hello Pottery Students.
     It may be hard to imagine but the clay you use does not come from the store; the origins go beyond there. Please view the following 2 Youtube videos that show how you can dig your own clay.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhGh_JV4bT8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHPNAiVq9No&feature=related

Now answer the following questions:
     Why would it be beneficial to dig your own clay versus buying it? Do you think that all potters should learn this process? Why?  Would you want to go out and dig your own local clay?
Your homework is due Friday, January 28.

Elements and Principles of Art

Click on the link below. Your homework with be computer games about the Elements and Priinciples of Art.

http://www.artsconnected.org/toolkit/index.html



Click on Green Triangle-“Explore Toolkit
There are 6 sections to explore; Line, Color, Space, Shape Balance, and Movement/Rhythm. Each section has a Watch, Find, and Create area. This will be great practice for your reflections.

Tell me something new, interesting, or helpful that you learned in each section.

This will be your last homework of 2009. It is due Tuesday, December 22. Happy Holidays!

Getting Down and Dirty

Hello Pottery Students.
     It may be hard to imagine but the clay you use does not come from the store; the origins go beyond there. Please view the following 2 Youtube videos that show how you can dig your own clay.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhGh_JV4bT8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHPNAiVq9No&feature=related

Now answer the following questions:
     Why would it be beneficial to dig your own clay versus buying it? Do you think that all potters should learn this process? Why?  Would you want to go out and dig your own local clay?

What's New and Inspires You.

Hello Potters,
     I now want to see what type of pottery you find exciting and inspiring. You will take some time to research some pottery websites. I want you to find 3 pottery sites where you learned some new techniques or new design ideas. You will include the web addresses and then tell me why each of those sites were so inspiring to you. We will then add these links to our Art website as resources for the future. For this assignment do not give me YouTube addresses. I have included an example below of 3 sites that have me hoping to "hop on the wheel" soon. If you have not voted for what you like to pull on the wheel, don't forget to do so soon.
     I have always loved the irredescent colors and textures of raku and this site; www.natureofclay.com/081004RakuKeepsakeJar.html takes solid lines that create geometric shapes against the glowing colors. The pieces remind me of stain glass windows.
     The work of William Shinn is very unusual; http://www.judithhalegallery.com/sculptures/clay_ceramic_sculptures.html
His pieces are very organic and remind me of the ocean and plants. I like the various textural elements he pushed into the clay. His work reminds me that if you want to emphasize the texture you should simplify the color work.
    The next artist that inspired me was John Waterman from New Zealand.
http://www.thewatermanchronicles.co.nz/index.html
I especially like his abstract pieces and how he uses negative shapes. I also like the combination of faces emerging from the clay. My favorite is in Gallery 3 called "Awakening". The complementary colors and contrasting textures draw your attention to the face.

Advanced Wheel Techniques

Hello pottery students. You are all gaining skills on the pottery wheel. I found a great site from Goshen that has lots of techniques for working on the wheel. You will click on the different chapters and the photos to get some helpful hints. Some of the techniques are different from what I have shown you.  To inspire you I have some EXTREME pottery wheel YouTube videos to also watch. Answer the following questions:

1. Tell me about 3 new techniques that you will want to try. Why do you think these will make throwing easier?

2. You saw 6 advanced potters on YouTube. Which one would you most like to be able to do? Why?

Remember that it may be easier to open a Word document and type your answers first, save the Word document, and then copy and paste your answers in the comment section. Remember also to click name/URL and type in your name and then click the "Publish Your Comments" button. Let me know if you encounter any glitches. Good Luck!!!