Ceramics

Ceramics is one of the most ancient industries on the planet. Once humans discovered that clay could be dug up and formed into objects by first mixing with water and then firing, the industry was born. As early as 24,000 BC, animal and human figurines were made from clay and other materials, than fired in kilns partially dug into the ground.  Almost 10,000 years later, as settled communities were established, tiles were manufactured in Mesopotamia and India. The first use of functional pottery vessels for storing water and food is thought to be around 9,000 or 10,000 BC. Clay bricks were also made around the same time.www.ceramics.org

Athenian Red Figure column kraterAttributed to the Agrigento Painter470-460 BCE

Minoan

The project:

• Begin by exploring pattern and line drawing

• Then use an idea generation sheet to create ideas centred on a theme

• Handbuild a clay vessel and cover it with white slip

• Carve pattern and line drawings into it

• Projects will be fired, hardening the clay

9 days maximum

Criteria for ceramics project

1. Creative process: based on idea generation worksheet

2. Pattern: complex, crisp, consistent

3. Line drawing: detailed, bold, well-proportioned

4. Ceramic form: well-balanced, well-constructed

5. Material handling: clean up and care of clay and tools

9 days maximum

Criteria #2: Pattern

Criteria #3: Line drawing

Criteria #4: Ceramic form

Criteria #5:

Clean up and handling of materials