013219 Studio Practice: Ceramics
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade, no marks
Description
This subject is designed as an introduction to the media of clay. Historical and contemporary studies of this medium form a basis from which students are encouraged to explore individual expression whilst learning about clay and ceramic techniques. The properties of clay, its sculptural characteristics, safe workshop practice and the firing process pertaining to electric kilns are also addressed in this subject. Conceptual frameworks for classroom practice are developed through activity-based learning.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| a. | Analyse current ceramic practice through a range of historical, cultural and contemporary contexts to explore the rich tradition of ceramic forms (GTS 2.1) |
|---|---|
| b. | Acquire material understanding, knowledge of safe practice, and technical methodologies to enable students to hand build clay forms (GTS 2.2, 4.4) |
| c. | Identify creative thinking strategies by reflecting about the practice of making objects in clay (GTS 3.4) |
| d. | Produce resolved, ceramic objects by practising skills according to the conventions, processes and possibilities of making with clay (GTS 2.1, 3.2) |
| e. | Explore the physical properties and characteristics of design, form and colour with fired and unfired clay (GTS 2.1) |
| f. | Use specific language and terminology of ceramics (GTS 6.2, 2.6) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
- Make judgements about their own learning and identify and organise their continuing professional development (GTS 3, 6) (1.3)
- Employ contemporary technologies effectively for diverse purposes (GTS 2, 4) (1.5)
- Analyse and synthesise research and engage in inquiry (GTS 3) (2.1)
- Exhibit high-level numeracy and literacies (GTS 2) (6.2)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This subject addresses the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:
1. Professional Readiness
1.3 Make judgements about their own learning and identify and organize their continuing professional development (GTS 3, 6)
1.5 Employ contemporary technologies effectively for diverse purposes (GTS 2, 4)
2. Critical and Creative Inquiry
2.1 Analyse and synthesise research and engage in inquiry (GTS 3)
2.2 Make well-informed contributions to contemporary debates pertinent to education (GTS3)
6. Effective Communication
6.1 Communicate effectively using diverse modes and technologies (GTS 2, 3, 4)
Teaching and learning strategies
Students will actively engage in a range of learning strategies. These will include making art works, observing practical demonstrations, investigating the practice of contemporary ceramic artists, guided workshops, videos, online content, discussion of readings, and collaborating in groupwork. Ongoing verbal and action-based feedback will be provided throughout all workshop activities. The online environment will incorporate learning materials to enable students to prepare for and extend in-class/workshop tasks. Students will develop resources and conceptual frameworks for their future professional practice.
Content (topics)
The subject integrates the theory and practice of ceramics through exploring the following topics:
- The appreciation of the historical, cultural within the contemporary context of ceramics (PA 1)
- Safe practice in the ceramic environment (PA 2)
- Malleable clay techniques - Construction and modelling using slap-building, pinch and coil methods
- Methods and techniques of decoration of clay and ceramic surfaces
- Visual/verbal/written evidence of process and reflection on artistic practice
- Design and making of art works (PA 4)
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Essay and Journal
| Objective(s): | a, c and f | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 40% | ||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 1500 words | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Exhibition of Four Works
| Objective(s): | b, d and e | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 60% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Minimum requirements
Attendance and participation at all workshops are essential in this subject as learning, knowledge and development of skills is body-based, involves collaborative interchange of ideas with tutor and other students, and there is no substitute for these activities. An attendance roll will be taken at each class and students who are absent for more than 2.5 hours of the total block subject, will not have their final assessment marked (see Rule 8.8).
Required texts
To access your required subject e-reader go to the library website and find ‘Subject Resources’ (below) then enter the subject number (013219)
http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/students/my-subject-resources
References
Birks,T.(2003) The Complete Potters Companion. London: Conran Octopus Limited
Blandino, B. (2004). Coiled Pottery London: A& C Black Art and Craft.
Clough, P. (2001). Sculptural Materials in the Classroom. London: A & C Black Art & Craft
Chance, I. Ed. (2001) Kaltja now: Indigenous Arts Australia Kent Town, S.A.: Wakefield Press in association with the National Aboriginal Cultural Institute – Tandanya
Cochrane,G.(2007). Smartworks: design and the handmade. Sydney, Powerhouse Publishing
Cooper,E.(2000). Ten Thousand Years of Pottery. London, The British Museum Press
Cooper, E. (1982). Electric kiln pottery: the complete guide London: Batsford
De Waal, E. (n.d.). Design Source Book: Ceramics
Genders, C. (2005). Sources of Inspiration London: A & C Black Art and Craft
Gunter, A. Ed. (2004). 500 figures in clay: ceramics artists celebrate the human form New York: Lark Books
Hanaor, Z. (2007).Breaking The Mould: New Approaches To Ceramics, London: Black Dog Publishing
Ioannou, N. (1997). Masters of Their Craft: Tradition and Innovation in the Australian Contemporary Decorative Arts. North Ryde, NSW: Craftsman House
Isaacs, J. (1982). Thancoupie the potter Sydney, NSW; Aboriginal Artists Agency
Kerr, R. (1986). Chinese Ceramics; Porcelain of the Qing dynasty, 1644-1911. London: Victoria and Albert Museum
Mansfield, J. (2006). Ceramics in the Environment. A & C Black Art and Craft
Minogue, C. (2006). Impressed and Incised Ceramics.
Murray, K. (2005). Craft Unbound: Make the Common Precious. Melbourne: Craftsman House.
NSW Department of Education & Training & University of NSW. (1999). Chemical Safety in Schools: The safe use and storage of workplace chemicals in schools. Vol. 2; Section 3.2 Creative Arts (pp 2-47)
Ostermann, M. (2003). The Ceramic Surface. London: A & C Black Art and Craft
Perryman, J. (2005). Naked Clay: Clay Without Glaze. London: A & C Black Art and Craft
Peterson, Susan, Peterson, Jan (2003).The Craft and Art of Clay,4th Ed. London: Laurence King Publishing.
Rawson, Philip. (1971). Ceramics: The Appreciation Of the Arts. Oxford Press, London
Reijnders, Anton. (2005) The Ceramic Process : A Manual and Source of Inspiration for Ceramic Art and Design. London, Philadelphia, PA: A. & C Black ;
Seear,L and Ewington,J.Ed. (2007) Brought to Light II, Contemporary Australian Art 1966-2006 from the Queensland Art gallery Collection. Queensland Art Gallery Publishing.
Tourtillott, Suzanne J.E. (2005) The Figure in Clay: Contemporary Sculpting Techniques by Master Artists .New York: Lark Books
Waller, J. (2001). The Human Form in Clay. The Crowood Press Ltd. London
Zakin, R. (1994). Electric kiln ceramics: a potter’s guide to clays and glazes, 2nd Ed. Radnor, Pa: Chilton Book Co. London A&C Black
Other resources
Print Journals
Ceramics Art and Perception
The Journal of Australian Ceramics
Ceramic Review: The International Magazine of Ceramic Art and Craft
American Ceramics
Object
Art and Australia
Online Journal
Interpreting Ceramics: Research Collaboration (ICRC). http://www.uwic.ac.uk/ICRC/ International referred, electronic journal for ceramics (free)
Websites
Victoria and Albert Museum www.vam.ac.uk
Powerhouse Museum www.phm.gov.au
National Gallery of Australia www.nga.gov.au
Art Gallery of NSW www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au
Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery www.tmag.tas.gov.au
National Gallery of Victoria www.ngv.vic.gov.au
Art Gallery of Western Australia www.artgallery.wa.gov.au
Art Gallery of South Australia www.artgallery.sa.gov.au
Museum of Contemporary Art www.mca.com.au
Object-Australian Centre for Craft and Design www.object.com.au
Ceramics Art and Perception - Bookshop and Magazine www.ceramicart.com.au
NSW & QLD Pottery Supplies www.potterysupplies.com.au
Australian Ceramics www.australianceramics.com
Ceramic Review Magazine, London, UK http://www.ceramicreview.com/
Craft Victoria http://www.craftculture.org/ceramics.asp
Craft Potters, UK http://www.cpaceramics.com/links.html