ART06099 2019 Ceramics 2: Extruded Form and Raku Glazing

Realize the merits of a broad, well informed visual and technical research; citing relevant historical and contemporary influences.

Illustrate a capable and creative aptitude in handling extruded form, when establishing their work.

Have attained a high level of finish on their completed works.

Demonstrate an understanding of the Raku and the post-firing process via the sucessful completion of their finished forms.

Have achieved good workshop practice, paying particular attention to the established systems of Health & Safety when working with all materials and equipment in the Ceramics Studio.

Each semester the student is provided with a shared project theme which all disciplines follow and to which each student builds their ongoing research. At the early part of the semester initial technical information is provided via a series of demonstrations, information hand-outs and DVD’S. Students' are asked to maintain a Visual Diary, Ceramics Notebook and a series of exploratory macquettes as they develop their ideas. Weekly one-to-one tutorials support the students’ ongoing research and ensure they are responding productively to the designated project brief .Collective discussions and group critiques further support the students learning throughout the semester.

The Visiting Artist Series, International Trip, Exhibition Visits and Field Trips all provide invaluable exposure to a variety of professional platforms during the academic year.

The students’ progress is monitored throughout the semester via informal weekly tutorials. Students present their ‘work in progress’ for a Mid Term Review, usually six weeks into the semester. A formal exam takes place at the end of semester whereby the student mounts their finished work in an exhibition format for assessment .

The student is given a set Project to respond to, with a list of requirements. Through this project the student must establish a body of work which will fulfil the required learning outcomes of the initial failed module.The student is given the use of the Ceramic Studios for an extra two weeks, after their assessment, so they'll have the support and access to specialized equipment in order to complete the requirements of the Project.

Visual Research: This is an integral aspect to the student’s engagement, which provides all answers to their material and technical enquiry. Students are assigned shared project titles which help them begin to develop their personal interpretations and concepts. They are encouraged to realize the value of a broad and well informed research, which feeds all disciplines. Their investigations should explore both technical and creative sources as well as making themselves familiar with all relevant historical and contemporary artists. A strong and rich research is required to meet the diverse learning challenges.

Extruding Clay Form: With some basic knowledge in the preparing and handling of Clay, the student is required to develop their ideas and forms through the use of Extrusions as a building technique. Extrusions by their nature and process produce a more ‘machined’ form, providing a suitable contrast to earlier introductory hand-building techniques. Students are introduced to a range of possibilities derived from this method, from hollow section forms, to that of solid or profile extrusion. The student is shown how to successfully operate both the 'wall' and 'bench mounted' extruders in order to create the forms appropriate to the development of their ideas and work. The student is encouraged to realize the importance of experimentation, exploring ideas and materials via the making of macquettes and drawing. It is through this system of enquiry that the final form is found and resolved, being developed to a larger scale.

Raku Glazing: The student is introduced to the history and methodology of this unique firing process. Historically heralding from the East, the process of Raku helps the student consider a wider cultural focus and to experience a deeper engagement whilst working with clay as a means of expression. Particular techniques are demonstrated to illustrate the subtleties between a range of post-firing treatments, the creation of an ‘oxidized atmosphere’ and a 'reduced atmosphere'. Raku glazes mature at a low temperature, providing a marked distinction to the glazes used in the previous semester. Instruction in the safe handling of each treatment is demonstrated and a direct 'hands on' approach is encouraged in order that the student gain an accurate and safe understanding of these techniques. The student experiences all aspects of the firing process in order that they gain full control of their desired result.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          At this stage in the academic year particular emphasis lies with gaining a high level finish, as they focus on the final presentation of their years work. 

Ceramic Studio Protocols and Health + Safety: Initially the student is introduced to a variety of equipment housed in the Ceramic Studio and made aware of the specialist areas of use. They are instructed in the safe use and basic maintenance of all equipment. With a ‘clean as you go’ policy, each student attends to a weekly cleaning schedule and regularly participates in the recycling of the main clay supply, with support staff. They are instructed in the safe handling of their materials, reducing the risk of dusty practices and are briefed on all Health & Safety protocols relevant to functioning in the Ceramic Studio.