Ian
To be honest, I forgot what class I signed up for, all I knew was it was art. When I found out that is was ceramics, I was overjoyed, I have had an interesting experience with clay in the past, I am a perfectionist, which is not helpful when working with clay, you don’t necessarily want the perfect form, you need to be one with the clay, be flexible, but tough, and I hoped that this class would teach me how.
What I hoped for came true, ( I will get to that), But another technique that I learned was sgraffito, which I haven’t even heard of before this class. A beautiful mix of color and texture, I only wish I hadn’t put a clear glaze over my piece, I thought that the beauty was in the dull, soft color, accenting the clay work more than the regular glaze.
If anyone were to ask me about being one with the clay, my response would be patience (that’s a given for most art) and not to get your heart set with one idea of image, let your hand just move the clay to where the clay wants to be, let the clay drive the wheel and let you give the directions, this will allow for the piece to be all that you wanted and more.
Well, opposed to what I stated in the previous sentences, I didn’t really like the outcome of most pieces. The Slab piece was rushed in the sgraffito stage, so I didn’t give it the symmetry I was hoping for. The second piece followed the same pattern as the first, I turned what could have been a coil pot with an interesting look and texture into a boring, smooth pot, undermining the whole assignment, The best and final project was a small pinch pot with a dragon, I liked it, I glazed it, then when it came out (before the others) I realized that I had overlooked the fact the colors would be bright and shiny, and I also sped through the glazing stage, ending up with two colors that didn’t go together at all. Even though I was disappointed with the pieces I made, it was a learning experience, teaching me to be patient with the clay, and learn technics that I hadn’t even know was possible and led me to take another step forward into the world of ceramics.
If anyone were to ask me about being one with the clay, my response would be patience (that’s a given for most art) and not to get your heart set with one idea of image, let your hand just move the clay to where the clay wants to be, let the clay drive the wheel and let you give the directions, this will allow for the piece to be all that you wanted and more.
Well, opposed to what I stated in the previous sentences, I didn’t really like the outcome of most pieces. The Slab piece was rushed in the sgraffito stage, so I didn’t give it the symmetry I was hoping for. The second piece followed the same pattern as the first, I turned what could have been a coil pot with an interesting look and texture into a boring, smooth pot, undermining the whole assignment, The best and final project was a small pinch pot with a dragon, I liked it, I glazed it, then when it came out (before the others) I realized that I had overlooked the fact the colors would be bright and shiny, and I also sped through the glazing stage, ending up with two colors that didn’t go together at all. Even though I was disappointed with the pieces I made, it was a learning experience, teaching me to be patient with the clay, and learn technics that I hadn’t even know was possible and led me to take another step forward into the world of ceramics.
Griffin
What was known?
On the first day I think I rated myself a 3 or 4. I rated myself that because I had a pretty good understanding of clay, but I hadn’t worked with it in a couple of years. I knew how to scratch-and-attach, do pinch-pots, and coil pots but that was pretty much it. I didn’t know about sgraffito and under glazing so that was fun to do.
What was learned?
The thing I appreciated learning about the most was the stages of clay. Learning that leather hard was ideal for putting the slabs together, that the plastic phase was the stage that you usually work with (and needing to apply water whenever it started to crack), and that slip is used to attach parts of clay together was good to know. Our teamwork as a table wasn’t the best, especially cleaning up because we were always the last ones done. The advice I would offer to someone getting into clay is that when you come up with an idea, it needs to be clear. Also, think it through to see if you can really do it.
Overall thoughts
I just tried to do the best I can, but I was a little too ambitious on my pinch-pot project. It was supposed to be a water fountain but it was just a bit too difficult. I loved how my coil pot turned out and the handle on it. Overall I really liked this class and working with clay.
On the first day I think I rated myself a 3 or 4. I rated myself that because I had a pretty good understanding of clay, but I hadn’t worked with it in a couple of years. I knew how to scratch-and-attach, do pinch-pots, and coil pots but that was pretty much it. I didn’t know about sgraffito and under glazing so that was fun to do.
What was learned?
The thing I appreciated learning about the most was the stages of clay. Learning that leather hard was ideal for putting the slabs together, that the plastic phase was the stage that you usually work with (and needing to apply water whenever it started to crack), and that slip is used to attach parts of clay together was good to know. Our teamwork as a table wasn’t the best, especially cleaning up because we were always the last ones done. The advice I would offer to someone getting into clay is that when you come up with an idea, it needs to be clear. Also, think it through to see if you can really do it.
Overall thoughts
I just tried to do the best I can, but I was a little too ambitious on my pinch-pot project. It was supposed to be a water fountain but it was just a bit too difficult. I loved how my coil pot turned out and the handle on it. Overall I really liked this class and working with clay.
Sheridan
Before this quarter I had a fair amount of knowledge on clay, having taken the same ceramics class last year. In it I learned basic building knowledge, how to use glaze, how to store projects to work on them in the future, using the slip and score technique, and how to do sgraffito. At the end of the quarter, I was fairly proficient in clay and I was satisfied with my work.
This quarter, I added to that knowledge and ability by working more easily with coils, working faster and more efficiently, working with more precision, and perfecting my work. I really appreciate having learned these things the second time through which helped me consolidate my knowledge, and also the satisfaction of seeing my improvement from last year. To someone who is new to ceramics, I would offer a couple pieces of advice. The first is to be patient with yourself, and the second is to not worry about perfection which comes later with practice.
These projects definitely helped me reach my goals of having more finished looking pieces. My work turned out mostly how I imagined, although the glaze process is something I would like to work on more, especially the unbelievable amount of time I take to complete a piece. I loved working with clay and although it can be stressful, I think it helped me learn patience and perseverance.
This quarter, I added to that knowledge and ability by working more easily with coils, working faster and more efficiently, working with more precision, and perfecting my work. I really appreciate having learned these things the second time through which helped me consolidate my knowledge, and also the satisfaction of seeing my improvement from last year. To someone who is new to ceramics, I would offer a couple pieces of advice. The first is to be patient with yourself, and the second is to not worry about perfection which comes later with practice.
These projects definitely helped me reach my goals of having more finished looking pieces. My work turned out mostly how I imagined, although the glaze process is something I would like to work on more, especially the unbelievable amount of time I take to complete a piece. I loved working with clay and although it can be stressful, I think it helped me learn patience and perseverance.
Colin
What Was Known?
On the first day of class when we self-assessed our level of clay; I was around a 2.5. I knew the basics of shaping clay into things and knew how to make a pinch pot. Before art I had made 5 things using clay including: a clay sun, and 4 pinch pots that I shaped into different things.
What Was Learned?
I learned the different “stages” of clay: Slip, Plastic, Leather Hard, Greenware, Bisque Fire, Glaze Fire. I learned how to roll long strains of clay for coiling without breaking it. I also learned that when attaching two clay things together that you don’t just scratch and attach, you add slip to that, so it sticks better. What I most appreciate having learned was to add slip to scratch and attaching. I most appreciate this, because it helped me keep my slab project together. Advice I would give would be, to add a lot of slip when you are attaching pieces of clay together so you don’t have to worry about if your pieces of clay will break apart. When you're doing this you can use a smoother tool to get rid of the extra slip. One thing you must not forget is to scratch and attach in this process.
Overall Thoughts
My goal for this quarter is to not get frustrated when my work doesn’t turn out as I planned. The projects helped me towards my goal by being challenging and having a set amount of time to make them. My work didn’t turn out as I imagined it because I didn’t have enough time. I think working with clay is very fun and would suggest to people that they try it too.
On the first day of class when we self-assessed our level of clay; I was around a 2.5. I knew the basics of shaping clay into things and knew how to make a pinch pot. Before art I had made 5 things using clay including: a clay sun, and 4 pinch pots that I shaped into different things.
What Was Learned?
I learned the different “stages” of clay: Slip, Plastic, Leather Hard, Greenware, Bisque Fire, Glaze Fire. I learned how to roll long strains of clay for coiling without breaking it. I also learned that when attaching two clay things together that you don’t just scratch and attach, you add slip to that, so it sticks better. What I most appreciate having learned was to add slip to scratch and attaching. I most appreciate this, because it helped me keep my slab project together. Advice I would give would be, to add a lot of slip when you are attaching pieces of clay together so you don’t have to worry about if your pieces of clay will break apart. When you're doing this you can use a smoother tool to get rid of the extra slip. One thing you must not forget is to scratch and attach in this process.
Overall Thoughts
My goal for this quarter is to not get frustrated when my work doesn’t turn out as I planned. The projects helped me towards my goal by being challenging and having a set amount of time to make them. My work didn’t turn out as I imagined it because I didn’t have enough time. I think working with clay is very fun and would suggest to people that they try it too.
Kai
What Was Known?
Going into the class, I knew absolutely nothing about clay, except that it felt weird in my hands and I didn’t like to touch it. I had never tried clay before. I’m not sure why.
What Was Learned?
I most appreciate having learned how to store clay between projects. Any other clay-related fact or technique only works some of the time. You’ll always have to store clay at some point. Never forget to wrap your work in wet paper, or it will get dried out. When clay is dried out, it’s useless. You can’t work with it, you can’t etch art in it, you can’t do anything with it.
Overall Thoughts
This quarter, my goal for this elective was to get a basic understanding of clay. I now know how to do a lot of cool things with clay, and am able to work with it. My first project did not get done, unfortunately, but still am glad I chose this elective. I like clay.
That Dang Slab Project
Unfortunately, due to me not storing my slab project correctly, it dried up and could no longer be used. I tried to make a new one, but ran out of time and was unable to finish my slab project. If I could redo my project, I would store it correctly, and avoid a whole lot of inconveniences.
In order to make a slab project, you must first pound a lump of clay flat. You must then cut it up with a needle tool, making several different slabs that can be scratch-and-attached together, forming some sort of box-like object. You can then draw some sgraffito designs on it to make a proper work of art.
Going into the class, I knew absolutely nothing about clay, except that it felt weird in my hands and I didn’t like to touch it. I had never tried clay before. I’m not sure why.
What Was Learned?
I most appreciate having learned how to store clay between projects. Any other clay-related fact or technique only works some of the time. You’ll always have to store clay at some point. Never forget to wrap your work in wet paper, or it will get dried out. When clay is dried out, it’s useless. You can’t work with it, you can’t etch art in it, you can’t do anything with it.
Overall Thoughts
This quarter, my goal for this elective was to get a basic understanding of clay. I now know how to do a lot of cool things with clay, and am able to work with it. My first project did not get done, unfortunately, but still am glad I chose this elective. I like clay.
That Dang Slab Project
Unfortunately, due to me not storing my slab project correctly, it dried up and could no longer be used. I tried to make a new one, but ran out of time and was unable to finish my slab project. If I could redo my project, I would store it correctly, and avoid a whole lot of inconveniences.
In order to make a slab project, you must first pound a lump of clay flat. You must then cut it up with a needle tool, making several different slabs that can be scratch-and-attached together, forming some sort of box-like object. You can then draw some sgraffito designs on it to make a proper work of art.
Lottie
I didn’t come into class knowing much about clay. All I know was how to make a pinch pot and that you needed water. Clay was never my favorite thing to do so I never put much thought into it.
I think I learned a lot from this quarter. The sgraffito was something I had never heard of and was really fun to learn about. I also learned a lot about the different stages of clay, and I never know that clay could be different kinds of dry. I really loved learning about the different kinds of things you could make with clay. Being creative and not just making a bowl or a cup.
If I were to give advice to someone in the next class I would tell them to try and make something they are proud of. Really working hard, smoothing the edges and adding detail to their pieces. Not just making a bowl but a piece that they are proud of.
I’m not sure what my goal was for this class. I think I really just wanted to learn more about clay. I’m more into 2D art and I really wanted to try something new. I think I completed my goal and now I have a better grasp on clay and 3D art.
I think I learned a lot from this quarter. The sgraffito was something I had never heard of and was really fun to learn about. I also learned a lot about the different stages of clay, and I never know that clay could be different kinds of dry. I really loved learning about the different kinds of things you could make with clay. Being creative and not just making a bowl or a cup.
If I were to give advice to someone in the next class I would tell them to try and make something they are proud of. Really working hard, smoothing the edges and adding detail to their pieces. Not just making a bowl but a piece that they are proud of.
I’m not sure what my goal was for this class. I think I really just wanted to learn more about clay. I’m more into 2D art and I really wanted to try something new. I think I completed my goal and now I have a better grasp on clay and 3D art.
Aaron
1. Before we started class I already knew how to make a pinch pot and scratch and attach. My self assessed level of clay was 2 now it's probably 7. I think I have learned more.
2. I learned how to work with slabs sgraffito and use slip and water for clay and store it right.
3. I appreciate being taught how to use clay because I like making things out of clay.
Taj
I knew how to sculpt clay and what materials to use. I knew how to make clay ropes and use the ropes to make pots. I appreciated learning more about using coils. It made me feel less depressed. Try your hardest and don’t give up. Don’t let it get too dried out. I wanted to do whatever came to mind and use my creativity. I got closer to my goal by seeing what fits my creativity. I was able to take something from my imagination and create it. I created a head, and it turned out like I imagined it, more or less. I liked working with clay. It gave me something to focus on to stop worrying about my other thoughts
Maya HZ
What was known?
I put my level of clay understanding as a 4.5 because I remembered a lot from Art class when I was little. I knew how to make pinch pots, coils, the scratch and attach method, glazing, and a ton of stuff that I can’t remember now but if someone brought them up, I would probably remember.
What was learned?
I learned about sgraffito, and how you should always clean off your carving tool, because it will leave clay scraps that will become sharp after they are fired; spraying too much water on the newspaper that you’re going to wrap your clay in is okay, and it’s better to be safe than sorry (Or wet than dry); I learned about slip, and it really does help to use it as well as the scratch and attach method; and put the needle tools away POINT DOWN, because I almost stabbed myself, which would have hurt; and so much more, but it would take hours to specify. (And it would take a while to type and edit)
I put my level of clay understanding as a 4.5 because I remembered a lot from Art class when I was little. I knew how to make pinch pots, coils, the scratch and attach method, glazing, and a ton of stuff that I can’t remember now but if someone brought them up, I would probably remember.
What was learned?
I learned about sgraffito, and how you should always clean off your carving tool, because it will leave clay scraps that will become sharp after they are fired; spraying too much water on the newspaper that you’re going to wrap your clay in is okay, and it’s better to be safe than sorry (Or wet than dry); I learned about slip, and it really does help to use it as well as the scratch and attach method; and put the needle tools away POINT DOWN, because I almost stabbed myself, which would have hurt; and so much more, but it would take hours to specify. (And it would take a while to type and edit)
What was learned?
Don’t get annoyed at little things. It does nothing but hold you back, and scare your creativity away. Let things happen, and you never know, maybe a mistake will inspire you!
I think the one thing I appreciate learning is about storing your clay. I probably would have just shoved the piece in a plastic bag and left it, which would have dried it out.
So whoever is reading this, just pay attention to what you’re doing and working on, don’t get too distracted, listen to your surroundings, sometimes things that you see or hear can inspire you, and you should be fine! Remember: mistakes happen and you can’t stop them, so don’t get too annoyed!
Don’t get annoyed at little things. It does nothing but hold you back, and scare your creativity away. Let things happen, and you never know, maybe a mistake will inspire you!
I think the one thing I appreciate learning is about storing your clay. I probably would have just shoved the piece in a plastic bag and left it, which would have dried it out.
So whoever is reading this, just pay attention to what you’re doing and working on, don’t get too distracted, listen to your surroundings, sometimes things that you see or hear can inspire you, and you should be fine! Remember: mistakes happen and you can’t stop them, so don’t get too annoyed!
Overall thoughts
Honestly, I didn’t set a goal this quarter (I usually don’t set goals), I kind of just drifted into it to have fun and to see what happens. I’m actually pretty happy with my work, even if some of it cracked and got a little disfigured and didn’t turn out exactly as planned (Because let’s be honest here, there’s no such thing as something going as planned). It’s better than no have done anything at all, and I came in with an idea, and left with its reality in my hands.
I really liked working with clay, and I realized that I like making tiny stuff! I had a few minutes left in class, so I sat down with three small lumps of clay and made three tiny little pots, each slightly smaller than the last. I brought them home and my mom asked if I could make some like that, but bigger, for her. I said I’d try, but I didn’t have much free time in class after that, and I wasn’t able to. I can probably make them next year, though!
Honestly, I didn’t set a goal this quarter (I usually don’t set goals), I kind of just drifted into it to have fun and to see what happens. I’m actually pretty happy with my work, even if some of it cracked and got a little disfigured and didn’t turn out exactly as planned (Because let’s be honest here, there’s no such thing as something going as planned). It’s better than no have done anything at all, and I came in with an idea, and left with its reality in my hands.
I really liked working with clay, and I realized that I like making tiny stuff! I had a few minutes left in class, so I sat down with three small lumps of clay and made three tiny little pots, each slightly smaller than the last. I brought them home and my mom asked if I could make some like that, but bigger, for her. I said I’d try, but I didn’t have much free time in class after that, and I wasn’t able to. I can probably make them next year, though!
Maddie H
What was known?
When I came into art class I said that I was a 3.5 on the level of understanding on clay. I said this because I already knew a lot about clay but I was not quite comfortable with the substance just yet. For example, I could never make coils without breaking them.
What was Learned?
I really appreciated learning about sgraffito and underglaze. I learned how you should clean off the ribbon tool frequently. I also learned how to make coils and apply pressure evenly so they don’t break. If you’re looking for success using sgraffito, keep in mind that you should clean off your ribbon tool very often. By doing so, your end result will have a neat and clean finish.
Overall Thoughts
More so than setting goals for this quarter, I planned on enjoying whatever the class had in store to teach me, because making art always relaxes me and makes me happy. Goal met! But I also did learn a lot. My slab project didn’t turn out the way I thought it would, because the walls warped a bit. As I was doing the sgraffito I put too much pressure on the walls. Working with clay can be hard for a perfectionist, because one wrong move can make you restart an entire project, but I still enjoyed it.
When I came into art class I said that I was a 3.5 on the level of understanding on clay. I said this because I already knew a lot about clay but I was not quite comfortable with the substance just yet. For example, I could never make coils without breaking them.
What was Learned?
I really appreciated learning about sgraffito and underglaze. I learned how you should clean off the ribbon tool frequently. I also learned how to make coils and apply pressure evenly so they don’t break. If you’re looking for success using sgraffito, keep in mind that you should clean off your ribbon tool very often. By doing so, your end result will have a neat and clean finish.
Overall Thoughts
More so than setting goals for this quarter, I planned on enjoying whatever the class had in store to teach me, because making art always relaxes me and makes me happy. Goal met! But I also did learn a lot. My slab project didn’t turn out the way I thought it would, because the walls warped a bit. As I was doing the sgraffito I put too much pressure on the walls. Working with clay can be hard for a perfectionist, because one wrong move can make you restart an entire project, but I still enjoyed it.
Aidan
What was known?
Before the quarter, I knew only the very basics of ceramics. The only times I had used clay before was in art classes before 7th grade, so I hadn’t used it for two years. At the start, I think I had rated myself a 3 out of 5, and that was because the only things I knew how to make were pinch-pots and coils. I knew very little technique, basically only scratch and attach and that was it.
What was learned?
What I appreciated most about the quarter was really just the chance to experiment with clay. Making sure it’s not too thick or thin, or making sure something that’s attached isn’t too weak, which the slip really helped with. I learned how to smooth something out and make it flat. I also learned about slab making which I didn’t realize I could do before (all my other experiences I had before was coiling and pinch-pots), and some of the most fun stuff to do was sgraffito and under glazing, it was really satisfying to create designs with the ribbon tool. One of the more interesting things I learned about this quarter was the stages of clay. Before I thought it was just soft-clay and bisque-clay, so it was interesting to learn there were more.
Advice I would give to someone trying out ceramics would be, have a pretty good image of what you want, and even if the clay isn’t coming together that way you thought, it can literally be molded to fit your idea, so don’t sweat it. Also, in ceramics, there are many levels of clay you can work with, from pinch-pots to sculptures, so it’s easy to get into, even if it’s your first time.
Overall Thoughts
For a goal this quarter, I wanted to create something that could actually be useful. Two out of the three (slab and pinch-pot) achieved this goal. The slab creation would be able to hold really anything that wasn’t too big and I think it turned out to be a pretty good size for medications. For the pinch-pot I made it slimmer and taller so it could hold pencils. This quarter I really enjoyed working with ceramics. It was super fun and I just enjoyed it overall. I think the level that we worked at this quarter was a good pick up point from when I last used it.
Before the quarter, I knew only the very basics of ceramics. The only times I had used clay before was in art classes before 7th grade, so I hadn’t used it for two years. At the start, I think I had rated myself a 3 out of 5, and that was because the only things I knew how to make were pinch-pots and coils. I knew very little technique, basically only scratch and attach and that was it.
What was learned?
What I appreciated most about the quarter was really just the chance to experiment with clay. Making sure it’s not too thick or thin, or making sure something that’s attached isn’t too weak, which the slip really helped with. I learned how to smooth something out and make it flat. I also learned about slab making which I didn’t realize I could do before (all my other experiences I had before was coiling and pinch-pots), and some of the most fun stuff to do was sgraffito and under glazing, it was really satisfying to create designs with the ribbon tool. One of the more interesting things I learned about this quarter was the stages of clay. Before I thought it was just soft-clay and bisque-clay, so it was interesting to learn there were more.
Advice I would give to someone trying out ceramics would be, have a pretty good image of what you want, and even if the clay isn’t coming together that way you thought, it can literally be molded to fit your idea, so don’t sweat it. Also, in ceramics, there are many levels of clay you can work with, from pinch-pots to sculptures, so it’s easy to get into, even if it’s your first time.
Overall Thoughts
For a goal this quarter, I wanted to create something that could actually be useful. Two out of the three (slab and pinch-pot) achieved this goal. The slab creation would be able to hold really anything that wasn’t too big and I think it turned out to be a pretty good size for medications. For the pinch-pot I made it slimmer and taller so it could hold pencils. This quarter I really enjoyed working with ceramics. It was super fun and I just enjoyed it overall. I think the level that we worked at this quarter was a good pick up point from when I last used it.
Violet
- What was known?
At the beginning of that class we were asked to self assess our understanding of clay on a scale of one to five, I said that I had a three. I was not the most knowledgeable about clay at the beginning of this class. I already knew the basics you know coiling, scratch and attach (without slip), pinch pots and I was pretty happy with that, but oh well. - What was learned?
I really liked learning about the new techniques such as sgraffito or slabs, which were completely new to me, and if I didn’t know about slabs I would literally be making rectangular pinch pots and it would not be pretty. I also did not know about under glaze which is crucial for sgraffito which is like etching letters into a tree except much easier (depending on the design).
What I appreciated learning the most was definitely the slip methods because my slip and score methods were trash and I needed to fix them with the all mighty slip. Slip is just really wet clay which is kinda weird but really effective. It has killer adhesive abilities and is perfect for attaching handles to mugs.
If anyone was asking me for advice on clay stuff I would say “I am definitely not great at clay yet so you should DEFINITELY ask somebody else.” but in a freak incident that somebody does ask me for advice and I would tell them that scoring is key to this method because you really have to make sure that the clay fibers have other clay fibers to kinda in a way hold hands with the thing that you want to attach. - Overall Thoughts
I do not have many existing goals as an artist but to focus and move forward in my skills, but my goal for this quarter was to make at least one decent piece, and I would like to say that I have achieved that goal. One of my goals as an artist for the future is to be as good as my late father who was an amazing artist. I’d only say that one of my pieces turned out the way it was supposed to and that was my octopus piece which in my opinion was perfect as can be.
Rio
What I knew when I first started this class, I knew the basics like how to make a pinch pot which I when I was younger knew and how to use it over all but I didn’t really know that the common tools like, the rib tool, ribbon tool, things like slip & score. I also knew things like how to put on glaze, making sure you don't get it on the bottom, but I didn't really understand overall. I feel like this class has taught me more.
This quarter I feel like I learned about different techniques, like making sgraffito, and how to use a ribbon tool to carve. I also learn a lot of the different stages of clay like plastic, leather hard, and bone-dry. I learned to be more helpful with getting people caught up on their projects and definitely learned leadership skills along the way. I appreciate the fact that our school had the opportunity to make such amazing things and being able to be educated about things like this. I recommend not giving up and to keep persevering to get better.
My goals for the future are taking on more challenging ideas, so it will give me more of a chance to get out of my comfort zone, and keep trying new things. I think I met my goals by staying focused on what I needed to get done, but also connecting with others. I think my projects definitely came out as I expected. I think I was interested in joining clay class because I have some experience with polymer clay and I wanted to try out something new.
My goals for the future are taking on more challenging ideas, so it will give me more of a chance to get out of my comfort zone, and keep trying new things. I think I met my goals by staying focused on what I needed to get done, but also connecting with others. I think my projects definitely came out as I expected. I think I was interested in joining clay class because I have some experience with polymer clay and I wanted to try out something new.
Annie
On the first day of class, I think I put myself at a 2.5 or a 3 on the scale of our clay understanding. I did this because I know enough about clay from art classes from other years at Ann Arbor Open. I knew that the clay needs to stay wet to prevent cracks. I knew about scratch and attach, and how to make a coil and pinch pot.
This year, I learned a lot more about working with clay than I have over the past few years. I learned about the different stages of clay, about, slip, plastic, and leather-hard, and different storing techniques, like the ratio of putting water on your clay per how flexible you want your clay to be. I learned about sgraffito. I learned how to sgraffito, what tools to use depending on how thick you want your line to be, and about how if you put an underglaze on before you sgraffito, the pattern will stand out more. I learned how to make slabs. The slab project was the hardest for me because I already knew how to make to coil and pinch pots, but the slab project was new.
One of my favorite things I learned was how to make a rattle out of clay. It was really interesting learning how you have to coat the little clay balls in corn starch, so they don’t stick to the inside of the larger clay ball.
If I were to give someone some advice on making the rattle, I would tell them not to make the rattle too big. I would recommend making it about the same size as your fist, so it is small enough to hold, but large enough so you can fit the balls of clay inside.
This year, I learned a lot more about working with clay than I have over the past few years. I learned about the different stages of clay, about, slip, plastic, and leather-hard, and different storing techniques, like the ratio of putting water on your clay per how flexible you want your clay to be. I learned about sgraffito. I learned how to sgraffito, what tools to use depending on how thick you want your line to be, and about how if you put an underglaze on before you sgraffito, the pattern will stand out more. I learned how to make slabs. The slab project was the hardest for me because I already knew how to make to coil and pinch pots, but the slab project was new.
One of my favorite things I learned was how to make a rattle out of clay. It was really interesting learning how you have to coat the little clay balls in corn starch, so they don’t stick to the inside of the larger clay ball.
If I were to give someone some advice on making the rattle, I would tell them not to make the rattle too big. I would recommend making it about the same size as your fist, so it is small enough to hold, but large enough so you can fit the balls of clay inside.
One of my goals while working with clay, was to make something I can actually use. I think I completed that goal with all of my projects. I really like the fact that I could make an instrument and that it is usable, which helped me complete my goal.
I think my work turned out how I imagined it would. It’s not perfect, but that is impossible, and I am happy with what I learned and created. I liked working with clay. I am more comfortable with working in 2D, but this helped me learn something different than what I am used to. I still prefer 2D art, but this class was still fun and I really enjoyed it.
I think my work turned out how I imagined it would. It’s not perfect, but that is impossible, and I am happy with what I learned and created. I liked working with clay. I am more comfortable with working in 2D, but this helped me learn something different than what I am used to. I still prefer 2D art, but this class was still fun and I really enjoyed it.
Kathryn
When I entered the class, I had a reasonable amount of knowledge, as I’d taken multiple classes about working with clay, both with a pottery wheel and without. I learned about slip, scratching and attaching, how to use tools, and the difference between wet and dry clay.
Week-long blocks of learning at summer camps taught me about how to make good pinch pots, how to make even slabs, and how to roll round coils. I learned a good deal about making things on pottery wheels, too- the steps, how to shape smooth cups and bowls, and how to embellish them.
The most useful things I learned weren’t about clay- most important were lessons about patience, perseverance, and planning. Patience is crucial because you need to wait for glaze to dry and wait for your coils to starts elongating, perseverance is necessary because everything starts looking terrible, and planning because constructing pieces happens in multiple sessions. First and foremost, it’s important to understand what you’re doing. Don’t be discouraged by failure; use it to learn, as you’ll have more chances to try.
I came into the class without any real goals- I was looking just to have fun playing with clay, and that’s what I got. My pieces all started terribly- my slab project didn’t fit together, I had no clue what I wanted for my coil project, and my pinch pot project was similarly uninspired. However, each piece had a happy ending, with my slab made snake turning into a snake, my coil project becoming a stack of hearts, and my pinch pot becoming a dragon. They met all of my goals, mainly that of them existing, and I’m proud to say I made them.
Week-long blocks of learning at summer camps taught me about how to make good pinch pots, how to make even slabs, and how to roll round coils. I learned a good deal about making things on pottery wheels, too- the steps, how to shape smooth cups and bowls, and how to embellish them.
The most useful things I learned weren’t about clay- most important were lessons about patience, perseverance, and planning. Patience is crucial because you need to wait for glaze to dry and wait for your coils to starts elongating, perseverance is necessary because everything starts looking terrible, and planning because constructing pieces happens in multiple sessions. First and foremost, it’s important to understand what you’re doing. Don’t be discouraged by failure; use it to learn, as you’ll have more chances to try.
I came into the class without any real goals- I was looking just to have fun playing with clay, and that’s what I got. My pieces all started terribly- my slab project didn’t fit together, I had no clue what I wanted for my coil project, and my pinch pot project was similarly uninspired. However, each piece had a happy ending, with my slab made snake turning into a snake, my coil project becoming a stack of hearts, and my pinch pot becoming a dragon. They met all of my goals, mainly that of them existing, and I’m proud to say I made them.
Kaitlyn
What was known:
On the first day of class, I did not know much about clay. On the board for signing in, Deb made us write how experienced we were with 3D art on a scale of 1-5, I put a 3. I said I was moderately experienced with clay art. Throughout the first day of the class I realized I was about a 2 or even 1. I did not know anything about clay! The only thing I knew was how to make a pinch pot from kindergarten.
What was learned:
When we were making our coil projects we were learning how to evenly roll out coils and then slip and score the together to make a pot. With that project I had to learn how to evenly roll out the coil. I don’t know if this was as much as a problem for other people, but I am so happy to learn how to do that.
With helping other people out on this technique I would say that standing up really helps. Also if you move your hands up and down and back and forth it really makes it even and smooth. It took me a few tries and then I got the smooth even coils.
When we were learning sgraffito and score and slip we had to make 5-6 sides for a pot, underglaze it and then sgraffito it. Slipping and scoring is where you use slip which is a powdered clay mixed with water that you put on your scored clay. Scoring clay in where you take tool and make it rough like with velcro.
Overall thoughts:
This quarter I was really hoping to learn how to make a better pinch-pot than I did on kindergarten and I think I did that. What Deb did was she made us focus on our art and not hanging out with our friends for art class. From Deb's help with concentration I ended up finishing all of my projects and I feel really good on them. At the beginning of the quarter I was sure that I couldn't make anything that was good, now I know I was wrong.
On the first day of class, I did not know much about clay. On the board for signing in, Deb made us write how experienced we were with 3D art on a scale of 1-5, I put a 3. I said I was moderately experienced with clay art. Throughout the first day of the class I realized I was about a 2 or even 1. I did not know anything about clay! The only thing I knew was how to make a pinch pot from kindergarten.
What was learned:
When we were making our coil projects we were learning how to evenly roll out coils and then slip and score the together to make a pot. With that project I had to learn how to evenly roll out the coil. I don’t know if this was as much as a problem for other people, but I am so happy to learn how to do that.
With helping other people out on this technique I would say that standing up really helps. Also if you move your hands up and down and back and forth it really makes it even and smooth. It took me a few tries and then I got the smooth even coils.
When we were learning sgraffito and score and slip we had to make 5-6 sides for a pot, underglaze it and then sgraffito it. Slipping and scoring is where you use slip which is a powdered clay mixed with water that you put on your scored clay. Scoring clay in where you take tool and make it rough like with velcro.
Overall thoughts:
This quarter I was really hoping to learn how to make a better pinch-pot than I did on kindergarten and I think I did that. What Deb did was she made us focus on our art and not hanging out with our friends for art class. From Deb's help with concentration I ended up finishing all of my projects and I feel really good on them. At the beginning of the quarter I was sure that I couldn't make anything that was good, now I know I was wrong.
Rose
What did you already know?
I already knew about scratch and attach to put water on the clay when cracks started to show and the clay shouldn’t be thicker than your thumb or thinner than your pinky. I also knew that you put the glaze on after its been bisque fired.
What did you learn?
I learned about Sgraffito, the stages of clay, and about underglaze. About Slip (to help attach pieces of clay) about coils, and that if that you glaze the bottom after it being bisque fired once it will stick to the kiln. To add more water to keep the moisture over days. I appreciate learning to add more moisture so it's leather hard when you come back to it. I’d tell someone to make sure you keep your piece moist, smooth and even.
What were your thoughts?
My thoughts about using clay was that it was a little difficult. Some of my pieces didn’t turn out the way I’d hoped because I didn’t smooth it too good and make it even. I liked how my other pieces turned out though. My goals were to learn new techniques which I did. I also learned how to be creative with what I made which I think I did.
I already knew about scratch and attach to put water on the clay when cracks started to show and the clay shouldn’t be thicker than your thumb or thinner than your pinky. I also knew that you put the glaze on after its been bisque fired.
What did you learn?
I learned about Sgraffito, the stages of clay, and about underglaze. About Slip (to help attach pieces of clay) about coils, and that if that you glaze the bottom after it being bisque fired once it will stick to the kiln. To add more water to keep the moisture over days. I appreciate learning to add more moisture so it's leather hard when you come back to it. I’d tell someone to make sure you keep your piece moist, smooth and even.
What were your thoughts?
My thoughts about using clay was that it was a little difficult. Some of my pieces didn’t turn out the way I’d hoped because I didn’t smooth it too good and make it even. I liked how my other pieces turned out though. My goals were to learn new techniques which I did. I also learned how to be creative with what I made which I think I did.
Tess
Going into this class, I think I already knew a fair amount about clay. I did this class last year and I learned a lot from it, so going in I knew what I liked to do, what my style was, and what I was good at. I knew how to make coils, pinch pots, and slab boxes. I also knew about sgraffito and scratch and attach, and I think knowing all of these things going in helped a lot.
Going into this quarter, I knew the least about glazing. I had done it before, but it was always really messy and inconsistently placed and didn’t look very good. I tried really hard to get better at glazing and placing of glaze, and I think in the end it really paid off. I’m really glad that I learned about glazing and got better.
For someone who is trying to get better at glazing I would tell them to mainly be patient. I think it’s also important to focus on the type of glazes and brushes you’re using. This can have a big effect on how the glaze is placed down, and how it will turn out after it has been fired.
I already felt pretty confident in clay, so my biggest goal was just getting better at glazing. I think overall I really did get better at that, so I this quarter really helped me expand my goals.
For someone who is trying to get better at glazing I would tell them to mainly be patient. I think it’s also important to focus on the type of glazes and brushes you’re using. This can have a big effect on how the glaze is placed down, and how it will turn out after it has been fired.
I already felt pretty confident in clay, so my biggest goal was just getting better at glazing. I think overall I really did get better at that, so I this quarter really helped me expand my goals.
Caitlyn
When I started this class I rated my skill with clay at either a 2.5 or a 3 out of five, but I can’t remember which one. I knew how to make pinch pots and coil pots. I had never made a piece out of slabs, but I think I could have worked out how to make one. I had only heard of sgraffito because one of my friends had done the class and had mentioned it.
This quarter was my first time using slip. Before that, I had just used water. I got better at coils this quarter. I learned how to use underglaze and I learned how to do sgraffito. I also learned about clay vocabulary and how to store clay. I most appreciate having learned to use slip, because it helps with almost every project. My advice for using slip is that it works really well if you use a smoothing tool with it.
This quarter, I wanted to get better at coils, to experiment with putting one glaze on top of another, and most importantly, I wanted to waterproof my coil pot. This quarter I got better with coils and I had the opportunity to put one glaze on top of another. I think that I succeeded in waterproofing my coil pot, but at the time of writing this, I have not had the opportunity to test whether or not my finished coil pot is waterproof. Overall, I think that my skills with clay have improved over the course of the quarter.
This quarter was my first time using slip. Before that, I had just used water. I got better at coils this quarter. I learned how to use underglaze and I learned how to do sgraffito. I also learned about clay vocabulary and how to store clay. I most appreciate having learned to use slip, because it helps with almost every project. My advice for using slip is that it works really well if you use a smoothing tool with it.
This quarter, I wanted to get better at coils, to experiment with putting one glaze on top of another, and most importantly, I wanted to waterproof my coil pot. This quarter I got better with coils and I had the opportunity to put one glaze on top of another. I think that I succeeded in waterproofing my coil pot, but at the time of writing this, I have not had the opportunity to test whether or not my finished coil pot is waterproof. Overall, I think that my skills with clay have improved over the course of the quarter.
Sylvie
When asked to give a number to describe my comfort with clay I gave a 2.5 because, when this quarter started, I had done almost solely pinch pots when we worked with clay in art. I may have dabbled in coils but I have never done a project with them. I also have never considered myself an artist; I don’t have the patience to perfectly smooth and shape things and I prefer books and sports.
One of the most important things I learned from art this quarter was that though I can’t make something perfect, and can’t compare to some natural artists, if I work hard enough I can make something I’m proud of. Another thing I appreciate learning was perseverance, this I learned during the coil project. My advice for clay is don’t let it dry out, try, try again, and it’s not going to be perfect. If you really want to make something amazing set aside a lot of time for it, and practice.
I enjoyed this class but found coils unnecessarily difficult, If you want a nice pot pinch pots are easier and unless you’re great at coils so they look better. My goal this quarter was to have fun and make something cool. I think I succeeded at my goal, I really like how my pinch pot creation turned out and I like my slab one too. The coil one could have been better, but you can hold it by the handle and that’s a success in my book.
One of the most important things I learned from art this quarter was that though I can’t make something perfect, and can’t compare to some natural artists, if I work hard enough I can make something I’m proud of. Another thing I appreciate learning was perseverance, this I learned during the coil project. My advice for clay is don’t let it dry out, try, try again, and it’s not going to be perfect. If you really want to make something amazing set aside a lot of time for it, and practice.
I enjoyed this class but found coils unnecessarily difficult, If you want a nice pot pinch pots are easier and unless you’re great at coils so they look better. My goal this quarter was to have fun and make something cool. I think I succeeded at my goal, I really like how my pinch pot creation turned out and I like my slab one too. The coil one could have been better, but you can hold it by the handle and that’s a success in my book.
Lilly
Anjali
Before I took this class I knew some basic ways to work with clay such as making a pinch pot and scratch and attach.
I was only here for about half of the class, since I was on vacation during some of it. But in the time I was in the class I learned a lot of techniques and polished up others. The things I learned were working with slabs, doing sgraffito, the stages of clay and how to store clay in lockers in a way that keeps it at a good consistency to work with, coils and tips and tricks for glaze and underglaze. I most appreciate having learned how to store clay in lockers and keep it at a workable consistency and doing Sgraffito. I had no idea what Sgraffito was until I learned in this class. I think it is very interesting and I hope I will have opportunities to use it in the future. Some advice I would offer to someone struggling with this technique is to just experiment with it until you get comfortable with it.
When I started this quarter and this class my goal was to get better at working with clay and learn some new tips and tricks to help me. Overall I think I achieved that goal. I learned a ton of small details that make the overall end product a lot better.
I was only here for about half of the class, since I was on vacation during some of it. But in the time I was in the class I learned a lot of techniques and polished up others. The things I learned were working with slabs, doing sgraffito, the stages of clay and how to store clay in lockers in a way that keeps it at a good consistency to work with, coils and tips and tricks for glaze and underglaze. I most appreciate having learned how to store clay in lockers and keep it at a workable consistency and doing Sgraffito. I had no idea what Sgraffito was until I learned in this class. I think it is very interesting and I hope I will have opportunities to use it in the future. Some advice I would offer to someone struggling with this technique is to just experiment with it until you get comfortable with it.
When I started this quarter and this class my goal was to get better at working with clay and learn some new tips and tricks to help me. Overall I think I achieved that goal. I learned a ton of small details that make the overall end product a lot better.
Elijah
What was Known?
I knew the process for firing clay. I knew the basics of glazing. That's all that I knew.
What was Learned?
I am glad that I learned about slip, as it is extremely useful resource for, as far as I can tell, virtually any clay project. I'm also happy that I learned about slabbing, as it seems as though it would be useful for any project that requires geometrical shapes. Overall, if I were to recommend anything to anybody planning to take this class, it would to be sure not to get distracted, and to remember the time limit, as I think that may have contributed to me not having completed all of the projects in this class. I would also tell them to be sure not to use too much force on the coil project.
Overall Thoughts?
I think this was a pretty fun course. I am glad that I took this class, and I would recommend this class to anyone who likes art. I liked this class.
I knew the process for firing clay. I knew the basics of glazing. That's all that I knew.
What was Learned?
I am glad that I learned about slip, as it is extremely useful resource for, as far as I can tell, virtually any clay project. I'm also happy that I learned about slabbing, as it seems as though it would be useful for any project that requires geometrical shapes. Overall, if I were to recommend anything to anybody planning to take this class, it would to be sure not to get distracted, and to remember the time limit, as I think that may have contributed to me not having completed all of the projects in this class. I would also tell them to be sure not to use too much force on the coil project.
Overall Thoughts?
I think this was a pretty fun course. I am glad that I took this class, and I would recommend this class to anyone who likes art. I liked this class.
Rachel
Before this class began, I had only a very basic understanding of clay. I knew how to make simple things out of clay such as pinch pots and coils. I also knew that clay sticks together well when scratched, although I was not very good at getting pieces to stick together.
Out of the many new things I have learned in this class, the one I have appreciated learning the most is the stages of clay. This is because it is good to be able to better explain the condition of the clay. The six stages of clay are slip, plastic, leather hard, bone dry, bisque-ware, and glaze-ware. Advice I would offer to someone trying to find success with clay, would be that some things like slip and score work best when the clay is plastic, while other things like sgraffito work better with leather hard clay.
My goal this quarter was to make my art more symmetrical, which I greatly improved on. My work didn't turn out the way I imagined, but in the end I was relatively happy with how it ended up. I don’t enjoy working with clay very much, but I am still happy I learned the new techniques
Out of the many new things I have learned in this class, the one I have appreciated learning the most is the stages of clay. This is because it is good to be able to better explain the condition of the clay. The six stages of clay are slip, plastic, leather hard, bone dry, bisque-ware, and glaze-ware. Advice I would offer to someone trying to find success with clay, would be that some things like slip and score work best when the clay is plastic, while other things like sgraffito work better with leather hard clay.
My goal this quarter was to make my art more symmetrical, which I greatly improved on. My work didn't turn out the way I imagined, but in the end I was relatively happy with how it ended up. I don’t enjoy working with clay very much, but I am still happy I learned the new techniques
Bridgette
I had made a few things in 6th grade and then didn‘t work with clay for about a year. I had made failed pinch pot elephants, that were missing either an ear, nose or just not glazed at all. I knew a little bit about clay, and I think that I know a bit more now.
I learned about the stages of clay such as bone dry, leather hard, and slip. I also learned that working with clay is a lot harder than I thought. I liked learning about sgraffito. I think that it is really cool and I would do it again in the future. My advice to someone who wants to use sgraffito in their own clay pieces, it to just draw whatever you want, on whatever shape you want.
I really liked working with the clay even though some of my pieces didn’t turn out very good, like my piece called “The Disappointment”. My other pieces were a slab box with triangles and a triangle shaped slab also with triangles on it. I am most proud of the triangle slab. My last project was the pinch pot, and I am also proud of it, mostly because it is so simple.
I learned about the stages of clay such as bone dry, leather hard, and slip. I also learned that working with clay is a lot harder than I thought. I liked learning about sgraffito. I think that it is really cool and I would do it again in the future. My advice to someone who wants to use sgraffito in their own clay pieces, it to just draw whatever you want, on whatever shape you want.
I really liked working with the clay even though some of my pieces didn’t turn out very good, like my piece called “The Disappointment”. My other pieces were a slab box with triangles and a triangle shaped slab also with triangles on it. I am most proud of the triangle slab. My last project was the pinch pot, and I am also proud of it, mostly because it is so simple.
Max
When I started art I did not know anything at all, I was a 1 out of 5 in terms of knowledge about clay. The only thing I knew about clay was how to make a pinch pot. My first clay class was in first grade. I also knew about some of the tools.
I learned about how and what sgraffito is. I liked it because I could do what I wanted. I also liked it because it was not that hard.
I would say that it is ok if you make a mistake because you can cover it up so don't be afraid to make mistakes.
Overall, that would be I thought it was very fun, and I definitely would like to take it again because you can make whatever you want. Deb helped me reach my goals and I thought it was a great class.
I learned about how and what sgraffito is. I liked it because I could do what I wanted. I also liked it because it was not that hard.
I would say that it is ok if you make a mistake because you can cover it up so don't be afraid to make mistakes.
Overall, that would be I thought it was very fun, and I definitely would like to take it again because you can make whatever you want. Deb helped me reach my goals and I thought it was a great class.
Ionie
I came into this class a little later than the other kids, but I did know just a little about clay before this. I did not know a lot. All I knew was what I had learned in the art classes in school, which was just to put water in it when it starts to crack. I also knew how to make a pinch pot.
I learned a lot in just one quarter of doing this. The first thing that I learned was how to do sgraffito and what it is. I learned how to make slabs. I also learned how to make a coil pot which was the most fun because it was really fun to make. The last thing that I learned was how to make was a pinch pot. There was so many different things you can do with just that, and there were so many different ways to make it your own. If I was to give advice to anyone doing this I would tell them to just be creative. Being creative will make your piece very good, and it will make it your own. I also think you should really constantly be putting water on your piece, really smooth it out and it will look great.
I learned a lot in just one quarter of doing this. The first thing that I learned was how to do sgraffito and what it is. I learned how to make slabs. I also learned how to make a coil pot which was the most fun because it was really fun to make. The last thing that I learned was how to make was a pinch pot. There was so many different things you can do with just that, and there were so many different ways to make it your own. If I was to give advice to anyone doing this I would tell them to just be creative. Being creative will make your piece very good, and it will make it your own. I also think you should really constantly be putting water on your piece, really smooth it out and it will look great.
This quarter was really fun and it taught me a lot about clay that I didn’t know. I wish that I would have used all the time I had to make my pieces to the best of my ability. I didn’t have any goals other than meeting my standards, I don’t like most of the pieces that I made, but the one that I thought was the most fun to make would have to be the pinch pot. Making the bee on the top was very hard and it did not come out completely how I wanted it to but I think it looks fine.
Nic
This piece was made out of clay, glaze, and a succulent. Part of the inspiration behind it was a former student’s- Phi -art piece. I used some of the same rough visual concept as them, such as intricate carving and the blocky design of the body. The idea I was going for with this piece was something stoic and structured being taken over by something fresh and new, but still older than it by tenfold, thus the name. The red in the center of the sunflower is used to bring some sort of unity to the piece, as well as symbolize the mild similarity between urban and rural. I used the organic shapes of the flowers to contrast between the geometric shape of the body and the uniform colour of it all. I attempted to make deep gashes on the rim of the piece to show that nature had finally grasped the structure and wasn’t letting go anytime soon. The piece did crack in the kiln- I’m not too sure why this was, but it just happened, and I think it really adds to the whole effect of the piece.
This piece was made from clay and glaze. This piece has far less meaning to it than Old, but I still learned from it. I thought it would be fun to experiment with different thickness of the coils, and it resulted in Rug. (That’s the bee’s name if you didn’t know). I used a relatively thin coil for the base, and tried to go really thick for the body, so I could mimic the stripes on a bee. The wings are roughly the same thickness as the base, and the face was constructed entirely from very thin coils. My glazing job on this was rather rushed, as I had missed two of the last classes, so I wasn’t able to work very hard on it. I was going to add some of the colour ‘blush’, but I decided against it, as it didn’t really go well with the colour scheme.
This piece was made from glaze and clay. For this piece, I wanted to challenge myself in a way I knew I could handle. Making the piece balance was one of the easier parts of the piece, and even though the weight keeping it from toppling fell off, I still think it was a success. The challenge in this was 3D human anatomy, which I think I did okay on. I mainly draw mildly realistic humanoids, so I have a rather strong grasp on how to draw anatomy, but sculpting it is another matter. I couldn’t use guidelines like how I can with pencil, so I had to find another way to mold it. I used my friend Samantha’s legs as reference for the left foot, and tried to mirror it for the right. Overall, I think I met my expectations but did not exceed them. Despite that, it was my first time molding any human anatomy, so I give myself props for that. Even though this piece failed to stand in the end, I’d call it a success, as it helped my understanding of feet structure and smoothing out clay. Sylvie and Caitlyn helped glaze.
Milo
What I knew:
On the first day of art, I was excited because last quarter I really enjoyed art. That day I put a 3 down for my know-how of clay. At the beginning of class, I only knew how to do coils and pinch-pots from 1-4 grade art. It was one of the things I remember from art.
What I learned:
During this class, I learned the means to do slab work, sgraffito, and make a clay fish thingy with legs and a pigtail. I most appreciate learning sgraffito, this is because it is really cool, & fun to do. It is also a great way to draw on clay. My advice to someone is this: to do sgraffito you need to put about 3 layers of underglaze on and do it everywhere. When I did my sgraffito I only did about 2 layers and not everywhere so I had to go back and redo some places.
Overall thought:
My overall thoughts are that it is a very fun class and I would take it again. I did not have any goals for this quarter except for having fun. My work turned out how I hoped it would. All except the walking fish, that turned out better than I hoped. Working with clay has always been fun but this was more fun with end ideas in mind. usually, just make random stuff.
On the first day of art, I was excited because last quarter I really enjoyed art. That day I put a 3 down for my know-how of clay. At the beginning of class, I only knew how to do coils and pinch-pots from 1-4 grade art. It was one of the things I remember from art.
What I learned:
During this class, I learned the means to do slab work, sgraffito, and make a clay fish thingy with legs and a pigtail. I most appreciate learning sgraffito, this is because it is really cool, & fun to do. It is also a great way to draw on clay. My advice to someone is this: to do sgraffito you need to put about 3 layers of underglaze on and do it everywhere. When I did my sgraffito I only did about 2 layers and not everywhere so I had to go back and redo some places.
Overall thought:
My overall thoughts are that it is a very fun class and I would take it again. I did not have any goals for this quarter except for having fun. My work turned out how I hoped it would. All except the walking fish, that turned out better than I hoped. Working with clay has always been fun but this was more fun with end ideas in mind. usually, just make random stuff.