Criticism Criticism of clay objects which are both functional and sculptural is an important aspect of this course. Students respond to their own and other students work by using the descriptive, analytical and interpretive aspects of criticism in forming their judgments and opinions. These are done both as individual conferences and as group critiques. Testing Students are tested on their knowledge of the technical aspects of the study of ceramics. They are asked to write about ceramics from a historical and cultural sense as well as descriptive instructions for various techniques, and to interpret their own work as well as that of other clay artists.
Student evaluation is continuous throughout the course as work is being made.
Individual conferencing and grading is done for work made, usually many times throughout its production. Glaze - Glazes that are used on the functional ceramics are made in the studio by the instructor and students. All of these glazes are lead free and are suitable for use on functional clay objects - cups, plates, bowls, pitchers, casseroles, serving dishes, etc. Other decorative glazes and underglazes, slips, overglazes, and stains are used as the aesthetic of the piece and the student dictate. Tools - various tools such as needle tools, wooden modeling tools, trimming tools, fettling knives, potters knives, scraffito tools, elephant ear sponges, rolling pins, canvases,ware boards,cutting tools, ribs, and brushes are essential to a basic ceramics program.