Ceramics Art History Research

Submitted by: Judie Jacobs
UNIT: Ceramics - Art History - Handbuilding
Lesson: Vessel based on Art History Research
Grade Level: High School

 

Summary:

Prior knowledge of all forming methods is assumed with this lesson. Students will create a functional ceramic vessel inspired by the work of another artist from art history. A number of art history resources will be provided as well as the Internet. Students will be expected to do research outside of class for the written report. One class period will be given for Internet research.

 

The functional ceramic piece can be any forming method or combination of methods. The student may use any decorating technique available. See books for ideas (products unavailable will be ordered or purchased at the student's expense).

 

The ceramic piece can not simply copy the artist's work - but must show clear inspiration. Draw ideas from at least three works from the chosen artist.

 

Vase with Matisse design by Laurellen Saunders. You can purchase this and other sculptures on her site. Click image for full size.

Three sketches must be presented for review before construction begins. Students must then write out a plan for the selected work. Report must include how the work of the artist is reflected in the final project.

Student will present an oral report when the final projects are finished. A visual poster or PowerPoint of the artist's work must be presented with the oral report.

 

Student Solutions:

Traditional coil vessel - Decoration inspired by Matisse. (See example at left) Student made a traditional coil vessel using a template to control the form. A good pliable clay is Moist Clay. Vessel had near perfect symmetry. The finished piece was decorated uses Matisse like cut outs. Newsprint was cut and dampened and placed on pot at leather hard stage. Blue slip was brushed over entire pot. When slip was dry, the cut out stencils were removed. Shapes were cleaned up with an X-acto Knives where slip got under the stencil. The shapes were colored with Underglazes. Student used Jazz series by Matisse for inspiration for images. Finished piece was fired with a Clear Glaze.

 

A House for Grant Wood - Stiff slab construction. Student made a stiff clay slab construction 6" x 6" (15.2 x 15.2 cm) by approximately 12" (30.5 cm) tall. The top of the box was shaped like a house. The front of the lidded container had three dimensional figures of American Gothic fused on (faces were made from a doll face mold then carved and altered to look like the couple on the painting- wire glasses were added and a wood sculpted pitch fork added). The front was the Gothic style house. Three other paintings by Grant Wood were used to decorate the rest of the container. Underglazes and Glazes glazes were used.

 

Below you can see the actual house that Grant Wood Painted for the American Gothic painting in Eldon, Iowa. You can use this as inspiration for your slab construction mentioned in the previous paragraph. Click on the image for full size.

 

 

Resources on Matisse and Grant Wood

• Henri Matisse Jazz Poster
• Sea Beasts by Henri Matisse
• American Gothic Poster by Grant Wood

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ART HISTORY STUDIES WORKSHEET           Name _________________________

Name of Artist and/or Art Period/Movement/Style:

__________________________________________________________________________________

Using the internet and/or other sources, answer the following questions and attach it in your sketchbook. CITE YOUR SOURCES.

1. Give the approximate dates of this artist or art period.

__________________________________________________________________________________

2. Who were the major artists of this art period/style/movement, list the country they are from? List at least 3 additional artists (may include artists working in this style today)

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

3. What influenced this art style--include historical, political, personal, economic, social, cultural or religious factors.

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

4. Describe the art style with observations of how the elements (line, shape, color and texture) and principles (balance, proportion, movement, rhythm, contrast, variety, etc.) are used in this style.

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________


5. Provide at least 3 visual images of this artist's work. (Include image sources)

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

6. Sources used (include author - title date - URL or publisher)

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

7. Sketch a page of ideas of possible projects you could make inspired by this artist.

 

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GRADE SHEET--ART HISTORY REPORT

Student: ____________________________________________________________________________

WRITTEN REPORT--100% GRADE: ________

_______ 10% Turned in on time--minimum two typewritten pages.

_______ 20% Neatness, no smudges, torn edges, or messy corrections.

_______ 20% Spelling, punctuation, grammar and sentence structure - proper citations

_______ 50% Followed directions for format and content (see content below)

Content:

 

_____ Title Page, visuals and sketches - 3 to 6 images properly documented (size, medium, location ,
           date. Include photograph or self portrait of artist). Include your sketches for vessel (9 pts.)

_____ Historical information about the medium, style and subject you chose to study. (9 pts.)

_____ What influenced this artist/style? Include historical, political, personal, economic, social, cultural
           or  religious factors that affected the development of this artist/style.(9 pts.)

_____ List at least three (3) other artists whose work was popular, similar or were artists who were
           well known during this period in art history, and/ or artists who are currently working in this style.
           (9 pts.)

_____ Concluding paragraph should summarize your research and state your opinion of why this artist
           or style is important in the development of art history. (9 pts.)

• WHAT MAJOR CONTRIBUTION DID THIS ARTIST/STYLE MAKE TO ART HISTORY?

• How does your work reflect the work of this artist? What inspired you?

_____ Bibliography Page (minimum of 3) Three Sources. Include author, title and date. Publisher for
           books and URLs for web sites. Use correct APA or MLA format (teacher decides format).
           Include citations for images. (5 pts)

ORAL REPORT--100 % GRADE:  ________

_____ Speak with clarity, report ...not read entirely.

_____ Ability to answer questions and connect the work to your own work.

_____ Visuals (presentation in an interesting poster or PowerPoint)

 

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Rubric for Vessel (modified from Rubric by Marianne Galyk)

 

Assessment Rubric
Student Name:						Class Period:
Assignment: Art History Research Vessel						Date Completed:
Circle the number in pencil that best shows how well you feel that you completed that criterion for the assignment.	Excellent	Good	Average	Needs Improvement	Other	Rate Yourself	Teacher’s Rating
Criteria 1 - Sketches - development of ideas -originality	10	8 - 9	7	6
Criteria 2 - Forming techniques - plan and construction	10	8 - 9	7	6
Criteria 3 - Decoration - glazing/under glazing  and surface - tells story of artist. Aesthetics	10	8 - 9	7	6
Criteria 4 – Effort: took time to develop idea & complete project? (Didn't rush.) Good use of class time? Competed on time?	10	8 - 9	7	6
Criteria 5 – Craftsmanship – Neat, clean & complete? Skillful use of the art tools & media?	10	8 - 9	7	6
Total Possible: 100						YOUR TOTAL	Grade

 

Assessment for this Assignment (student survey) - from Marvin Bartel:

• What are your major studies/interests in school?

• What are the main reasons you took this class?

• List one or more of the most important things you learned about art and/or about yourself by doing this assignment.

• Compare this assignment with other assignments in this class and other art classes. Rank the value of this assignment (a 5 being best and 1 being worst).

• Say what you liked most and least about this assignment.