Learning by Doing

The students are creating some functional pieces as an introduction to the clay stages. We are building up the basics and getting our hands dirty as we develop skills to create bowls, mugs, cups and vases.

Look at 'em go!

Our Handmade Sketchbooks!

Our first project in ceramics didn't even involve clay! We created our own sketchbooks from fabric swatches that were donated to the department.

Students will use their sketchbooks throughout the year as a place to take notes, draw out their ideas or write down glaze layering recipes. Here are some photos of our books.

Signing Off with a Signature Stamp

The students' stamps are ready to use! Fun stuff. Can't wait to see them embossed in the clay!

Chop Chop!

...here we go!

For our first assignment, we are creating signature stamps. In China such stamps are called a Chop, and in Japan, they are called a Hanko. These traditional Asian seals are used to sign documents, artwork and other paperwork.

The students will:
• develop a design that functions as a unique, one-of-a-kind signature stamp
• carve it into a 1.5 inch EZKut print plate 
• use it to emboss their signature into their ceramic work