From 1/25 - 2/8 we will begin to explore basic handbuilding techniques and issues of
3 -dimensional  form organization and composition.  Attached is a schedule which indicates how class time will be used, as well as when readings should be completed and prepared for discussion.

We will begin today (1/25) with a discussion of the 8-Hour Drawings which were done on Saturday. Then I will demonstrate the three primary methods of handbuilding - coiling, pinching and slabbing- and discuss / demo application of slips (colored clays applied like paint to the surface of wet and leatherhard clay).

For the first part of this project you will need to construct / make 15 - 20 enclosed forms. As you are building think in terms of both organic and geometric enclosed forms. DISCUSSION: What is organic form? What is geometric form?

Everyone must have at least 15 enclosed forms completed and leatherhard by Monday 2/1. This means everyone, including YOU, and this means all of your forms must be leatherhard.  If the clay is too dry (bone dry) or too wet (not leatherhard) on Monday you will not be able to continue with the project.  This means that 15 is the bare minimum.  If you are making small to medium forms you should have more than 15; if you make medium to large forms 15 will suffice.  Everyone should make at least two forms that are large (1 - 2 feet for example).

As you design and build your forms and as you apply slip decoration / colors consider your responses to the 8-Hour Drawing Project.  What shapes, colors, surfaces did you observe that were exciting to you? Can you find a way to make these your own and translate them into clay?  Some part of each of the forms you make  (shape and / or surface) should draw upon and make a visual reference to something you saw in the show.

On 2/1 we will experiment with slicing and rearranging these forms to create either one or two conglomerate / composite forms. This will be demonstrated in class on either 1/27 or 2/1. TECHNICAL DEMONSTRATION: SLICE & REARRANGE.  Further instruction will be given at this time and when we discuss the xerox handout on 3-D form organization.

Critique: Wednesday 2/3. Everyone must have their work completed for critique on that day.  I will make a note of it if you have not completed the project (in which case your grade will go down by one letter). If critique extends into Mondays class (2/8) you will be able to use the time between critiques for additional work.

Make sure to put holes in all enclosed forms so they will not blow up when they are fired!!!