CLAES OLDENBURG * ARTIST STUDY

Our next project will be based on the artwork of Claes Oldenbeurg. He took objects that were small and blew them up to a much larger scale, putting them in outdoor settings or in large museum halls, so when the viewer looked at them the original intent of the object became obsolete, and gained a new feeling or meaning.

We will do the same thing in clay--take a very small object and blow it up 5 to 10 times its original size!

Think about what meaning your sculpture will take on as you decide which object to use. How would it feel, for example, to be confronted with a thumbtack a foot tall?? Or a penny the size of your head??

By Friday, you need to bring in 3 objects that could be used for this project.

We will watch a video on the artist and discuss possibilities for sculptures on Friday in class.

Spirit Animals!

Choose an animal that represents you, or has qualities you wish you possessed. Beginning with a pinch pot, create a small version of your chosen animal that fits in your hand. Focus on craftsmanship and creativity...Be able to explain why you chose your animal!

Welcome to Advanced Ceramics!

Each student has now been introduced to the basics of ceramics. In this class, they will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of each technique, as well as develop a personal style with the medium. I encourage students to take risks and push themselves to the limit to improve on their basic skills! In this class, we will develop our basic skills further through both handbuilt and wheelthrown forms. We will focus on surface decoration as well as craftsmanship, as we get more and more familiar with each new technique. In addition to the class work, students will have bi-weekly assignments reinforcing the techniques we are studying, such as printing out images for a project idea, or sketching forms out before beginning a project. I am so excited to have each of you for a second semester, and I look forward to seeing all the unique and beautiful artwork you produce!