Studio Workshop Syllabus
Instructor: Molly Sanyour
Room: The Perkinson Arts Center (PAC)
***Trinity Email: [email protected] - best form of communication***
Teacher Website: http://mollysanyour.weebly.com/
Professional Website: Mollysanyourceramics.com
Course Description:
This class is designed to build on the foundation of skills and knowledge acquired during Ceramics 2. This class introduces new techniques such as tea pots, sets, and alternative firing methods! Students will research artists, participate in critiques, create artist statements, build a digital process portfolio and more! Students are expected to demonstrate independent studio practice, self motivation, perseverance, hard work, leadership and to be a role model within the studio.
Covid Guidelines:
We will be following Trinity's policies within the studio and everyone will need to wear a mask.
Respect for Diversity :
It is my intent that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well served by this course, that students’ learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. It is my intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, and culture. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally or for other students or student groups. In addition, if any of our class meetings conflict with your religious events, please let me know so that we can make arrangements for you. (Source: University of Iowa College of Education)
Materials:
-8x11 bound sketchbook - Here is a link to one you can purchase on Amazon
-Access to a smartphone/computer or a tool to take photos/video and build your website.
-Machine Washable Clothes. Clay will wash out, some glazes might stain, so I would save your favorite shoes, clothes and jewelry for another time, or bring a set of "studio clothes" to put on over your regular clothes.
-An over sized shirt or apron to wear while working in the studio, you might even prefer to bring in a pair of "clay shoes"
Attendance Policy:
The expectation is that you are on time, prepared and ready to go at the start of class. Punctuality is important to get the most out of our time together. Once the bell rings you will be marked Tardy.
Assessment:
Students will create a graded process portfolio via google docs to enhance each project. Assignments will be posted via google classroom. Weekly work ethic grades will be given based on each student's efforts, attitude and helpfulness within the studio.
Late Work Policy:
All work is due on the due date to earn full credit. Work will be accepted late for 3 days after the due date.
For each day late, you will lose a full letter grade of points. No work will be accepted after the 3-day grace
period and you will earn a 0 (zero) for that assignment.
Methods:
Students will need to be checking google classroom daily for announcements and assignments. There will be demonstrations of techniques and guided assignments to follow. We will also use critiques throughout the semester which will focus on building art vocabulary as well as practicing the ability to give and receive valuable feedback on our work. After the foundation of skills has been instilled, there will be time for students to chose a personal technique or style to focus on and to master with the remaining time. This personal collection will ultimately be photographed and featured at the semester's art show!
Tentative Schedule:
- Review of forms
- VMFA project
- Tea Set
Class Rules and Expectations (each class will have an opportunity to update these rules and expectations):
- Be on time and ready to go
- Respect others and their work
- Be prepared to work hard
- Failures are guaranteed to happen while working with clay, please be prepared to handle them accordingly
- Conduct yourself within the guidelines of the honor system
- Use mistakes and failed attempts as ways to learn and improve
- Clean up all messes made (whether you made them or not)
-Clean above, below and around your wheel after every use
-Keep your cubby clean, organized and free of extra tools and clay dust
-Use sponges to wipe down surfaces
-Leave the studio cleaner than you found it
- Music must be clean
- Use your sketchbook regularly
- Be encouraging to others whenever possible
Personal Electronic Device :
Personal electronic devices should be used for documentation or looking up clay related articles, images or videos. Students should not be on their phones playing games. Also, please consult with your parents about using your phone near clay, protective cases are highly recommended!
Honor Code:
It is expected that the honor code be followed in the studio as it would in any other classroom. Work should be your own and other's work should be left alone.
Tips for Success:
-Be on time and ready to get to work as soon as you enter the studio.
-Watch VIDEOS! It makes a huge difference when students watch throwing videos on YouTube or follow artists on Instagram or do their own research and those who don't.
-Be prepared for failure, unfortunately, it is the nature of clay. I still have pots that collapse, or that get cracks in them, after 16 years of working with clay and unfortunately there is nothing we can do except "make another one". I will be here to offer support, advice and guidance, but it is always heart wrenching nonetheless, so try to be prepared for those challenges as they arise.