Pottery Course Curriculum

Week 1: Understanding Pottery Basics

• Overview of pottery and its historical significance
• Introduction to pottery tools and materials
• Safety measures and studio etiquette

Week 2: Basic Handbuilding Techniques

• Introduction to handbuilding methods: pinch pots, coil building, and slab construction
• Creating simple shapes and forms
• Practicing consistency in thickness and shape

Week 3: Introduction to the Potter’s Wheel

• Basics of using the potter’s wheel
• Centering clay on the wheel
• Creating basic cylindrical forms

Week 4: Basic Surface Decoration Techniques

• Introduction to textures and patterns
• Techniques for carving and impressing designs
• Applying basic surface decorations

Week 1: Advanced Handbuilding Techniques

• Creating more complex forms using handbuilding methods
• Combining different handbuilding techniques in one piece
• Practicing precision and consistency

Week 2: Intermediate Wheel Throwing

• Refining centering techniques
• Creating more complex forms on the wheel: bowls, mugs, and plates
• Techniques for throwing larger pieces

Week 3: Glazing Basics

• Introduction to different types of glazes
• Techniques for applying glazes: dipping, pouring, and brushing
• Understanding kiln firing processes

Week 4: Surface Design and Decoration

• Advanced techniques for decorating pottery: sgraffito, slip trailing, and underglazing
• Creating intricate patterns and designs
• Experimenting with color and texture

By the end of this course, students will:

• Understand the basics of pottery and essential techniques.
• Develop intermediate skills in both handbuilding and wheel throwing.
• Master advanced pottery techniques and surface decorations.
• Create and complete individual pottery projects.
• Gain confidence in presenting and exhibiting their work.

Materials Required:

• Pottery clay (various types)
• Pottery tools (sculpting tools, ribs, needles, wire cutters, etc.)
• Pottery wheel (for intermediate and advanced levels)
• Glazes and underglazes
• Kiln access for firing
• Texturing tools and materials

Teaching Methodology:

• Hands-on demonstrations and practice sessions
• Personalized feedback and guidance from instructors
• Group discussions and critiques
• Access to online resources and reference materials

• This 3-month intensive course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various sculpture techniques, excluding marble sculpture. Students will explore a variety of materials and methods to create dynamic and expressive sculptures. The course is divided into three semesters, each lasting one month, with a structured weekly plan to ensure a balanced and progressive learning experience.

Week 1: Introduction to Sculpture

• Course overview and objectives
• History and evolution of sculpture
• Safety and tools in sculpture

Week 2: Clay Modeling

• Introduction to clay as a sculpting material
• Basic techniques: pinching, coiling, and slab building
• Creating simple forms and textures

Week 3: Armature Building

• Understanding armatures and their importance
• Materials for armatures: wire, wood, and metal
• Constructing basic armatures for clay sculptures

Week 5: Plaster Sculpting

• Introduction to plaster as a sculpting medium
• Mixing and pouring plaster
• Carving and refining plaster sculptures

Week 6: Wood Sculpture

• Types of wood suitable for sculpture
• Tools and techniques for wood carving
• Creating a small wood sculpture

Week 7: Wire Sculpting

• Working with wire: tools and techniques
• Creating abstract and figurative wire sculptures
• Combining wire with other materials

Week 8: Mixed Media Sculpture

• Introduction to mixed media techniques
• Combining different materials (clay, wire, wood, plaster)
• Creating a mixed media sculpture project

Course Features:

• Hands-On Learning: Each week includes practical sessions where students create their sculptures using the techniques learned.
• Guest Lectures: Periodic guest lectures from professional sculptors.
• Studio Time: Ample studio time provided for independent work and exploration.
• Critiques and Feedback: Regular group critiques to provide constructive feedback and enhance learning.

Assessment:

• Weekly Projects: Each week concludes with a project that applies the techniques learned.
• Final Project: A comprehensive sculpture project that integrates multiple techniques and materials.
• Participation: Active participation in class discussions, critiques, and studio sessions.