Ceramics I HCC Spring 2010

Instructor: Kelley Eggert

Project 2: Thrown Objects: Repetition and Rhythm, Unity and Variety

Readings: The Craft and Art of Clay: Wheel Throwing (p 50-64),
Texture, Color and Glaze (p. 289-326)

•Repetition: Repeating same or like elements

• Rhythm: When the same or like elements – shapes, colors, or a regular pattern of any kind are repeated over and over again
in a composition, a visual rhythm will result
•Unity: The use of repetition and rhythm to unify the different elements of the work creating a consistency.
•Variety: Changes in the composition that sustain the viewers interest. Could be different angle, point of view, color, texture etc.

Goal: You will be considering two visual problems within this assignment:
1. The use of repeated wheel-thrown forms to create a composition / sculpture. (Repetition and Rhythm)
2. The creation of surface pattern on repeated forms. (Unity and Variety)

Design Problem 1
You are to use the wheel as a tool in creating form. You will choose 1-3 forms and repeat them. The chosen wheel-thrown forms
will be used to create a sculpture or installation. You will consider repetition and rhythm when creating your composition. The
end product can be in the form of high relief (wall sculpture), sculpture in the round or installation. Some formal considerations
for your sculpture: color, volume/mass of form, negative space, light

Design Problem 2
In addition to the repeated form(s) of your sculpture, you will employ the use of stamps, slips, inlay/mishima, carving or/and
scraffito to create a layer of surface pattern.. The surface design may complement or contrast the sculptural form. It may be sparse
or abundant. It cannot however be arbitrarily placed. Consider ideas of unity and variety for your surface design while reacting to
the sculptural form. Some considerations for surface design: color, type of line (geometric, curvilinear), placement, orientation,
pattern/texture

Procedure:
1. You are to decide upon 1-3 forms to focus on while using the wheel. The forms may vary in size but you must try to repeat the
profile of the form(s) you choose. Once thrown, you may choose to manipulate the form. You can distort it, cut it in half or in
rings, flatten it, poke your fingers through it, combine forms – anything you want. You can also leave your form as is. Whatever
you decide, the forms must look intentional and finished – so even though we are not making functional items, you may still have
to trim and treat all sides of the form.
2. Make at least 5 sketches of possible compositional layouts for your chosen form(s). You will make the forms for your
sculpture.
4. You will make a minimum of 20 forms thrown from the wheel to use in your sculpture. Your form(s) will become the modular
element(s) in your design.
5. You will create a sculpture, whether it be high relief, in the round or installation utilizing the 20 forms. The forms may be
attached to each other or individually placed.
6. Make at least 3 sketches of your surface design
7. Develop surface and color. How will you divide the space of your repeated elements? Will one continuous design run over the
entire surface of all the modules or will each modular element have the same design in the same place etc.?
Objectives: Grading: evaluated on craftsmanship and skill in:
To learn to use the wheel as a tool to create repeated form 30% Thrown objects – overall form, thickness, control of
shape (profile)
To explore the use of multiples within space 20% Composition – creativity, ingenuity
To investigate repetitive form, rhythm, unity and variety 40% Relationship between modular elements, overall
sculptural composition and surface design
To examine methods of color, texture and pattern on 10% Organization and quality of surface design
repeated forms
Important Dates:
2/3 INTRO – 10 preliminary forms cut in half due Feb. 8th
2/10 DUE: Sketches – compositional and chosen form
2/17 DUE: Surface Sketches
3/1 DUE: Greenware
4/5 CRIT