Ceramics I students are making great progress on their drums. Most students have closed up their drums to create a closed form, which allows them to begin large and medium shaping by paddling and sure forming their volumes, which are supported by the balloon of air enclosed inside. After the the 'belly' of the drum matches their drawing (precisely:), student will practice proportions again, by determining the width of the neck of the drum. Students also spent a day in the LMC lab this week researching an artist of their choice, and setting up their own website profiling the artist.
Jewelry I students are in the midst of our Plain/Twist/Texture ring project in which they make at least one of each style of ring. Students practiced mastering the 'colors' of heat to learn how to control solder melt (and sometimes discovered the melting point of our working metal!). Students are mastering seeing and controlling 'ball', 'puddle' and 'flow' to achieve good joints. Students also tested the edges of 'good joints' and learned what happens if the joints don't pass the 'space' and 'alignment' tests before soldering. Students reflected on their experiences and corrected joints or restarted as needed. Students also learned the difference between oxidation and gunk, and practiced removing it to achieve sparkling clean rings.
Jewelry II Students worked on finishing up their 2D>3D projects. We created oyster shells, domes, horns; you name it. We also started researching for a 'Passion Project' where students can simply explore a topic they've been dying to try. Here's Kayla's inspiration board for the project: