OSH A83 - Art in Three Dimensions: The Ancient Voice of Clay

Course Description

Course Description: This class will explore a variety of hand building techniques from the earliest days of ceramic art and pottery. Each project introduces participants to a different skill, and each represents a different part of the world. Using a special air-dry clay that does not require kiln firing, as well as prehistoric-style tools, methods and materials, you may choose to replicate the ancient pieces demonstrated in class, or you may apply workshop techniques to your own personal clay creations. A 25.00 materials fee paid to the instructor covers the cost of clay and other class materials. All experience levels welcome.

WEEK 1: Introduction - 32,000 Years of Methods and Materials

• Project 1: Recreating the First Ceramics – Amulets and Icons from Paleolithic Europe

WEEK 2: The World’s Oldest Pottery – @ 20,000 BCE to 7,500 BCE

• Project 2: Molded Cordware – Storage and Cooking Vessels from Mesolithic Asia

WEEK 3: Sticks, Stones and Statues –@ 7,500 BCE - 3,000 BCE (Choose Project 3a or 3b)

• Project 3a: Burnished Punchware – Neolithic Vessels from Africa to Iberia

• Project 3b: Ritual or Routine? Neolithic Sculpture from the Danube to the Nile

WEEK 4: Shells and Bones – @7,500 - 3,000 BCE

• Project 4: Nature’s Patterns in Clay -- Embellishing Forms & Figures with Impressware Techniques

WEEK 5: Bottles, Beakers and Bowls @ 5500- 2,500 BCE

• Project 5: - Coilware Construction – Neolithic Vessels from Central and Northern Europe

WEEK 6: Deliberate Design @5500 – 2500 BCE

• Project 6: - Carving, Drawing and Painting Techniques to Complete Work from Week 5

Instructor: Dr. Deborah Vidaver-Cohen