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Trent Berning

This course offers a thorough, well-organized, and detailed approach to the numerous aspects of the of the potter's wheel as a mode of artistic expression. Students learn through text video demonstrations and skill building exercises that walk individuals through a strategic hierarchy for intermediate forming techniques. The class moves through wedging tips, bottles, chucks, pouring vessels, lids, flat ware, double-walled forms, simple sectionals and more.

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This course offers a thorough, well-organized, and detailed approach to the numerous aspects of the of the potter's wheel as a mode of artistic expression. Students learn through text video demonstrations and skill building exercises that walk individuals through a strategic hierarchy for intermediate forming techniques. The class moves through wedging tips, bottles, chucks, pouring vessels, lids, flat ware, double-walled forms, simple sectionals and more.

The class is a thoughtful blend of artistic guidance and fundamental educational goals for art students, Wheel-Throwing Pottery II has been developed for individuals with varying levels of experience wishing to improve their ceramic education. The class will enable you to speak knowledgeably about the medium, understand techniques, outline clear forming steps, and to expand your knowledge of the pottery’s wheel.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Wheel-Thrown Pottery II
Ceramic Medium Assumptions
Professor's Contact Information
Tools: Purpose and Function
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Offers a strategic hierarchy for intermediate forming techniques, which builds upon existing knowledge and skills in wheel-thrown pottery
Covers a wide range of techniques, including wedging, bottles, chucks, pouring vessels, lids, flat ware, double-walled forms, and simple sectionals
Includes instruction on creating foam bats, which may require learners to purchase additional materials not typically found in a household
Explores the artistic aspects of pottery, which may appeal to students interested in artistic expression and creativity
Includes a gallery review and critiquing bullet points, which may help students develop their critical thinking and analytical skills
Focuses on intermediate projects such as dinnerware with a theme, sets, multiples, still life, and nontraditional food dishes

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Reviews summary

Intermediate wheel-thrown pottery skills

According to learners, this course offers clear demonstrations and instruction for intermediate wheel-thrown pottery techniques. Students appreciated the step-by-step approach to building specific forms like bottles, lids, and sectionals. Many felt it significantly improved their skills. However, some reviewers noted that the course assumes a certain level of prior knowledge, suggesting it might be better suited for those who have already mastered basic centering and pulling techniques, potentially beyond a simple 'Pottery I'. The critique sections were found helpful by several students.
Critique guidance was found helpful.
"The sections on critiquing bullet points helped me analyze my own work more effectively."
"Learning how to evaluate pieces based on specific criteria was a valuable takeaway."
"The critique framework provided a structured way to think about improving my forms."
Many students reported significant skill growth.
"My wheel throwing skills improved significantly after completing this course."
"I feel much more confident tackling intermediate forms now."
"This course pushed me to refine my technique and build more complex pieces."
Detailed instruction on various pottery forms.
"Learning how to throw specific forms like bottles and sectionals was exactly what I needed."
"The modules on lids were particularly detailed and helped me master this tricky skill."
"Covering spouts and handles provided practical skills for functional pottery."
Video demonstrations are praised for their clarity.
"The video demonstrations were very clear and easy to follow, making complex techniques understandable."
"I found the step-by-step instructions in the videos incredibly helpful for learning new forms."
"Professor's demos on lids and handles were excellent."
Course level felt challenging for some learners.
"This course assumes you are already very proficient at centering and pulling walls. It moves quickly."
"Definitely not for beginners transitioning from Pottery I. You need solid basics down."
"I struggled initially because my foundational skills weren't as strong as needed for the pace."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Wheel-Thrown Pottery II, Intermediate Skill Builders with these activities:
Practice Spiral Wedging
Reinforce your spiral wedging technique to ensure consistent clay preparation for throwing more complex forms.
Show steps
  • Watch videos demonstrating spiral wedging.
  • Practice spiral wedging with several pounds of clay.
  • Evaluate the clay for air pockets and consistency.
Practice Throwing with a Peer
Improve your throwing skills through collaborative practice and feedback with a fellow potter.
Show steps
  • Find a peer who is also learning wheel throwing.
  • Schedule a time to practice together.
  • Take turns throwing different forms and providing feedback to each other.
  • Focus on specific techniques or challenges.
The Complete Potter's Handbook
Expand your understanding of pottery techniques and materials with this comprehensive handbook.
Show steps
  • Browse the book's table of contents.
  • Read chapters related to specific throwing techniques.
  • Note down key concepts and tips.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Mastering the Potter's Wheel
Deepen your understanding of wheel throwing with this specialized guide.
Show steps
  • Review the book's sections on specific forms.
  • Identify areas where you need more practice.
  • Follow the book's instructions to refine your technique.
Document Your Throwing Process
Solidify your understanding of intermediate throwing techniques by creating a detailed visual guide of your process.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific form to document (e.g., bottle, lid, double-walled bowl).
  • Photograph each step of the throwing process.
  • Write a brief description of each step, explaining the techniques used.
  • Compile the photos and descriptions into a presentation or document.
Design a Dinnerware Set
Apply your skills to create a cohesive dinnerware set, incorporating multiple techniques learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Choose a theme or style for your dinnerware set.
  • Sketch designs for each piece (plates, bowls, cups).
  • Throw and trim each piece, paying attention to consistency and detail.
  • Glaze and fire the set.
Gallery Review Presentation
Enhance your critical thinking skills by creating a presentation analyzing pottery pieces from a gallery or museum.
Show steps
  • Visit a local gallery or museum with a ceramics collection.
  • Select several pieces to analyze.
  • Take photos and notes on each piece, focusing on form, technique, and aesthetics.
  • Create a presentation summarizing your analysis and critique.

Career center

Learners who complete Wheel-Thrown Pottery II, Intermediate Skill Builders will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Hobbyist Potter
A hobbyist potter creates pottery for personal enjoyment, selling at a local market, or giving away pieces as gifts. This role is for someone who loves the process of working with clay and wheel-thrown pottery. The "Wheel-Thrown Pottery II, Intermediate Skill Builders" course helps hobbyists hone their intermediate forming techniques. The course's strategic hierarchy for intermediate forming techniques helps develop expertise. The class moves through wedging tips, bottles, chucks, pouring vessels, lids, flat ware, double-walled forms, simple sectionals and more.
Potter
As a potter, you will create functional and artistic ceramic pieces, often using a potter's wheel. This includes designing, shaping, firing, and glazing various forms. The "Wheel-Thrown Pottery II, Intermediate Skill Builders" course helps hone your intermediate forming techniques with its detailed approach to the potter's wheel as a mode of artistic expression. The course's strategic hierarchy for intermediate forming techniques helps aspiring potters develop expertise. The class moves through wedging tips, bottles, chucks, pouring vessels, lids, flat ware, double-walled forms, simple sectionals and more.
Ceramic Artist
Ceramic artists create unique, non-functional artworks using clay and other ceramic materials. This often involves sculpting, molding, and experimenting with various firing and glazing techniques. The "Wheel-Thrown Pottery II, Intermediate Skill Builders" course helps build a strong foundation in wheel throwing, expanding your skills in creating complex forms. The course focuses on artistic guidance and fundamental educational goals. The class moves through wedging tips, bottles, chucks, pouring vessels, lids, flat ware, double-walled forms, simple sectionals and more.
Studio Assistant
Studio assistants support established ceramic artists or potters by assisting with various studio tasks, such as preparing clay, mixing glazes, loading kilns, and cleaning equipment. "Wheel-Thrown Pottery II, Intermediate Skill Builders" helps you understand ceramic processes and techniques, making you a more valuable studio assistant. This course will enable you to speak knowledgeably about the medium, understand techniques, outline clear forming steps, and to expand your knowledge of the pottery’s wheel. This course also helps you learn about tools and their function, giving you a head start when working in a studio.
Ceramics Instructor
Ceramics instructors teach pottery and ceramics techniques to students of all levels, from beginners to advanced artists. This includes demonstrating wheel throwing, hand building, glazing, and firing methods. The "Wheel-Thrown Pottery II, Intermediate Skill Builders" course helps refine your own skills. The course focuses on artistic guidance and fundamental educational goals. You can use the course's text, video demonstrations, and skill building exercises to hone your own craft. This course also helps you learn how to outline clear forming steps.
Production Potter
Production potters create multiple identical ceramic pieces, such as mugs, bowls, or plates, often for commercial sale. This requires efficiency and consistency in throwing, trimming, and glazing. The "Wheel-Thrown Pottery II, Intermediate Skill Builders" course helps develop consistent throwing techniques and speeds up the production process. The class is a thoughtful blend of artistic guidance and fundamental educational goals for art students. You can use the course's text, video demonstrations, and skill building exercises to hone your own craft.
Mold Maker
Mold makers create molds for slip casting or pressing clay into specific shapes. This requires knowledge of mold making materials and techniques. The "Wheel-Thrown Pottery II, Intermediate Skill Builders" course may be useful because understanding the shapes and forms created on the wheel provides a foundation for creating effective molds. The class moves through bottles, chucks, pouring vessels, lids, flat ware, double-walled forms, and simple sectionals. This helps mold makers create molds for many different objects.
Kiln Technician
Kiln technicians maintain and repair kilns used for firing ceramic pieces, ensuring they operate safely and efficiently. This requires knowledge of kiln mechanics, electrical systems, and firing schedules. The "Wheel-Thrown Pottery II, Intermediate Skill Builders" course may provide a better understanding of the firing process and how different forms react to heat. The class is a thoughtful blend of artistic guidance and fundamental educational goals for art students. Gaining additional experience with kilns, however, will be essential.
Art Gallery Curator
Art gallery curators select and display artwork in galleries, museums, or other exhibition spaces. This includes researching artists, organizing exhibitions, and writing exhibition catalogs. The "Wheel-Thrown Pottery II, Intermediate Skill Builders" course may provide insight into the technical aspects of pottery and ceramics, informing your curatorial decisions. The course will enable you to speak knowledgeably about the medium, understand techniques, outline clear forming steps, and to expand your knowledge of the pottery’s wheel. The course also includes a section on Gallery Review.
Art Appraiser
Art appraisers assess the value of artwork for insurance, estate planning, or sale purposes. This requires knowledge of art history, market trends, and authentication techniques. The "Wheel-Thrown Pottery II, Intermediate Skill Builders" course may help you develop a deeper understanding of ceramic techniques and artistic styles, which informs your appraisals. The class is a thoughtful blend of artistic guidance and fundamental educational goals for art students. The course also includes a section on Gallery Review.
Product Designer
Product designers create the form and function of manufactured goods, including ceramic tableware or decorative items for the home. This requires sketching, prototyping, and collaborating with engineers and manufacturers. The "Wheel-Thrown Pottery II, Intermediate Skill Builders" course may broaden your experience with form and function, particularly for ceramic products. The class moves through bottles, chucks, pouring vessels, lids, flat ware, double-walled forms, and simple sectionals. The course focuses on improving your ceramic education.
High School Art Teacher
High school art teachers instruct students in various art forms, including ceramics, painting, sculpture, and drawing. They develop lesson plans, assess student work, and manage classroom activities. The "Wheel-Thrown Pottery II, Intermediate Skill Builders" course helps you brush up on the principles of throwing pottery. The course focuses on artistic guidance and fundamental educational goals for art students. The class also focuses on speaking knowledgeably about the medium, understanding techniques, and outlining clear forming steps, all of which are useful when teaching.
Arts Administrator
Arts administrators manage the operations of arts organizations, such as galleries, museums, or community art centers. This includes fundraising, marketing, and program development. The "Wheel-Thrown Pottery II, Intermediate Skill Builders" course may foster an appreciation for the artistic process and the challenges faced by ceramic artists. The course is a thoughtful blend of artistic guidance and fundamental educational goals for art students. It may broaden your perspective of the art world.
Ceramic Engineering Technician
Ceramic engineering technicians assist ceramic engineers in research, development, and production of ceramic materials. This requires knowledge of ceramic processing techniques, materials testing, and quality control. The "Wheel-Thrown Pottery II, Intermediate Skill Builders" course may provide a basic understanding of ceramic forms and their creation, which can be helpful in this role. The class moves through wedging tips, bottles, chucks, pouring vessels, lids, flat ware, double-walled forms, and simple sectionals. Gaining additional engineering-specific technical knowledge will be essential.
Art Therapist
Art therapists use creative methods, such as pottery, painting, and sculpture, to help clients address emotional, mental, and behavioral health issues. A master's degree is typically required. The "Wheel-Thrown Pottery II, Intermediate Skill Builders" course may familiarize you with a new medium to use in therapy sessions. The class moves through wedging tips, bottles, chucks, pouring vessels, lids, flat ware, double-walled forms, and simple sectionals. Gaining additional therapy-specific technical knowledge will be essential.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Wheel-Thrown Pottery II, Intermediate Skill Builders.
Serves as a comprehensive guide to all aspects of pottery, from clay preparation to glazing and firing. It provides detailed explanations and illustrations of various techniques, including wheel throwing, hand-building, and mold making. It useful reference tool for intermediate potters looking to expand their knowledge and skills. The book offers additional depth on topics covered in the course, such as creating lids, pouring vessels, and sectional forms.
Focuses specifically on wheel throwing techniques, offering in-depth instruction and troubleshooting tips. It covers a wide range of forms and challenges, making it a valuable resource for intermediate potters. It is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. The book provides detailed guidance on creating complex forms such as bottles, lids, and sectional pieces, which are covered in this course.

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