What I learned in Ceramics By: Alex Champagne This year I learned many different things in my ceramics class. One of the favorite things I have learned to do is work on the pottery wheel. I have also learned to mix and combine different kinds of,galzes. During the entire span of this class I have learned to create salad bowls, teacups, glasses, and other creative pieces. The things that I especially liked were working on the pottery wheel making bowls. Then to add to that it was also fun to mix and match glazes, and apply them to emphasize specific parts of the pieces I made. I really liked having a small class; it was very beneficial because it made it very easy to ask for help or for new ideas and input form Mr. Flickenger, our teacher. I also liked the fact that since I was one of the more experienced students in the ceramics one class, that I was given more freedom to do what I wanted. This gave me time to express myself, without having to make or imitate some one else's work for an assignment. Some of the things I didn't like can easily be solved. It was very frustrating to have to share a kiln with the lower and Middle School. Having to share the same little kiln with them slowed the production of the entire classes work, including mine. I think that if we got things fired sooner and quicker then it would help every ones work, it would set a steady pace, and also help them grow and strive to improve their work. Another thing that I didn't like that much was the fact that there were only 3 wheels to work on. For my class this did not pose a big problem but I can't imagine how difficult this was for classes with over 5 people. Having to come into class without knowing if you were going to be able to use a wheel must be very discouraging. Next year I am almost positive that there will be double the amount of students in Mr. Flickenger's ceramics one class, so I think that these problems need to be solved if it is possible. |