Historical Reference / Contemporary Issue

H i s t o r i c a l R e f e r e n c e / C o n t e m p o r a r y I s s u e


This assignment is designed to introduce you to some of the historical background of different works in clay. You are going to have to spend a little time in the library researching the history of ceramics. During your research find work that engages you and make photocopies of the chosen objects and learn about how, where, why and by whom they were made. Make sketches of the forms and think about the sculptural or utilitarian function.

The second part of this assignment is to reinterpret the historical work so that it becomes a contemporary piece. While you are selecting and sketching your chosen piece, brainstorm on different ways to bring it into contemporary times. Bring this ancient object into the present by using contemporary/ current iconography and/ or contemporary/ current issues. Look around you for inspiration. There are so many things that will indicate to a viewer that this new object is a part of the twenty-first century. Make your object so that it has a real or imagined use for today. You may change the form of the piece, alter its surface or make additional attachments to the piece. This object need not be to scale, but it should be at least 14 inches in one direction and you may use any hand-building method necessary.

Iconography to consider Issues to consider

television adds sexual politics
radio gender issues
billboard adds foreign policy
graffiti imagery national politics
newspapers homelessness
self image/ national weight problems
primetime TV current cultural icons
technology health issues
terror crime/naiveté
good/evil Fuel costs
disease/ cancer or sexual
green awareness/ belief or disbelief
gluttony starvation
movie/rock stars environmental issues
film/video university policy
magazines state/regional politics
advertising etc. Unemployment etc.
fashion authority issues
dependencies addictions
war internet
general politics products/companies
obsessions global warming


Some Contemporary Artist to look at- Katy Rush, Akio Tokamori, Linda Sikora, Pete Pinnell, Beth Lo, Edward Eberle, Karen Marie Portaleo, Mark Burns, Justin Novak, Tip Toland, Richard Notkin, Judy Fox., Kathy King, Yoshitomo Nara, Benji Hue, Oviedo Giberga, Doug Jeck, ……
Just a few examples of historical areas to look- Persian Lusterware, European & Asian figurines, Mocha Vessels, Greek statues, Olmec culture, Chinese pillows, Asian ink bottles, and temple sculptures, African ceremonial pieces, Jomon ware, fertility figures, Yi Xing tea pots……

Homework due this _Monday 2/11_:
-at least 3-5 Photocopies of historical pieces that you are interested in. At least 3 must be from a book!

*Sketching your ideas on transforming the work more contemporary-
- Start with 3-5 different historical pieces.
- Sketch each one with 3 different ideas.
- Each idea should be explored at least 3 different ways.
- This is a total of at least 27 sketches that will be due. (Maquettes can be used as well)
- Please use this time to benefit you in the planning process.
- The sketches must be informative and involve idea investigation to get credit.

This research will be graded as part of your Required planning portion of your final grade that counts 40 pts- 10pts for each project.

Homework Due _Wednesday 2/13- 1-2 typed page paper (*historical image attacSave Nowhed)
Describe the piece you have chosen. Why did you feel drawn to this particular piece? What was the historical function and purpose of the piece? (Look in the library or on-line.) How do you think the piece was constructed? How will you make it contemporary? What was your reaction to the piece was in general?

Read chapters 5,6 & 8,9 in Make it in Clay