Visual Arts Exemplars

VISUAL ARTS EXEMPLARS

This work is in response to Question 1 of Option G (CERAMICS)

Using the slab or drape technique, create a vessel of any shape suitable for an Ikebana (Japanese style) arrangement. Decorate it with a wave design. The object should be no larger than 30 cm at its widest measurement and should not be higher than 8 cm.

Below is a picture of the ceramic piece a candidate submitted.

What are some of the things the candidate would have thought about prior to creating this work of art?

Medium: The definition of ceramics is - the art or technology of making objects of clay and similar materials treated by firing. Therefore, I will use clay and I will also have to fire the piece when it is completed.

What is it that I am required to do? I must use the slab or drape technique. I also must decorate it with awave design and I must also be aware of the size restrictions. I must also remember that it is to be suitable for use by a person arranging an Ikebana style floral arrangement.

I am thinking that: I need to investigate what types of vessels are used for Ikebana arrangements. Once I get that information I will make my design. Next I will choose the technique to be used. I would like to make a circular object, therefore, the drape technique will be more suitable. The design I will use for the vessel must be based on a wave, so I think I will transfer the idea to the rim so that it will echo the design I will use on the piece. For the design to decorate the vessel, I will use wavy lines in order to create the effect of a wave. Just using wavy lines might be boring, so I will put a texture created by dots in bands across the surface of the vessel. This will be interspersed between other curvy lines. The design will be placed on the outside of the vessel only and I will leave the inside plain because I do not want the decoration on the vessel to compete with the floral arrangement.

What did the examiners think about in deciding on a grade for the work?

Let us look at Craftsmanship:

This candidate chose an appropriate medium in which to work and the piece was fired. The shape was well-formed and the thickness consistent. The design was neatly and attractively applied to the vessel. The inside of the vessel was smooth and created good contrast to the textured exterior. The clay must have been well prepared and the drying process efficiently supervised, so that the piece did not break in the kiln.

We need to look at the quality of the design as well as functionality:

This vessel is quite functional for the purpose it will be used. It might be a little bit too high for an Ikebana arrangement but it can still be used. The design used on the vessel relate well to the wave theme suggested. The lines are wavy and some create a solid band, which is filled in by dots which manipulate the surface. These bands and the other wavy lines create repetition which reflects the movement of waves. The design of the vessel is very interesting as it echoes the design used to decorate the work. The use of texture provides variety and contrast and the lines unity. The form was well defined.

Let’s not forget Originality:

There was marked experimentation in the creation of the shape used for the vessel. Also, the ideas used in the creation of the work seemed quite original.

Final assessment of work

After looking at the competence displayed in the use of the medium, the skills displayed in creating this pottery piece, the comprehensive understanding of the use of design elements and principles (underlined above), as well as the originality expressed in the conceptualising of the work, we think this candidate deserves a Grade A.

CONCLUSION

Now ask yourself these questions.

Did you give the work the same grade? What were your reasons? Did they coincide with those of the external examiners? How did the candidate’s thought process contribute to the success of the work? If you had to do this question, how would you approach it?

Make a list of the things you have learnt from doing this exercise. If you are a student, make a list of questions that you would like to ask your teacher about this work.