Example+proposal+CAPSTONE

Name: Rosalind Echols Capstone Project Proposal

SLA Mentor: Ms. Hull Outside Mentor: Instructor from The Clay Studio I selected these people as mentors because I feel they offer a reasonable degree of expertise in what I am planning for my capstone, have skills that surpass my own in my area of interest, and will be able to push me in how I am thinking about this project. I also know that they will not allow me to turn in a sub-standard project and will help me to develop a final product that reflects both my skills and my development over the year.

Focus: Surface and glazing techniques in modern functional pottery In this project, I would like to learn about several aspects of the art of ceramics. First, I would like to explore modern ceramics theory to learn more about shapes and styles in ceramics and then to develop my own skills in producing these shapes. To accompany this, I would like to learn about different techniques for modifying the surface texture and appearance of ceramics, including different glazing techniques. Between these two, I think I will be able to expand my current understanding of creating pottery beyond the simplistic world of basic shapes and single color smooth finished. I would also like to explore different types of functional pottery based on this modern theory, such as dishware, vases, and lamps (which can be wired to an electrical circuit), and investigate which techniques produce more pleasing and effective results on the different styes of pottery.

Product: Collection of pottery and photojournal of my learning process In ceramics, the learning process is often just as important as the final product you create. I therefore feel that an essential element of this project for me must be a visual and written record of the research I do, the techniques I try, and evidence of the various stages of the work I produce. My written reflections on the visual component will represent my synthesis of the research I do about ceramics theory, my experiences in ceramics class, my individual work with my instructor, and an evaluation of the final product in light of all of these. Due to my interest in functional pottery, I also think that creating a physical product is an important part of this project, to demonstrate the culmination of my year of work. Although I am not yet sure what pieces will be in this collection, I plan for them to embody my research and personal development throughout the year in an original and interesting way. In producing these two artifacts, I believe that I will be able to show that I have not only done research to expand my understanding of pottery and ceramics theory, but also have integrated these into my own personal artistic style in a new and original way that reflects my growth in understanding as well as my independent vision as an artist.

Reflection: This has been a challenging process for me so far, because it was hard for me to narrow down my area of interest (ceramics) to a specific project that I could actually accomplish. It was also difficult for me to select a direction to take this. Because I already have some experience with ceramics, I wanted to develop a project that would challenge me to do something that is new and interesting, but that would also challenge me to push my comfort within this area. However, now that I have had the opportunity to think about, I am very excited to work with one of my colleagues (Ms. Hull) in a new way because I know she will ask me hard questions and help me look at myself as an artist in a new way. I am also excited to real dig deep into the theory and practice of ceramics independently and not just as part of a class, which is predominantly what I have done in the past with ceramics.

Outline for the rest of the year: 1. September: a. Talk to Ms. Hull and Clay Studio mentor about resources for doing research b. Write a reflection about my past experiences and theory of ceramics (provide a point of reference for later in the year) c. Obtain resources for research (books about modern ceramics, articles in ceramics magazines, individual artists' blogs) 2. October: a. Start once weekly ceramics class about surface and glazing techniques b. Experiment with various styles and shapes of pottery related to research (keep a visual and written journal of the work I do) c. Identify areas (from class, individual experience) in which I need to do more research: throwing techniques? Styles of pots (and the history)? Physical basis for what takes place with certain techniques 3. November: a. Continue ceramics class about surface and glazing techniques b. Experiment with various styles and shapes of pottery related to research (keep a visual and written journal of the work I do) c. Identify areas (from class, individual experience) in which I need to do more research: throwing techniques? Styles of pots (and the history)? Physical basis for what takes place with certain techniques d. Develop a project within the context of class as a vehicle for exploring shapes and techniques (I will use this later to 4. December: a. Wrap-up class and trial project with various surface techniques b. Reflect on what I learned (visual, written, physical artifacts), and develop a more concrete idea of the pieces of work I would like to produce in the second semester to create my final Capstone product 5. After December, I will evaluate my progress with my advisor and my mentor and develop a plan for the remainder of the year.

Records I will keep: 1. Visual: sketches of my plans and the pieces I produce, with the techniques I tried; photographs of the final products 2. Written: weekly journal of my research and what I learn in ceramics class; description of what I try each week as I work on my own skills and techniques as a potter 3. Bibliography: all of the print, media, and personal resources I gather as I do research, with an annotation for each one.

Outstanding questions I need to address in the future: 1. What essential questions embody the meaning of my project? 2. How do I distinguish quality resources from frivolous ones? 3. What is an appropriate quantity or quality of work to produce, and how will I get feedback on this before the final deadline?

Core Values in My Senior Capstone Project: Inquiry: -How has ceramics theory evolved recently to reflect modern values and uses? -How can functional pottery still be art? -How can the surface and texture of a piece of pottery be modified and what are the physical and chemical bases for these modifications? -How do I develop my own artistic style as a result of understanding these aspects of ceramics?

Research: -Theories and practice of ceramics (historical and modern) -Techniques for modifying surface and texture of pottery

Collaboration: -Work with Ms. Hull to explore art theory and history -Work with instructor at Clay Studio to develop skills and techniques -Get critique on my work and ideas from my SLA mentor

Presentation: -Physical pieces of pottery representing my final understanding of my elements of inquiry -Visual and written journal (edited and organized to present a coherent image of my growth and development)

Reflection: -During the project: journal about how my understanding of ceramics as an art and my own skills is developing -At the end of project: to wrap up the written component of my presentation, I will write a summative reflection in which I synthesize the research I have done and the experiences I have had and how these contributed to my final product.