Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to make and apply a range of glazes to create different aesthetic effects for ceramic items. It requires the ability to make and test different types of glazes and to develop original glaze recipes.
It applies to those visual artists who are highly skilled in the specific techniques for glazed ceramic work and who realise a coherent body of creative work. They work with a high level of independence seeking mentoring and guidance as required.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Develop ideas for glazing ceramic items | 1.1 Evaluate potential for new and original approaches to own glazed ceramic work, including use of original glazes 1.2 Research glazing ideas from historical and contemporary references 1.3 Research, adapt and use relevant ideas and approaches from other practitioners and comply with intellectual property requirements 1.4 Refine and confirm ideas through research, experimentation and testing |
2. Modify and test existing glaze recipes | 2.1 Investigate and respond to specific safety and sustainability issues for glaze work 2.2 Modify and test existing glaze recipes on various clay bodies and in various kiln firing conditions 2.3 Achieve different effects through exploration and experimentation with a broad range of advanced glazing techniques, equipment and tools 2.4 Label and store glazes safely |
3. Formulate original glaze recipes | 3.1 Analyse glaze science and chemistry to inform ideas for original glaze recipes 3.2 Research how raw ingredients and formulas achieve different effects 3.3 Formulate own glaze recipes that aim to achieve predictable fired results 3.4 Test original glazes on various clay bodies and in various kiln firing conditions, and record data |
4. Create a body of glazed work | 4.1 Select and use recipes and glaze application techniques according to required effect and modify application as required 4.2 Decorate surfaces with glaze using techniques and tools selected from own experimentation 4.3 Evaluate and respond to potential for changes in application methods 4.4 Fire the glazed form at the appropriate temperature and kiln atmosphere 4.5 Modify glazes to correct faults and technical problems 4.6 Maintain accurate records and data for glazing and firing processes |
5. Evaluate glaze work | 5.1 Evaluate glaze work from an aesthetic and functional perspective 5.2 Evaluate development of own technique for glazed ceramic work with others and seek feedback 5.3 Evaluate particular ways that experimentation with different techniques has informed own artwork 5.4 Identify ways to further develop glazing techniques as part of professional ceramics practice and build ideas into future work |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
research an extensive range of historical and contemporary glazed ceramic work and techniques to inform own designs
refine glazing technique through a process of thorough experimentation and problem solving to create a coherent body of glazed ceramic work which:
shows a command of chosen advanced glazing methodologies, techniques and tools
demonstrates the development and testing of both existing glaze recipes and own formulated recipes
supports own ideas for work.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
describe copyright, trademarks, design licences and permissions relevant to producing ceramic works
summarise the main aspects of historical and contemporary glazed ceramics practice and how they can inform own design ideas
summarise chemical principles relevant to the glaze-making process
describe ways to make and test a glaze using chemical formulas
explain glaze analysis techniques, including molecular formulas and percentage analysis
describe the characteristics, basic composition and function of:
colouring oxides
glazes
slips and engobes
describe the effects of heat on glaze
describe ways to identify and correct glaze faults
explain the properties, characteristics and the effects on glazes for:
commercial clay
naturally occurring clay
materials used in clay bodies
describe the drying characteristics of clay body and dried sample at various firing stages
explain the features of a range of advanced glazing techniques and how they work to achieve different decorative effects in glazed ceramic work
summarise techniques used to decorate green ware and fired ware surfaces
outline the benefits and disadvantages of in-glaze, on-glaze and under-glaze decoration
explain key safety requirements for ceramic work.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:
equipment, tools and materials used to produce glazed ceramic work
relevant information sources.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1-1.3 | Interprets and evaluates complex and unfamiliar information to support design ideas |
Writing | 2.4, 4.6 | Records basic details of glazes on labels Develops precise records of glazing and firing processes using relevant technical terminology |
Oral Communication | 5.2 | Uses questioning and active listening techniques to elicit feedback and confirm understanding |
Numeracy | 2.2, 3.3, 3.4, 4.1, 4.5, 4.6 | Interprets complex chemical formulas for ceramic glazes Completes complex calculations to measure ratios of ingredients for known and self-developed glazing recipes Records complex numerical data for own glazing recipes, test outcomes and firing processes |
Navigate the world of work | 1.3, 2.1, 2.4 | Takes responsibility for compliance with legal, safety and sustainability practices associated with creative work |
Interact with others | 5.2 | Encourages contribution of creative, innovative and technical ideas from other artists |
Get the work done | 1.2-1.4, 2.2, 3.4, 4.1-4.5 | Takes responsibility for completing own research and creative works from design inception to realisation, managing own time and productivity to sequence stages Manages own decisions about use of recipes and techniques through research and selection according to interest Resolves problems with glaze recipes and application technique through testing, experimentation, analysis and modification |
Sectors
Visual communication – ceramics