Unit of competency details

Version 

Comments 

CUVCER501A

This version first released with CUV11 Visual Arts, Craft and Design Training Package version 1.0

Element 

Performance Criteria 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Research ceramic ideas and techniques

1.1 Support professional practice by expanding own knowledge of historical and contemporary ceramics practice

1.2 Research ways that other artists have used different ceramic techniques 

1.3 Investigate how particular ceramic techniques work to achieve different technical effects 

1.4 Evaluate the relationships between ceramic techniques and ideas

1.5 Adapt and use relevant ideas and approaches with consideration of intellectual property requirements 

2. Evaluate and select ceramic techniques for refinement

2.1 Consider opportunities  offered by different ceramic techniques

2.2 Determine limitations and constraints  of particular techniques

2.3 Select ceramic techniques for refinement 

3. Determine and establish specific safety requirements for ceramics work

3.1 Investigate safety issues associated with ceramics work

3.2 Set up work space according to safety requirements

3.3 Establish and follow safe work practices  for selected techniques

3.4 Monitor key safety issues during the production of work

4. Consolidate ceramic techniques to professional level

4.1 Develop increasing confidence and skill through practice and experimentation

4.2 Proactively identify and resolve technical problems  in ceramic projects based on developing expertise

4.3 Challenge and test ideas, and allow new and unpredictable ideas to emerge

4.4 Evolve ideas and other professional skills through ongoing experimentation with technique

4.5 Develop own ways of working with techniques to create individual style

4.6 Create a coherent body of ceramic work  that shows command of selected ceramic techniques

5. Evaluate own ceramic technique

5.1 Evaluate development of own technique with others and seek feedback

5.2 Seek and participate in experiences that challenge and explore different concepts and approaches

5.3 Reflect on the particular ways that experimentation with different techniques has informed own artwork

5.4 Identify ways in which technique may be further developed  as part of a professional practice and build ideas into future work

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the ability to:

• evolve and refine ceramic technique through a demonstrated process of experimentation
• develop individual style in own work
• produce a coherent body of professional ceramic work that shows the use of well-developed ceramic technique
• research ceramic technique in the broader context of other artwork and artists
• use safe and sustainable work practices.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• a safe ceramics work space
• materials, tools and equipment used to produce ceramic work.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• evaluation of ceramic technique within a body of work produced by the candidate
• evaluation of processes used by the candidate to evolve and refine ceramic technique
• evaluation of the work documentation
• direct observation of work in progress, including exploration of, and experimentation with, techniques
• questioning and discussion about candidate’s intentions and the work outcome
• review of portfolios of evidence
• review of third-party reports from experienced practitioners.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• CUVPRP501A Realise a body of creative work.

Ceramic techniques  may include:

• applications of materials other than plaster to create moulds, templates and patterns
• applied and subtractive surface treatments, including:

• engraving, carving, incising and piercing
• glazing
• sprigging, slip decoration and applied colour

• block and case moulds for casting production
• die making for extruders
• handbuilding techniques, including pinch, coil, slab construction and extrusions
• mould-making techniques
• mould and profile making for jigger jolley machine
• mould making for pressed tiles
• slip-casting techniques
• throwing techniques
• use of a variety of materials as supports, such as:

• armatures
• reinforcement

• use of the following tools and equipment:

• kilns: gas, electric and raku
• jigger jolley machine with associated fittings
• ram press with associated fittings
• rasps, chisels and saws for forming templates, models and moulds.

Technical effects  may include:

• combination of clay bodies and other materials
• other effects, such as laminated clay, including :

• laminated incompatible bodies
• two or more laminated compatible stained bodies

• surface treatments specific to ceramics, such as:

• alternative non-ceramic surface finishes, such as wax, paint and patina
• burnishing

• erosion techniques, including:

• acid etching
• sandblasting
• water etching

• other surface applications, including:

• fumed finishes from pit firing and post raku firing reduction
• glazing
• high-fire reduction finishes
• masking techniques on green ware, biscuit ware and glost ware
• multiple layering of different surface treatments
• on-glaze enamels
• reduced lustres
• slip decorating, such as slip trail, sgraffito, inlay and paper resist
• water erosion.

Intellectual property requirements  may relate to:

• copyright
• design licensing regulations
• form of acknowledgement or credit
• moral rights
• protocols for the adaptation of work by others
• trademarks.

Opportunities  may relate to:

• architectural ceramics, including tiles, mosaics and murals
• ceramic installation, including use of fired and/or non-fired clay
• commercially viable (limited production) tableware, vessels and sculptures
• communication of ideas
• large scale sculptural work incorporating mixed media in constructions and assemblages
• large thrown, handbuilt or slipcast vessels or sculptural forms
• personal affinity with particular techniques
• potential for combining techniques
• potential for interactions between technique and media
• themes in work
• wearable objects.

Limitations and constraints  may relate to:

• availability of materials
• capacity of technique to deliver required effect
• finances
• location and geography
• own interaction with technique
• resources
• time.

Refinement  may relate to:

• ability to use selected techniques with confidence
• ongoing demonstration of development of technique
• use of selected techniques in a body of professional work.

Safe work practices  may include:

• completing material safety data sheets (MSDS)
• correct disposal of waste materials
• dust and fume extraction
• ergonomic safety
• managing risk
• reporting accidents and incidents
• safely using tools and equipment
• using clearly designated wet and dry areas
• using personal protective equipment (PPE).

Technical problems  may include:

• limitations of own technical skill required for:

• forming techniques
• glaze application techniques
• surface design and decorating techniques

• limited availability of space for:

• displaying fired results
• producing work, including making, glazing and firing
• storing work in progress, whether damp or dry

• other limitations, such as:

• equipment and machinery breakdown, such as kiln element failure, faulty or broken equipment, and no fuel
• limited kiln capacity to allow for work to be fired as required
• skills and knowledge required for selected firing processes
• unavailability of kilns suitable for large work.

Coherent body of ceramic work  is:

• conceptually resolved
• documented in terms of its development
• subject to critical feedback by others
• technically resolved
• thematically connected.

Ways in which technique may be further developed  may include:

• collaboration
• further study
• intensive workshops
• mentored guidance
• new projects.