Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research and experiment with various techniques and media for the realisation of ceramic work. It outlines the way ceramic works are produced through the use of experimentation and ongoing refinement.

It is a specialisation unit and refers to a specific art form. This work would usually be carried out independently, although guidance would be available if required.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Prerequisite units 

It is highly recommended that this unit be assessed in conjunction with:

• CUVCOR04B Originate concept for own work and conduct critical discourse
• CUVCOR09B Select and apply drawing techniques and media to represent and communicate the concept
• CUVCOR13B Research and critically analyse history and theory to inform artistic practice.

Depending on the context, combined assessment and/or training with a range of other units would also be appropriate, e.g.:

• CUVCRS14B Prepare, store and maintain finished work
• CUVCRS08B Document the work progress.

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Inform work through experimentation with ceramic techniques and media .

1.1 Evaluate the potential for new approaches to ceramic work  based on capabilities of techniques  already used.

1.2 Select, adapt or introduce new materials , tools , equipment  or technology for the achievement of different effects.

1.3 Extend the capabilities  of ceramic techniques through experimentation to inform practice.

1.4 Take account of particular safety or environmental issues  associated with the use of different techniques and media.

1.5 Research , adapt and use relevant ideas and approaches from other practitioners with consideration of intellectual property , moral rights and copyright requirements .

2 Develop and refine a conceptual vision for ceramic work .

2.1 Develop a conceptual vision  for ceramic work based on a knowledge and understanding of different ceramic techniques.

2.2 Consider the criteria for selecting techniques, material, tools and equipment based on results of experimentation.

2.3 Establish criteria which are most likely to facilitate the achievement of the conceptual vision.

2.4 Select approach to work which meets established criteria.

2.5 Refine the conceptual vision  based on ongoing experimentation and analysis of ceramic techniques.

3 Determine and organise resource requirements for new work .

3.1 Assess specific resource requirements which arise from the use of techniques and experimental approaches.

3.2 Research and access potential sources of supply  for ceramic resources.

3.3 Evaluate cost or other constraints  which may impact on the development of work.

3.4 Set up or coordinate resource requirements in accordance with safety or other workplace requirements .

4 Realise ceramic work .

4.1 Realise the ceramic work using techniques and media selected from research and experimentation to meet the conceptual vision.

4.2 Evaluate and respond to the potential for changes in the use of techniques, materials, tools or equipment.

4.3 Refine the conceptual vision based on ongoing experiences with the production of work.

4.4 Use safe working practices throughout the production of ceramic work.

4.5 Consider issues of presentation and take action accordingly.

Required Skills and knowledge 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills :

• research skills and sources of information to inform experimentation in ceramic work
• literacy skills sufficient to interpret information and material about the work of other ceramicists
• numeracy skills sufficient to evaluate resource costs and to calculate material requirements.

Required knowledge :

• the role of experimentation in the developing and refining concepts for ceramic work
• detailed knowledge of physical properties and capabilities of the range of materials and tools used in ceramic work
• the characteristics of different materials under different treatments and the potential of these characteristics to achieve different effects
• formal elements and principles of design and how these may be used, adapted and challenged in the development of concepts for ceramic work
• the historical and theoretical contexts for ceramic work and how this may be used to inform own artistic practice
• copyright, moral rights and intellectual property issues and legislation associated with ceramic work
• sources of raw, part-processed and processed materials and other resources for ceramic work
• work space requirements for ceramic work, including selection and set up of work space for particular types of work
• environmental issues associated with the tools and materials used in ceramic work, including the potential issues associated with new approaches
• organisational and legislative occupational health and safety procedures in relation to ceramic work.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

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

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

• production of ceramic work which demonstrates a highly developed command of the selected techniques and which is consistent with the conceptual vision
• in depth knowledge of techniques, materials and tools and the ways they may be adapted and extended.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

The assessment context must provide for:

• evaluation of visual language and technical execution of work pieces produced by the candidate
• practical demonstration of skills using required tools, equipment and materials to produce multiple pieces of ceramic work or a single major work.

Method of assessment 

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

• direct observation of ceramic work in progress, including exploration of and experimentation with techniques
• questioning and discussion about candidates intentions and the work outcome
• verbal and written reports
• review of portfolios of evidence
• third party workplace reports of performance by the candidate.

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 a speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Assessment of this unit requires access to the materials and resources needed to produce ceramic work.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised  wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Ceramic work  may include:

• architectural ceramics
• ceramic installation work
• fired and non fired clay work
• hand formed work (table ware, vessels)
• mixed media

• sculptural work and constructions
• wearable objects, e.g. head and neck pieces, bracelets etc.

Within this unit the candidate would generally demonstrate a command of a broad range of techniques as the basis for experimentation and innovation. Techniques  may include:

• applied surface treatments (inlay with other clays or other materials, oxides, glazes)
• hand forming (pinch, coil, slab, slab-roll methods)
• moulding, including mould making
• slip casting
• subtractive surface treatments (incising, impressing, stamping, piercing).

Materials  may include:

• casting plaster, resins, wax and other materials for mould making
• glazes, oxides
• other materials for inlay which would leave impressions/stains etc in the ceramic work after firing
• range of clays
• slip.

Tools  and equipment  may include:

• brushes, toothbrushes
• carving tools
• electronic equipment used in design work, e.g. computer, scanner, printer software
• gas or electric kiln, wood fired kiln
• kiln furniture and equipment
• knives/blades
• measuring devices
• protective clothing
• raku kiln
• rolling pins or other rollers
• spatulas
• tongs.

Extending capabilities  through:

• experimentation encourages the exploration of the full potential of the art form and involves innovation.

Particular safety or environmental issues  may include:

• Federal, State and Territory legislation, regulations and standards
• personal protection
• recycling
• safe disposal of waste

Research  may involve:

• approaching individuals with relevant expertise
• attending lectures and talks
• conducting material and technical experiments and tests
• seeking out information in books, journals, newspapers
• visiting exhibitions, museums.

Intellectual property , moral rights and copyright requirements  may relate to:

• extent to which the work may be used
• procedures for seeking permission to use the work of others, including systems for the administration of copyright
• protocols for the adaptation of work by others.

The conceptual vision  may be determined by:

• elements and principles of design
• the relationship of the work to a theoretical and historical context
• the subject matter or theme for the ceramic work, e.g. the body; identity; land and place; political, cultural, social issues; spiritual concerns.

Refining the conceptual vision  may include:

• adjustment to consideration of elements and principles of design
• adjustment to subject matter or theme
• adjustment to utilise the extended capabilities of the technique
• no change.

Sources of supply  may include:

• commercial outlets
• found objects or materials
• manufacturing or factory waste
• nature.

Cost and other constraints  may relate to:

• availability of materials and tools
• budgeting
• sponsorship
• timeframe.

Workplace requirements  may include:

• drying space
• lighting
• ventilation
• wet and dry areas.

Issues of presentation  may include:

• availability of materials and space
• client preference
• cost
• practical considerations
• timeframe.

Taking action  may involve:

• deciding on presentation method
• seeking external assistance, e.g. with plinth construction
• selecting and preparing work for presentation.