Craft test

Compare and contrast bronze and iron.

Bronze includes a wide range of copper alloy metals, usually with tin as the main additive. Bronze is a durable metal and is widely used for casting, or pouring melted metal into a mold. Iron is a lustrous, silver, soft metal, taken mostly from iron ore hematite. Like bronze, iron can exist in many alloys. Iron alloys however are usually carbon based rather than copper based.

What is a meander pattern? Which two civilizations mainly used this technique?

A piece of ceramics that has a meander pattern, has an outside rim designed with geometric patterns consisting of horizontal and vertical lines. This technique/style was mainly used by the Romans and the Chinese.

Explain the difference between a piece of art and a craft.

A piece of art is a creative, visual expression of an idea in some form. A craft is the physical effort and skill used in the creative process.

What equipment is necessary for creating ceramic? Describe each piece and how it is used.

A potter first of all need clay to begin making any creating. A potters wheel is then used in a process known as "throwing" a pot, in which a spinning wheel spins clay at different speeds to create a desired shape for a piece of pottery. A kiln is a type of oven used to fire or heat the clay.

What is "slip"? What was it primarily used for by the Greeks?

A slip is the clay that has been watered down to the consistency of paint. This paint was used to decorate the ceramics.

Create a brief timeline for the history of ceramics. Include dates, civilizations, and types in your answer.

Earliest known ceramics: Ancient Greeks made pots for functional use. The Greeks would paint them with elaborate decorations during the 6th and 5th century BCE.Circa 2500 BCE: Bronze Age bowls and other ceramics 1000 BCE (3000 years ago): Chinese ceramics 700-800 CE: Mayan vases and other ceramics

Name and describe the different types of ceramics.

Earthenware: This type of ceramic is very porous and brittle, so it has to be fired and glazed. Because it is porous however, it is also able to soak up bright colors and produce bold ceramic pieces. Stoneware: This type of ceramic is waterproof, smooth, and has a higher firing temperature than earthenware when out in a kiln. Porcelain: This type of ceramic is one of the most durable types, and is commonly used for purposes such as dinnerware, bathroom toilets and sinks, and dentistry (fillings for cavities). It also has a high firing temperature, is translucent, and no-conductive after firing.

What is glass art?

Glass art is a form of art which uses glass in a creative way. It is also a form of art that relies heavily on light to enhance its appeal and beauty.

Why were weaving and embroidery not accepted forms of art until recently?

Embroidery and weaving were both regarded as women's work, rather than a form of art. Only after factories were established during the Industrial Revolution and textiles were mass produced, did embroidery and weaving become globally accepted as forms of art.

Define the term, utilitarian. How can something be both utilitarian and fine art?

If a piece of art is considered utilitarian, then it has a purpose or use. Although it may have a purpose, it may still be beautiful and the process necessary to create the piece can be respects and admired. If this is the case, a piece can be considered both utilitarian and fine art.

How has metal been used by civilizations to gain power?

Metal has always been the primary material used by civilizations to make weapons. The amount of metal possessed by a nation can greatly influence how a nation is viewed, feared, and respected by surrounding nations. Metal can be used to create strong weaponry for war, or can serve as a form wealth.

Define metalworking. Provide a brief history of metalworking.

Metalworking is the craft of using metal to create different parts, or assemble them together, or larger structures. Metalworking began in the Stone Age. The ancient people knew of seven metals, which were used to fashion tools for hunting, protection, and survival. Metalworking reached new heights during the Bronze Age, which began around 2700 BCE. Later came the Iron Age in the 12th century BCE.

Explain the difference between milling and welding.

Milling is a form of cutting where by a metal is made into to a specified geometry by removing excess material using various kinds of tooling leaving a finished part matching a set of specifications. Welding is a fabrication process which joins two pieces of material. This can be done by either melting the pieces together, or by using pressure in conjunction with heat, or by itself.

Describe the physical attributes and historical importance of silver.

Silver is a soft, white, lustrous metal with the highest conductivity of any element. Silver is very ductile and malleable, slightly harder than gold. It can be flattened through hammering or another type of pressure. It can be used to make ornaments, jewelry, and utensils. It has the highest electrical conductivity of all metals.

What type of craft was use to create the piece shown above? Examine the piece shown and describe what you see and feel. What was the artist's intention when he made this piece?

This piece was created by a glass-craftsman and is an example of glass art. The piece is skillfully done, and eye catching because you can't help but look at it and wonder how the artist managed to create the final product. The piece is packed with emotional meaning largely because you can see and imagine the detail, skill, and passion the artist would have had to possess to create the piece. The artist intended to emphasize the process to the viewer more than the final piece.