Art as One 

Goal: Create a sophisticated looking dish that includes layered textures and is fired and glazed

 

Materials:

• Clay

• Natural Materials to create texture (orange net, string, shells, rocks, ect.)

• Slab roller

• Knife

• Trays

• Paper towel

• Plaster forms

• Glaze

• Clay tools to write in clay

• Brushes

 

How to prep:

Take a desired amount of clay and use the slab roller to make the clay the same thickness all around. Then put damp paper towels in between each clay slab and stack them one on top of another until ready for use. If storing them overnight put all slabs in a plastic bag to prevent them from drying out. Collect natural materials that will create interesting textures. If you have gathered the rest of the materials you are all set!

 

Directions for students:

Give each student a clay slab and explain how they can use the natural materials to create texture. Explain that they should avoid layering the textures because it might look too messy at the end and that even though the clay is brown you can paint them at the end. Also remind them that they can use the carving tools to write a phrase, word or name in the clay. When they are finished designing have them help you drape the clay onto the plaster forms and put as many plaster forms on a tray as possible then let them dry and be fired in the kiln for the first time.

 

After they are fired, you will have to glaze them. Ask the students to pick out a color or two and pour them into mini cups. Then have them use brushes to glaze the top of the dish - avoid the bottom because then it will stick to the kiln when it is fired again. Once they’re glazed all that’s let is to fire them and then they can be taken home!
 

What it looks like: