Clay Time!

Mr. Angelo's class just finished learning all about clay!

We talked about the nature of the material, explored its properties and created three pieces using different clay techniques.

First we learned how to create a clay slab, and students rolled and cut pieces of clay for their project. We then went on to explore printing in clay using a variety of objects and materials. It was so interesting to see the different textures that students achieved and how much detail the clay picked up!

The pieces were then sent off for a bisque firing and followed with a lesson on glaze. Students learned about how clay and glaze changes in the kiln and got to witness the results first hand!

Check out the great textures, expressive use of color and creative forms that students achieved:

After completing our clay slabs, we moved on to learn about using coils. We practiced rolling even coils, using slipping and scoring to connect them and building forms by stacking. Students created their own pots made entirely of coils in whatever shape they desired.

After bisque firing, students glazed these pots using dinnerware safe gloss glazes.

I love the interesting forms these pieces took as students built with and layered their coils:

After two different and successful clay experiences, students were ready to unleash their creativity and create clay creatures using the pinch and pull techniques.

We began by creating pinch pots, formed them to resemble a real or imagined creature and then slipped and scored to attach body parts and add detail.

These pieces were fired in the kiln and students were allowed to combine glazes to complete their creature.

After a final firing these wild creations were done:

This was such a great experience, all of my students were willing to explore and were so excited to create these pieces!

I was so happy with the experience that we took one final class to appreciate our work and critique our creations. Students looked at the body of work our class had created as a whole as well as their individual pieces and completed a written (and drawn!) self-critique of their work.

What a great clay time!