Clay Magic Pots

Designed by: Erin Fisher, Satchel Ford Elementary

1) CORE CURRICULUM OBJECTIVE(S):

Grade Level: Fifth     Subject(s): Visual Arts

2) OVERVIEW: Students will look at and discuss African and Egyptian monolithic sculpture, using the information to create a clay artwork representing figures in functional artwork.

3) FOCUS/ESSENTIAL QUESTION(S): Students will look at and discuss monolithic and figural sculpture from African and Egyptian cultures. Students will make a clay box to which a figure will be attached. Students will make a clay figure and decorate it in ways similar to Egyptian and African sculptural styles. Emphasis will be on shape, movement, and textures. Students will develop the surface of the fired magic pot with show polish. Emphasis will be on color and texture.

4) TIME FRAME: Three fifty minute lessons

5) RESOURCES/MATERIALS:
Visuals of monolithic sculpture
clay
clay tools
texture tools
water
shoe polish
toothbrushes
rags
plastic bags

6) CULMINATING ASSESSMENT: Check for student understanding of skills and concepts: shape, movement, texture, color, line.

7) INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Lesson #1 Guidelines: Look at and talk about monolithic and figural sculptures. Look at and talk about monolithic and figural sculptures.

Use clay to create box.

Create patterns and textures on the box.

Procedures: Give objective. Show visuals of monolithic and figural sculptures from African and Egyptian cultures. Discuss how and who they represented. The idea of this activity is to capture some of the magic that was prevalent in the religions of these cultures. Much of the sculpture created by these cultures was for the purpose of worship. Among primitive people, magic is motivated by necessity and self-interest. Symbolism grew to be a powerful tool for these artists. Mask-makers would use symbols to frighten the enemies of the user. Rituals and the use of symbols were man's mean to control his environment from a distance. Have students look at how the shapes and decorations of the sculptures communicated feelings about magic, symbolism and religion. Discuss the facial features and how these sculptures evoked feelings as well as recorded it.

Give guidelines. Demonstrate each one as the demonstration proceeds. Have students spread newspaper on the tables. Pinch a double fist sized piece of clay into a ball. Demonstrate dividing it in half. Show how by rolling each half into a ball, and making pinch pots from each, two pots of the same size can be made.

Give each student clay and have them make two pinch pots the same size.

Demonstrate balling newspaper and filling each pinch pot with it. Demonstrate scoring and slipping the two pots together to make a ball. Have students do this and encourage them to rub the ball smooth so that it appears to be one piece. Press textures and patterns into the clay to create an interesting surface.

Place the clay balls into plastic bags with a damp sponge.

Lesson #2 Guidelines:

Use correct scoring and slipping techniques.

Pinch a figure with realistic human proportions.

Use a variety of textures to decorate the figure.

Decorate the pot with a variety of textures.

Procedures: Give objective and guidelines.

Make a figure with realistic human proportions. Demonstrate taking a potato shaped piece of clay and sculpting a figure from it. Squeeze near the top end to make a neck. Use a needle tool to cut the bottom of the shape through to form two legs. Use the needle tool to slice two arms on each side. Demonstrate lightly pinching the arms and legs to make them more realistic.

Attach the figure to the round box made earlier. Demonstrate how the shape of the box can be changed by gently pressing the sides on the table surface. The boxes can be shaped into squares or triangles in this way. Demonstrate scoring and slipping the figure to the pot. Encourage students to place the figure in such a way to show movement. Show the figure sitting, standing, standing beside the box, laying on the box or sitting beside the box.

Decorate the figure and box with textures and patterns. Use a needle tool and modeling tools to sculpt and pinch facial features showing expression or emotion. Use various texture tools to create clothing, ceremonial costume ornaments and decorations. Demonstrate pressing carefully as to not distort or destroy the figure or pot.

Give each student the same amount of clay. Help them make a potato shape and cut the basic shapes of a realistic figure. Review scoring and slipping directions as needed. Encourage students to think of the figures seen in the previous lesson. Encourage students to emulate some of the images and symbols used in the Egyptian and African sculptures. Students may change the shape of the pot to make it more creative.

When sculptures are completed, use a wire tool to cut each pot in half. Have students smooth the top and bottom edges of the cut pot. Place waxed paper between the two halves and place back together. Dry to greenware this way so that the lid and the pot will continue to fit. Have students write their names on the bottom of the pots.

Fire clay.

Lesson #3 Guidelines: Apply the shoe polish into all of the textures of the pot. Apply the shoe polish into all of the textures of the pot.

Rub the polish to make it shiny.

Work neatly and carefully.

Procedures: Give objectives and guidelines.

Demonstrate choosing a shoe polish color appropriate for the design.

Demonstrate applying the polish with a toothbrush, being careful to work neatly, filling all textures with color.

Demonstrate rubbing the polish quickly with a cloth to buff it to a shine.

Question for understanding. Distribute polish and toothbrushes. Encourage students to use small amounts of polish. A little goes a long way.

When students have applied the polish, pass out cloths for buffing.

When polish has been buffed, move onto the next objective.