PHS Ceramic Installation

2017-2018

WELCOME

This site will allow you to witness the process and execution of the first PHS Sculptural Installation.

The installation includes 75-100 student made cubes that illustrate a personal memory or experience.

Annie Dooley, grade 11, begins the first side of her cube. Her planning and sketches that illustrate her personal memory are on the table in front of her.

Kenneth Hawkins (11) and Emily Harris (11) work together to use the slab roller in order to create the base for their sculptures.

Maggie Nardelli(11) uses her phone to reference images needed in order to create the personal and symbolic meaning on her cube.

Here, Maggie is working on the next side of her cube inspired by her work with the Unified Team and Special Olypmics.

Katelyn Calderone (10) and Allison Bergman (10) pose next to their finished construction. This was our first chance to see how the cubes would look stacked together!

Once completed, the works will be bisque fired. Students will then apply a wash of iron oxide to the cubes in order to enhance the visibility of their sculptural details. Finally, after being re-fired the students will apply two coats of a masonry sealer in order to make the ceramic cubes more capable of withstanding the harsh temperature and weather conditions that come with an outdoor installation.

This project was designed by Katina Gustafson, a student teacher from Rhode Island College. Here, we see her leading the class as they began staining their finished cubes in order to add emphasis to their detailed carvings. The pieces will be fired one more time to make the new reddish -brown color become permanent.