Garden Gnomes

Objectives:

I will demonstrate an understanding of the basic 3D form of a cone and how to manipulate it into a gnome structure.

I will apply clay-building techniques such as scoring, slipping, and smoothing to create a stable sculpture.

I will explore texture and detail by adding features like facial expressions, clothing, and accessories (hat, beard, etc.).

I will learn the process of glazing to add color and protect the sculpture.

I will demonstrate an understanding of the firing process in a kiln and how it transforms clay into a durable material.

I will demonstrate creativity and craftsmanship in personalizing the design of the garden gnome.

I will focus on proportion and balance to ensure the gnome is visually appealing and stable.

Vocabulary:

Bisque – Clay that has been fired once but is unglazed.

Clay – A natural material used for sculpting that becomes hard when fired in a kiln.

Cone – A 3D geometric shape that serves as the base for the gnome's form.

Fettling Knife – A tool used to shape and carve clay.

Firing - The process of hardening clay by heating it at high temperatures 

Glaze – A coating applied to clay that, when fired, creates a smooth, colored, and often shiny surface.

Greenware – Unfired clay that is completely dry and ready to be fired in the kiln.

Kiln – A high-temperature oven used to fire clay sculptures, transforming them into hard, durable objects.

Proportion – The relationship of the size of the gnome’s features to each other, ensuring balance and visual harmony.

Score, Slip, Squeeze, and Smooth – Techniques for joining pieces of clay by scratching the surface (scoring) and using a clay slurry (slip) to bind them then squeeze them together and smooth the area out.

Texture – The surface quality of the clay, which can be smooth or rough depending on how the material is manipulated.

Website Review Assignment:  Please complete and submit

National Core Arts Standards (NCAS):

1. Creating:

   • Anchor Standard 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.

     • VA
       .2.7a – Develop criteria to guide making a work of art or design to meet an identified goal.

   • Anchor Standard 2: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.

     • VA
       .1.7a – Demonstrate persistence in developing skills with various materials, methods, and approaches in creating works of art or design.

     • VA
       .2.7a – Demonstrate awareness of ethical responsibility to oneself and others when designing and creating artworks.

   • Anchor Standard 3: Refine and complete artistic work.

     • VA
       .1.7a – Reflect on and explain important information about personal artwork in an artist statement or another format.

2. Presenting:

   • Anchor Standard 4: Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.

     • VA
       .1.7a – Analyze how the presentation of art contributes to the understanding of the meaning and intent of the work.

3. Responding:

   • Anchor Standard 7: Perceive and analyze artistic work.

     • VA
       .2.7a – Analyze ways that visual components and cultural associations suggest meaning in artwork.

4. Connecting:

   • Anchor Standard 10: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.

     • VA
       .1.7a – Individually or collaboratively create visual documentation of places and times in which people gather to make and experience art or design.

   • Anchor Standard 11: Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.

     • VA
       .1.7a – Analyze how art reflects changing times, traditions, resources, and cultural uses.

Wisconsin State Art Standards:

1. Creating:

   • Standard C.7.1: Explore ideas generated through a variety of experiences, media, or sources for creating visual art.

   • Standard C.7.3: Apply knowledge of available resources, tools, and technologies to investigate personal ideas through the art-making process.

2. Presenting:

   • Standard P.7.1: Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.

   • Standard P.7.2: Analyze how artwork is influenced by where, when, and how it is presented.

3. Responding:

   • Standard R.7.1: Analyze and interpret the work of others based on different viewpoints and personal experiences.

   • Standard R.7.2: Discuss and evaluate the impact of art and design on individuals, communities, and cultures.

4. Connecting:

   • Standard X.7.1: Investigate how art and design can communicate ideas, emotions, and stories about people, places, and times.

   • Standard X.7.3: Analyze how different perspectives influence artistic interpretations of a subject or theme.