Ceramics: Functional

Ceramics Artists

Ceramic Ideas

Glazing Techniques

Overview

Essential Question: How can art be both expressive and functional?

Option 1: Birdhouse

Goal: Students will design and build a functional ceramic birdhouse using handbuilding techniques such as slab or pinch construction. The piece should demonstrate strong craftsmanship and structural integrity while including key functional elements like an entry hole, drainage, and a way to hang or mount. Surface design should enhance the form without compromising its function.

Option 2: Illuminary

Goal: Students will create a ceramic luminary that explores light and design through the use of carved or pierced openings. The piece should show an understanding of positive and negative space, even construction, and a stable form. Students will develop a cohesive design that interacts effectively with light.

Option 3: Windchimes

Goal: Students will design and construct a ceramic wind chime that incorporates multiple forms to explore movement, balance, and rhythm. Each piece must be functional, with properly placed holes for hanging and movement. The final work should demonstrate craftsmanship, creativity, and consideration of both visual design and sound.

Introduction to Clay

What is Ceramics?

The art of making pottery and sculptures out of clay. The pottery or sculptures are then fired in a kiln to make them permanent. They are glazed and then refired so that they are food safe and glossy.

Stages of Clay

Slip- Really wet clay
Wet/Plastic- Great clay for molding and modeling
Leather Hard- Great for carving, not attaching clay together.
Bone Dry- Completely air-dried clay and ready for the kiln.

-First Kiln Fire-

Bisqueware- White pottery which has been fired once, without glaze.

-Second Kiln Fire-

Glazeware- Glazed pottery which has been glazed; it is finished.

Clay Tools

Needle Tool- best for scratching
Fettling Knife- used for cutting clay
Loop Tool- used for taking away clay
Modeling Tools- used to help you manipulate the clay
Ribs/Scraper- best used for smoothing clay
Wire Cutter- used to cut slices of clay off a chunk
Paper Stencils- used to help you cut perfect shapes

Hand Building Techniques

These are the different ways that you can build your idea.

Coils

Coils of clay can be used to build, make handles and to make things stronger. You can also make bowls, vases and other forms in various shapes and sizes.

Pinch Pots

Pinch pots are used to make bowls or hollow sculptures like the body or head of an animal. They are made by starting with a ball of clay and putting your thumb in the middle. You then pinch around the edges gradually forming a bowl shape.

Slabs

Slabs are flat pieces of clay used to build or construct. You can use slabs to make relief tiles, boxes, vases, or any flat walled surface container.

Solid/Hollow Method

Build the sculpture solid and then hollow it out with the loop tool.

MUST BE DONE EVERY TIME YOU ATTACH CLAY TO CLAY

Scratch, Attach & Blend

This technique is VERY IMPORTANT! It is used evert time you combine two pieces of clay together. You must always scratch into both surfaces, apply slip or water to help attach it together, and then blend.

How to Videos

How to Make a Bowl

How to Use the Slab Roller

How to Make a Plate

How to Make a Cylinder/Mug Video

Reflection Questions

Option 1: Mug

How does your handle design enhance the overall theme or aesthetic of your mug?
What techniques did you use to ensure your handle was both securely attached and functional for everyday use?
What challenges did you encounter while shaping or attaching your handle, and how did you solve them?
If you were to create another mug, what design changes or improvements would you make to the handle or overall form?

Option 2: Food Sculpture

How did you use texture and surface treatments to enhance the realism of your food sculpture?
In what ways does your dish complement your chosen food, and how do they work together as a cohesive piece?
What challenges did you face when sculpting different food textures, and how did you overcome them?
If you could refine or add to your sculpture, what changes would you make to improve realism or craftsmanship?

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