Coil Pots

Objective

To explore the ancient hand building ceramic technique of coiling while creating an original vessel 7-8" tall.

Vocabulary

Hand Building

Creating forms or sculptures without a pottery wheel. Using hands, fingers, and simple tools. The 3 main techniques are: Pinching, Coiling, and Slab.

Coiled Pottery

One of the oldest ways of forming pottery. Long strands of clay are laid on top of each other and joined through blending coil to coil. Coil pieces can be almost any shape or size.

Step 1: Research

Watch this video in order to familiarize yourself

with a variety of coil techniques:

As you watch this video in class please engage in the visual notes. You will turn in an image of them to google classroom.

Step 2: Design Your Coiled Vessel

Hard Requirements for Coiled Vessel:

Must be about 8” tall
Must be between 3” - 6” wide
Must be original
Clay CANNOT be more than thumb thick
Must use coils to create the height of your vessel
Must consider Principles of Design (especially balance, movement, pattern)

Where you have Creative Licence/ Choice

Will you create something representational or leave it as an abstract vessel form?
Will the coils be exposed or will you smooth them out and hide technique you used? Will it be a mix?
Will your vessel be designed with a specific use in mind? How does that influence the design? Does it need a lid? Are their holes so water can escape (plant pot) or does it need to hold water?
What will the general form (3D Shape) be?