Pinch Pots

Overview

Students will create two pinch pots that represent a famous duo. Use forms, glaze colors, texture, symbols, etc. to represent each part of the duo.

Project Requirements

• Create 3 practice pinch pots that have even thickness

• Research famous duos or things that go together for inspiration/ideas online 

• Use references to draw and plan your design 

• Create two pinch pots that show elements to represent a famous duo 

• Take progress photos 

• Reflect on your process and final pinch pot in writing and a class critique

CAS Visual Art Standards

1.2. Interpret, analyze and explain the influence of multiple contexts found in visual art and design.

3.1. Establish a practice of planning and experimentation to advance concepts and technical skills.

3.2. Ideate and build works of art and design to demonstrate growth and proficiency in traditional and new art media.

Academic Vocab: 

Pinch pot, score and slip, bisque fire, glaze, glaze fire, Cone 06, Cone 6

Materials: 

Canvas, needle tool, rib, slip, clay, paintbrush, glaze

Tools and Techniques: 

Score and slip, smoothing, wedging, pinch pot, carving, 

Related Artists: 

Pinch Pots: Perfect Pair

Your Challenge: Create a set of two functional or decorative pinch pots that represent a Famous Duo or Things That Go Together.

Your two pieces must be visually linked so that even when they are sitting on opposite sides of a room, a viewer can tell they belong together. Think about how you can use shape, size, texture, and color to show their relationship. Will they fit together like puzzle pieces, look like "twins" with slight differences, or represent two halves of a whole?

Examples to spark your imagination:

• Classic Duos: Salt and pepper shakers, milk and cookies, a lock and a key.

• Pop Culture: Batman and Robin, SpongeBob and Patrick, Lilo and Stitch.

Nature/Abstract: The Sun and the Moon, a bee and a flower, a rainy cloud and an umbrella.

Questions to Help Develop your Ideas

1. The Connection Strategy

"How will your two pinch pots physically relate to each other? Will they be symmetrical (identical mirrors of each other), complementary (different shapes that fit together like a puzzle), or thematic (totally different shapes that share the same colors or patterns)?"

2. Form vs. Function

"Is your duo intended to be functional (e.g., a lidded jar for peanut butter and a bowl for jelly) or sculptural (e.g., two characters sitting next to each other)? How will this choice affect the 'lip' or opening of your pinch pots?"

3. The Surface Narrative

"Beyond the clay shape, what surface details will you use to tell the story? Consider using carving (sgraffito), added clay (attachment), or specific glaze colors to make the connection between the two pieces obvious to the viewer."

Student Examples 

Helpful Videos