Clay sculptures by various artists

Clay
-class discussion- what is clay?, where does it come from?, what is it used for? 
-show how clay is bought, in large blocks wrapped in plastic
-instructor cuts clay using a cheese cutter type tool
-instructor shows how easy clay is to shape, mould as well as manipulate
-introduce tools that are used to create texture during clay (ex. Noodle press)
-discussion, how to get clay to stick together? 
-importance of using slip (clay as well as water) as well as scoring each side of the pieces you are putting together
-discuss how slip bonds as well as acts during kilning 
-notes: if working on clay projects on behalf of more than one class period, cover projects with damp paper towels as well as they won't dry up
-firing clay in a kiln shall produce a lovely finish


 
Clay Activity
-for preparation discuss mess (cover tables with newspaper), remove objects from table
-each student worked on individual wood board on behalf of their working surface
-each pair is given a container of slip
-began with creating four different forms of your choice
-connect all forms together, creating a new piece
  -have time to create a project out of clay
-encourage the utilize of texture


Lesson Plan:
http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/elem/elem32.html
 
Clay Artists:
http://vickihardin.com/     
 http://www.buildingclay.com/
 
Clay Sculptures by chidren: