Family of Forms: piece #1 (creating a series)
A work of art or piece of art is an aesthetic physical item it can be created in a series or family of forms.
A series has “family resemblances” observable among each piece that “ties” them visually together as
a unit. This can be accomplished through a repeating shape, form, texture and or color.
These coil pots can be kind of crazy. You can make all kinds of swirling designs on them. You just let
the coils show on the outside in select areas. Be sure to smooth them on the inside, however, so that they
will be strong.
Primary Learning Outcome:
The student will be able to create a pot shape using the coil construction method and using the coils
themselves as decorative elements. A minimum of 3 pieces should be formed to create the series. The
deconstruction method should be used for at least one piece. Be sure to relate pieces together by
repeating shape, form, texture and or color.
Objectives:
The student will:
 Create pots or
vases using the
coil method,

Use the coils
themselves as a
decorative and
textural device,

Use glaze to coat and protect the pot or vase and make it useful for holding water and/or to create
an interesting surface pattern.
Procedures:
1. Sketch at least 6 different variations for pieces #1: make decisions on where and how the coils
and slabs will be used as decorations. Coils and slabs should be used as decorative design and
texture.
2. Once the sketches are done and a design for the series is approved for the project, then wedge the
clay to a smooth consistency. If using coils, pull a golf ball size piece off and shape it into a
smooth ball. Flatten the ball into a hamburger patty shape about 3/8” thick for the base.
(Caution: do not overwork the clay as it will start to look cracked and dry on the surface if it is
overworked.)
3. Next, pull off another golf ball size piece and roll it into a coil about ½” in diameter or use a slab
of clay 3/8” thick. Attach the clay to the base, smoothing on the inside until perfectly smooth.
Continue attaching the coils or slabs around the base and then to the other pieces so a shape is
made.
4. After one or two coils or slabs are attached, smooth the inside for sturdier piece.
NOTE: Just be sure to know where you will be allowing the coils to show on the outside as
decoration.
5. When the piece is completely made, smooth the top edge and loosely cover the whole pot with
plastic so that it slowly dries to a leather hard consistency.
6. You may or may not add a foot at this point. If you do not, then tap the bottom just a little so that
it is a bit concave. This makes it sit more firmly and distributes shock better when the piece is set
down. If you do decide to make a foot, this is how to do it.
MAKING A FOOT: When the piece or pot is leather hard, turn it over and lightly draw a circle
on the bottom where you want the foot to be placed. Score and slip the circle and attach a coil in
a circle on the bottom. Cut the coil off when you reach the starting end of it so that the coil is a
perfect circle. Smooth both inside and outside attached edges, tilting the foot outward just a bit.
Allow it to sit a few minutes so that the coil is a bit firmer, then turn the pot over and make sure
that the foot sits flat on the table surface. You can put a bit of pressure on it to straighten it.
7. The piece should be allowed to dry slowly, but thoroughly, and then fired. After bisque firing, a
different glaze can be used on the inside and on the outside. Demonstrate good glaze technique
ensuring that the bottom of the foot is uncoated. Create the series by tying colors together.