Coil Vessel
Cultural Inspiration
Modern Twist
Historic Pottery
• History of pottery dates back millennia
• People around the world have fired or
baked clay to make pots, plates and
ceramic decorations since prehistoric times
• Creations were not only aesthetic, but also
functional… and each form served a
specific purpose
Task
Research pottery from various
periods in history, analyze
how form worked with
function, and then create your
own culturally inspired
ceramic vessel.
Your vessel will have an
updated and modern element
to create a new and unique
piece.
Task
You will use the hand
building technique of coil
with red terracotta clay.
Some areas will be
smooth, and others the coil
design will remain
unblended.
The vessel will be finished
by adding a pattern/design
using texture, sgraffito, and
underglaze.
Cultures
Research and read about ALL of the following cultures
and their related pottery. There are links in your research
and planning packet to guide you.
- Greek - Pueblo - Mimbre - Hopi - Navajo - Zumi -Mesop - Minoan Choose FIVE different vessel shapes and designs that
have a form interesting or meaningful to you from the
cultures above.
Worksheet #1
Form & Function
For EACH of the FIVE vessels you
decided on, draw a diagram of the
shape of the vessel (including
handles if present), write the name of
the form, and the function of the
vessel.
Once you have completed
Worksheet #1, choose and circle
ONE of the vessel shapes you will
recreate for your own project.
Modern Day Coil Pots
Look at coil pots where the
coils have not been
smoothed and blended
together on the outside of
the form.
Consider how you could
incorporate these
unsmoothed designs into
your vessel… mixing both
the historic form with a
modern coil design.
Worksheet #2
Coil Patterns & Designs
Create a plan for the unblended
portion of your vessel.
Shapes could be organic,
geometric, symmetrical or
asymmetrical.
Use the coil pots you researched
as inspiration.
You will need at least 2 inches of
unblended coils…complete at
least 4 different designs so you
have a variety to choose from.
Worksheet #3
Finishing Patterns & Designs
Create a design you will add
through texture, sgraffito, and/or
underglaze.
You will need at least 2 design
elements…complete at least 4
different pattern designs.
There are a many styles,
images and patterns on ancient
pottery. You should read about
the designs and motifs meaning
and symbolism.
Worksheet #4
Final Drawing
Create a final drawing of
your vessel.
Include the unblended coil
area and the final
patterns/designs
developed on Worksheets
#2 and #3.
Drawing should have clean
lines, be symmetrical and
show how your final vessel
will look.
Some Cultural Examples
Greek
Pueblo
Mimbre
Hopi
Navajo
Zumi
Mesop
Minoan
Requirements
• All 4 worksheets must be complete before
you can begin coil construction.
Requirements
• Must be a minimum of 6” and maximum of
8” in one direction.
• Must have at least 2” of unblended coils.
• Must have at least 2 design elements
added with texture, sgraffito and/or
underglaze.
• Must be created with help of a template.
• May have handles.
Timing
• You have a total of 8 classes to complete
the entire project…
– 2 days for research and planning
– 4 days for coil construction
– 2 days for finishing design
* If you work slow…speed up or come in extra! *
Questions?
Work TIme
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Finish Produce Creatures
Hand-in Produce Creature packet
Begin research & planning for Coil Vessel
Steps #1-6 due end of next class!
Before You Make Your Vessel
You must create a template
out of Bristol board and
masking tape to ensure
your vessel remains the
desired shape and is
symmetrical.
You must first be sure your
final vessel drawing is
complete and perfect…then
you can make a template.
Making Your
Template
On a piece of Printer Paper
1. Draw full/actual size and symmetrically the
outline or shape of your vessel – be sure your
vessel is between 6” and 8”
2. Fold the drawing paper along the center of vessel.
3. Trace ½ of your image by placing the LEFT edge of
a piece of tracing paper along the fold
On a piece of Bristol Board
4. Measure 1 ¼” up from the bottom and draw a line
horizontally
5. Measure 3 ½” in from the right side and draw a
vertical line from the bottom of board
6. Place tracing paper graphite side down onto the
Bristol with the bottom of your vessel on the
horizontal line and trace the outline of your vessel
7. Cut away vessel shape and the 1 ¼” x 3 ½”
rectangle leaving a tab on the bottom and the
negative space around your vessel
8. Cover the board carefully with Masking Tape
9. This is your template… write your name on this
and keep it safe until your vessel is complete!!!
Work TIme
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Start rolling coils
Put them on bat
Cover in damp paper towel
Put in double bag
Put name on bag
Store on shelves