Nature Abstractions
UNIT: Ceramic Sculpture - Organic form – Pinch
Pot
Lesson: Nature Abstractions - Georgia O'Keeffe
Grade Level: High School
Summary:
These are samples of a Georgia O'Keeffe unit done with
11-12 graders, abstracting natural objects. Students
studied the work of Georgia O'Keeffe, then did
personal research into forms in nature. Sketches were
made of natural objects - then the fun began
abstracting them. Clay forms evolved and changed
throughout the construction. Draped slab method was
used for construction - along with other hand building
techniques.
Click images for larger views
See finished
See finished form
Resources:
Organic slab sculpture and vessels by Val Lyle (see his Georgia O'Keeffe vessels and flowers)
Sana Musasama - see her Garden series
Titling Turban by Laurie Spencer - description
Double Dish with Spoons by Eric Van Eimeren
Cabbage Villa by Alan Barratt-Danes
Books
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Collections - Published to mark the tenth anniversary of the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in
Santa Fe, New Mexico, it showcases 335 works
Georgia O'Keeffe World of Art - This book gives the reader a great outline of O'Keeffe's life. The author matches the
artist's personal development with her work so that one can travel in O'Keeffe's footsteps and appreciate both her
outlook and inner eye.
Prints
Red Hills with White Shell by Georgia O'Keeffe
Tan Clam Shell by Georgia O'Keeffe
Materials:
Georgia O'Keeffe prints (See a few above), assorted shells/natural objects, books with nature photographs, Clay (a
good sculpture clay like Amaco Buff), Clay Tools, Canvas, boards, plastic bags, Rolling Pins, guide sticks, Slip dishes,
newspapers, Assorted Glazes.
Objectives: student will:
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research and synthesize visual images, themes (nature), and ideas to create a work of art which reflects
personal experiences and intended meanings
explore how artists get ideas (inspiration from nature) - abstract nature - investigate the formal influence of
growing things as a theme in creating a ceramic work
create an idea or theme in more than one medium - 2-D interpreted in 3-D form - creating multiple solutions
to visual arts problem
combine hand building techniques to create a sculptural form - demonstrate craftsmanship - explore surface
decoration
select glaze for aesthetic quality to enhance sculptural form.
Motivation:
1. Show (and discuss) works of Georgia O'Keeffe
2. Show examples of organic form in clay
Procedures:
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Choose a natural object (shell, pine cones, seed pods, flower, etc..)
draw one realistic pencil drawing - include value shading
Abstract form at least 4 times emphasizing specific elements and principles
Choose one sketch and enlarge to 18 x 24, create volume (choice of watercolor, acrylic or oil sticks)
Critique drawings
Create two mini models in clay of 2D painting translating into 3D sculpture
Choose one and enlarge full scale
Construct organic form with draped slab method and other hand building techniques. Forms can be
supported temporarily with newspaper. Adapt and alter as the form grows.
9. Allow to dry - bisque fire - glaze with earth tone glazes (Amaco textured and luster glazes look nice - also high
fire stoneware glazes.)
Standards:
1. Students will be able to understand and apply media, techniques and processes.
2. Students will be able to use knowledge of structures and functions. .
3. Students will be able to reflect upon and assess the characteristics and merits of their own work as well as
the work of others.
4. Students will be able to understand the visual arts in relation to history and cultures.
ALTERNATIVE MATERIAL
Lesson: Plaster addition - organic forms
Materials:
Scrap wood for working bases, sanded wood for finished bases (if piece requires a base), Sandpaper, wire window
screen, aluminum foil, plaster gauze, 1/8 Sculpture Wire, thinner wire, Plaster of Paris, plastic dishes. Wood Stains,
shoe polish, Needle Nose Pliers, wire cutters, Drill / drill bit, File Set.
Procedures:
This lesson would begin much the same way - have students examine organic forms in sculpture - and look to artists
inspired by nature. See work of Henry Moore
Students would create some sketches abstracting a natural form (bones work well for inspiration).
1. Make a wire armature using 1/8" thick sculpture wire. Drill holes in working base (scrap wood) for wire ends
(for pieces that will be mounted on finished wood base).
2. Cut strips of aluminum mesh window screen and shape around armature. Use finer wire to attach to
armature. Allow for some open/hollowed areas.
3. Apply layer of plaster gauze strips dipped in water - smoothing to fill in holes. Refine shape as needed. Apply
second layer.
4. Add textural elements with pinched/scrunched up gauze if desired. Secure with strip of gauze
5. Smooth surface with plaster of Paris mix. To mix plaster: Only mix enough plaster to use in about twenty
minute period. Put about one cup of water in bowl. Sprinkle in plaster until you see plaster to mound up in
center - then mix with hand. DO NOT begin mixing until all plaster has been added. It will take about as much
plaster as water. You can smooth on the plaster with special sculpture tools - or simply plastic knives.
6. Once completely dry, smooth with sand paper and files.
7. Stain and build up patina with shoe polish. Polish to a soft sheen. Alternate finish: faux metal. Spray with
black and brown spray paint - then dusting of metallic.
8. Mount on finished - sanded, stained and varnished wood base. Drill holes for wire ends.
Alternate Method: Paper maché with paper maché pulp.
Ceramic Sculpture Ideas for High School
Rattles - grouping of three that relate in some way:
Forming methods:
1. Form two pinch pots - put fired "peas" of clay inside (you can use bone dry pieces of clay - but these may
stick to the inside walls). Fuse the two pinch pots together. Paddle to shape and sculpt. Put pin holes in rattle
form so air is not trapped.
2. Take a baseball size chunk of clay (or desired size). Wedge clay and roll into ball. Cut ball in half with string or
wire. Hollow out both halves to about 1/4" to 3/8" thick. Put pea size pieces of dry clay (or fired clay) inside
and fuse hollowed cup together (score and slip edges). Carve and sculpt form to desired shape. Put pin holes
in to prevent trapped air (trapped air will make form explode in kiln during firing).
Organic Pods/Rattles by Kelly Jean Ohl
Minnesota artist, Kelly Jean Ohl,
makes sculptural objects, bowls,
rattles, and small installations,
incorporating organic textures and
shapes. Shown is a collection of her
organic pod rattles. Students can
make these using the above
techniques - texture with various
tools - stain with oxides. Rattle
forms could be glazed or painted.
Students may want to make a
textured bowl to display their
rattles.
Ceramic Pod Totems - Patz Fowle
Here are two examples of stacked pods from Patz Fowle. After Patz taught the "Patz Process Ceramic Technique" for
hand building clay animals to teachers and students in Japan, Ms. Jenny Thomas in Japan shared with Patz the idea
for the ceramic pods. The examples here are from students at the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and
Mathematics. Here is one photo from Japan. Patz students used a non-toxic finish on the ceramic pods -- students
stained with acrylic washes, dry brushed with acrylics and sealed (outdoors) with sprayed on glossy or matte ceramic
sealer.
Ceramic Sculpture Sites of Interest:
Ancient Images: Sculpture by Norman Ernsting