_________________________________
Name
Safari Sculptures
Ever since people have been able to sculpt, animals have been a popular subject.
Check out these links to see how important animals are to people around the world
and what they symbolize to different cultures. Research each culture’s style and what
materials they use.
Ancient Egyptian – gods & goddesses
http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/animalgods.htm
describe their style of sculpting and why they chose certain animals:
Ancient China – zodiac signs
http://www.warriortours.com/intro/zodiac.htm
describe their style of sculpting and why they chose certain animals:
Native American – horoscope totem poles
http://www.animaltotem.com/horoscope.html
describe their style of sculpting and why they chose certain animals:
African
http://www.african-art-work.com/
and http://www.all-about-african-art.com/african-animal-art.html
describe their style of sculpting and why they chose certain animals:
Modern
http://clayanimalsculptures.co.uk/
describe their style of sculpting and why they chose certain animals:
Here is a compiled list of animals and their symbolism:
http://www.writedesignonline.com/assignments/masks/animalsymbolism.htm
Name ________________________________
Clay Vocabulary
1. _________________ a variety of earthy materials formed by the breakdown of
granite rocks over millions of years
2. _________________ moldable, moist clay that can be formed into a variety of
things
3. _________________ clay that is starting to dry but has not done so completely;
firm clay
4. _________________ clay that is completely dried out (bone dry) and is ready to
be fired in the kiln
5. _________________ clay that has been fired in the kiln once and is ready to be
painted or glazed
6. _________________ a special oven or furnace that can reach very high
temperatures and is used to bake, or fire clay
7. _________________ scratching the surface of two clay pieces when joining
them together
8. _________________ a mixture of clay and water that serves as a glue and is
placed on scored areas of clay
9. ________________ long snake-like ropes of clay that can be joined together to
form a pot, bowl, or vase
10. _______________ joining shapes together; thick sheets of clay. Roll out like a
pancake then cut out the desired shape.
11. ________________ an artwork created in 3-Dimensional form
12. ________________ a work of art which is viewed from all sides and has width,
height, as well as depth.
13. _________________ the feeling of an object’s surface
Name _________________________________
Planning Your Safari Sculpture : This sheet is to help you get ideas for your animal
sculpture. You may search online for answers and ideas.
1. If you wanted to make a sculpture of an animal that was strong, powerful and
brave, name three animals you could make. ______________, ______________,
______________
2. If you wanted to make a sculpture of an animal that was gentle and calm,
name three animals you could make. _______________, ______________,
_____________
3. If you wanted to show an animal as a companion, friend and pet, what are
three animals you could make?
_________________, _________________, ________________
4. What animal shares a common characteristic with you? What animal are YOU
most like? (Are you graceful like a swan, are you fast like a cheetah?)
____________________ Why? ___________________________________________________
5. What animal is going to be your subject for this clay project?
______________________________________________________________________________
6. In the spaces below, DRAW the animal figure you want to make. Draw 3
different views (top/front/side) since you will see all sides of the sculpture.
Consider what pose the animal is going to be in – what pose will show their
personality the best?
7. Why did you choose this animal? (EX: it is an animal like me, it is animal I have
as a pet, I want to show a gentle animal, etc.)
_____________________________________________________________________________
These sketches are your quiz grade. Turn this into me.
READ THIS ENTIRE PAGE BEFORE STARTING YOUR PROJECT!!!
Safari Sculpture Project Directions:
1. Quiz grade: turn in your research & sketches for a grade and get design
approval.
2. Participation grade: using modeling clay, create your animal sculpture in
3D. This is a good way to practice making your animal. Show me your
sculpture to get your participation grade.
3. Prepare for clay:
-write your name on masking tape, put it on your plastic bag.
-get one piece of cardboard to build your project on, wrap it with plastic
wrap and write your name on it.
-get a placemat to protect the table
-each table needs a water cup, slip, and tools
4. Get your clay & start building. Remember to stay under the size
requirement of 5x5x5. You will only have 2-3 days to build with the wet
clay, then it will dry out. Start with a ball of clay. Put your thumb in the
bottom and pinch. Start pulling out the different arms, legs, neck…
5. Once the main body is built, add details and features like eyes, nostrils,
ears, claws, wings. Remember to create a texture on the surface like fur,
feathers, or scales to make it more realistic.
6. Carve your name carefully into the bottom where it is hidden.
7. When you are done with the construction, you need to let it dry SLOWLY.
Leave it in the OPEN plastic bag for one day. Then remove the plastic
completely for 3 days. Carry it to Mrs. Yost, room#17 to be fired in the kiln.
8. Choose your paint material:
- watercolor (soft, pastel appearance)
- acrylic paint (bright and bold appearance, metallic option)
***don’t forget the top clear coat to add shine and protection
Clay Rules & Tips ::
• First, wedge the clay to remove air bubbles.
• Always keep your clay wet, tightly wrapped in a plastic bag if you want to still
work on it. Every minute air is touching it, it is drying out. Spray with water bottle
and smooth cracks with wet finger.
• Keep your area clean. Use newsprint as a placemat. Wipe down your table at
the end of class with a sponge.
• You MUST Slip and Score each piece that you want to stick together.
• Don’t glaze the bottom [I will not fire it because it will get stuck in the kiln]
• Always handle your project with two hands. Be careful!
• Never touch another person’s work.
CLAY PROJECT GRADE
Effort & Attitude:
You used your class time wisely every
day. Used materials and tools
appropriately, did not waste them.
Clay Craftsmanship:
Smoothed bumps. Slip & Scored every
connection point so it’s strong. Realistically
resembles your animal.
Paint Craftsmanship:
Neat & clean, even layer.
Circle which type of paint you used:
Watercolor
Acrylic
Creativity/Symbolism:
Does your choice of animal and pose
describe you successfully.
Following Directions:
Your initials are on the bottom. Your
name is on this grade sheet and you
assessed yourself. You turned it in properly
with this grade sheet.
TOTAL
self-grade
final grade
points
25
20
20
25
10
100