Greek Inspired Coil Vessels
Objectives:
1. create a traditional, symmetrical form using the coil hand building
method and a template to control the size and form
2. study traditional from in clay - looking at vessels throughout history,
specifically forms of Greek vessels incorporate Greek forms into
design of your own vessel.
3. explore decorating techniques, through experimentation with
sgraffito.
4. Incorporate meaning into your vessel by creating an image of things
that you are interested in that are a part of your culture.
5. Recognize characteristic of Ancient Greek vessels and differentiate
between styles of Ancient Greek vessels.
Materials: Heavy cardboard, Scissors, Masking Tape, banding wheels, red clay,
metal or wood ribs, Modeling Tools, Sponges, trimming tools, Gloss Glazes, Underglazes, Slip
, Ceramic Carving Tool Set, wood forming paddle.
Process
1. Think about an “event” or “happening” in your life that you wish to illustrate on your
Greek influenced pot.
2. Make 4 thumbnail sketches. Due on__________________
3. Think about which Greek pot shapes could accommodate your design
the best
4. Look at the many styles of Greek pots (from the handout) and make 3-4
thumbnail sketches of your own designs. Due
on_________________________
5. After discussing your ideas for your pot with teacher, draw the final
sketch of your pot on an 8-x11 piece of paper. Make sure the lines are
clean, straight, and the pot is symmetrical. Remember that your Pot
must between 8-10 inches high with functional handles
Final sketches due on________________________
6. On the bottom right corner of your sketch write which Greek vessel
form your vessel sketch is most similar to.
7. Begin to plan for construction! Make a full size paper pattern (fold 12 x
18 paper - draw contour - cut out)
8. Make cardboard template from paper pattern. Tape a cardboard tab at bottom of template
that will stop at edge of banding wheel. Wrap template in masking tape to make it water
resistant.
9. Cut slab circle for base (about 1/2" (1 cm) thick) - center on banding wheel. Use a plastic
lid from a butter or sour cream container as a stencil to create a perfect circle.
10.Shape vessel with coils about the size of your thumb. Score and slip and score in between
each layer.
11.Control shape using cardboard template. Scrape with metal
or wooden ribs to smooth surface. Smooth with ceramic
sponges. Remember that you do not want to add to much
moisture to your vessel because it may fall apart.
12.When your vessel form is complete, allow it to dry to
leather hard. Remember it will shrink
13.Apply black underglaze to your leather hard vessel. Create
templates to trace around or use the dot transfer method to
transfer your image to your pot. Begin to carve decoration,
patterns, figures, etc….
14.Fire and glaze.
15.Once the first fire is complete, apply a clear glaze over the
surface of the black underglaze and red areas of the clay.
16.Glaze Fire
17.Compete your coil vessel reflection. Use complete
sentences and write clearly so that your responses can be
read. Turn in with your scoring guide.
18.As a group complete a peer critique of all of the vessels
from your class, as well as, all of the vessels from the other
classes.
19.
Self-assess your vessel using your scoring guide and turn project in with scoring
guide once complete.