Clay Monsters
Standard 1 Creating, Performing, and Participating in The Arts
Standard 2 Knowing and Using Arts Materials and Resources
Standard 3 Responding To and Analyzing Works of Art
Standard 4 Understanding The Cultural Dimensions and Contributions of The Arts
Aim: Students will create clay monster sculptures using the pinch-pot method of hand building, then additive and subtractive methods of decorating.
Materials: Clay, pin tools, clay tools, slip.
Motivation: Show samples of the project, complete and incomplete allowing the students to see the art project in various stages. This will give them an idea of how the project is made and what I expect of them. I will point out the steps needed to create the artwork in the correct sequence.
Multi-sensory Procedures:
1) Model wedging the clay, and remind students it is essential so clay doesn’t have air bubbles and therefore won’t explode in the kiln.
1) Model wedging the clay, and remind students it is essential so clay doesn’t have air bubbles and therefore won’t explode in the kiln.
2) Pinch pots are quick and easily made, and I will model this as a reminder to the 8th graders.
3) Additive and Subtractive methods of decorating a clay sculpture will then be modeled. Additions such as eyes, teeth, ears, horns etc. will be attached using the score and slip method. Discuss facial expression and model how to create such expressions by changing the angle of eyes, eyebrows, and mouth. Model scoring (with a pin tool) and using slip (watery clay) to attach clay-to-clay is necessary so pieces don’t break off while drying.
Follow Up:
During the lesson I will circulate and help any student who needs it. Clay monsters will be wrapped up in plastic and worked on the next class period. When monsters are dry, they will be fired in the kiln and glazed.
