To start, we began with raw white clay. First we wedged the clay, which is the process of getting all the air bubbles out of the clay. Next, we rolled it into a ball and we started a hole with our thumb and began pinching. Pinching is a process; slowly rotating the pot in our hands while we pinch.
After we made the standard round pot shape, students had the option to "pinch" the pot into any other creative shape they wanted. We discussed different possibilities for size, shape, and if we wanted the pinch pot to look like a new pot or an old artifact. Students did a great job making theirs unique and interesting.
Next we carved traditional imagery into the wet clay. Carving into the surface creates RELIEF. We had many options for the relief such as: animals, symbols, patterns and natural elements. Students could use one or all of these traditional themes.
Here you can see many student pots drying out before going into the kiln.
Then we glazed the pots using common earth tone colors from ancient tribes (red, brown, black white). Glaze looks much different at first. When we first put it on, it is nothing like how it will eventually look once it has been fired in the kiln. At first glaze looks very dull, has a flat finish. In the kiln, is goes through a chemical change (science!) where it melts, releases gasses, activates certain chemicals (don't worry, totally non-toxic), and then cools. When we take them out of the kiln they look much different!!!
Here are a few examples of some of the finished glazes!
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