In an effort to provide bowls for the “Empty Bowl”, Feb 27, we are going to work with clay. Everyone will create a clay bust. Clay busts traditionally were made to document who the current “important people” of the day. Work was made most often from stone or clay.
Drawing We are going to create a clay bust of a ourselves. To begin we must study the shape of our own features and head more carefully. Complete three drawings in your sketchbook – a front and side views due by the end of the project.
Clay building and sculpting Each day a brief tutorial will be given to guide you through the technical steps in building a clay bust. These steps do not require creativity but skill. The clay is drying as you work so your ability to understand the clay, working with the clay is critical.
Your clay bust when finished needs to be 10-12″ tall, express an emotion through accurate sculpting of features, technically be able to be fired (and possibly glazed), and show clean construction. Proper studio etiquette is expected throughout the clay studio.
(Extra Credit – Option 1) EMPTY BOWL On the clay wheel create two bowls. There are three different styles of creating a bowl that you have to consider.
Wheel work includes throwing a bowl on either the electric or kick wheel. Watch the daily demonstrations. Give yourself at least two full days to work on the wheel – one day to throw (as many bowls as you can) and one to carve the “foot”. After the bowls dry and are fired apply glaze. Please consider to donate at least one bowl to the South Ridge Empty Bowl, February 27, 2017.
(Extra Credit – Option 2 ) Coil Pots There are two options when making a bowl from coils. Clay coil pots based on another form building “inside” another form (such as a bowl) or freely building the walls by coiling the walls. Both begin with a pinch pot (round bottom) and a hand built “foot”.
Additional work for extra credit may include clay beads, a clay mug (wheel thrown with pulled handle and carved foot. Light weight, exploratory clay pieces (minimum). Talk with Instructor before beginning EC work.