For this project we created our first coil pot that has to be at least six inches tall. To make a coil piece you take the clay and roll in out into a coil. You make as many as necessary until you create the shape you are looking for. I created a round, six inch flower pot. I then sculpted three palm tree leaves and a monkey. It was difficult to attach everything together without breaking the small details, but in the end it was a success. After this is complete you allow the pot to bisque fire at at least 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, then the week after I glazed. Glaze it a coating you put on the clay that comes out shiny after glaze firing. I glaze fired my piece but since I had small details and different glazes, I applied wax on the small pieces. The coat was a bit thin the first time I glazed, so this last class I did a second coat. When you do another coat you need to put the piece in the toaster oven for 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You then take out the piece with tongs and work quick while it's still hot. I am now waiting for the final product of the pot and am excited to get a final picture.
I used self directional skills for this project because during the 3 hour class you need to keep yourself on task the entire time, since classes are held once a week. When I am in ceramics, we don't talk much and everyone is basically doing their own thing. If I didn't monitor my own learning needs, I probably wouldn't get much accomplished. This is a fun class, but it depends solely on what pace you wish to go at the succeed and create products. Our professor shows us a quick demonstration on how to create either a coil, slab, pinch pot, or how to throw. We then have to read the chapters out of our textbook weekly to learn about the terms and history behind pottery. |