Sculpture in the Round

6th graders have learned about Mesopotamian relief sculptures. In Relief, one side is always flat and the other is raised up 3 dimentionally. In sculpture in the round, sculptures must be interesting from all sides. Most students think of things as looking at them from the front. It is a real challenge to make the back as interesting as the front.

Students are working on sculptures similar to that in Mesopotamia, working with good luck charms, on heroes or bravery and on warnings or narratives. After choosing one of the themes, they create a sculpture that uses horizontal lines (feels orderly, organized or soldierly) horizontal lines (peaceful and quiet) or diagonal lines (action) to help get their concepts to read to the viewers.

Of Teapots and Tea parties

How else to end a clay class, but to combine all we have worked on and make a teapot?
Teapots can be made from coils, slabs or pinchpots. We learned how to make lids that stay on by constructing boxes. We learned how to make spouts by rolling out slabs. Students finished their classes by making teapots that combined all their skills into one form. This week we are having a tea party to end the semester with. Students will be able to drink from their teapots (those that are finished)or cups, and share a snack while we wrap up our ceramics to go home.

A quick reminder. Clay pots do not go on a stove. Instead, they are to hold hot water. They also get very hot in the mircrowave, so it is not recommended. However, they do pretty well in the dishwashers, and can be washed that way.
Good bye 8th graders. Have a great next semester