8th Grade Ceramics

Jorgensen//Art//Second Unit

POTTERY

Pottery is one of humankind’s first inventions The durability of fired clay creates one of the best

records of the beginnings of our world culture. Records fade the earlier we study. 10,000 BC marks the earliest recorded pot making in

parts of Asia 6,000 BC creates a second record in the Middle East It is likely that earliest pottery was too soft because

of low fire temps and disappeared over time.

Origins of Pottery

Began with no-glaze pots. 5,000 BC marks first glaze China was the most involved in early glazing,

making the history of ceramics very distinctive in Asia.

China also developed the firing techniques used today.

Continued…

Greek and Roman art took ceramics into their

own hands with detailed glazes and depictions.

Greek/Roman

Much of the ceramics were undocumented

but we know they were used for ceremonial purposes.

Life size pieces have alsobeen found.

African

Practiced earthenware (slip decorated and

matted texture) until the 12th century.

England/Europe

There was a purpose to it. Artistic influences showed. Companies appeals to the

middle class by making aesthetic pieces.

Ceramics turned into a moreprominent art form.

Modern American

Pottery & Sculpture

Types of Pottery We

Will Use

Coil: pot made with spiral of clay formed from

a structure of coils or ropes of clay laid one on top of the other and smoothed

Left/First: Roll out coils. They must be even and smooth. Use your palms not your fingers.

Right/Second: Use the table as a

level.

Left/Third:Spiral and score/slip coils together onto round base. Coils should be between pencil and marker thick.

Above/Fourth: Level top by lightly tapping on table.

Fifth: Some may chose to smooth the outside coils so that the pot has a smooth texture. This is optional depending on the design.

Sixth/Optional: Some may chose to add a foot to the bottom of their bowl – you will add another coil, scored, slipped, and smooth it into the bowl.

Seventh/Finishing: Last time smoothing will be done with fingers now. At this point, engraving is an option.

Slab: made with hand flattened and even

sheets of clay scored together

First: Flatten out your clay onto cloth or newspaper – do this gently.

Second: Flip the clay piece over and do the same for the other side – use your palms for best stability.

Third: Using thickness sticks, roll out clay (like cookie dough) so that it is an even thickness.

Fourth: Cut slab pieces using a clay knife of pin – cut all pieces using straight edge.

Fifth: Score each piece with it will meet another piece – apply slip to help create a connection clear of air.

Sixth: Attach pieces after score/slip.

Seventh: Place a coil where the

corners are created and

then smooth it over – this will

create a stronger

structure.

Eighth: Smooth edges and cracks for finishing touches.

Pinch: made by forming a ball of clay with

just the hands and pushing one thumb down into the center of the ball and pinching up the wall while rotating

First: Begin with a ball of clay (size

varies). Press gently into center with

thumb.

Second: Continue to push into center, rotating bowl/ball and extending the walls.

Third: When walls are finished (1/4” to

1/3” thick, the shape of the bowl can be

manipulated.

Mix Techniques

Using your example from homework and your

imagination – design what your pot will be. Coil, Pinch, Slab, Hybrid? Sketch the views of it: top, sides, back, front.

Planning Your Pottery