Pottery I
Slab Construction Project
You will create a piece of pottery using the slab method of construction, with at least one dimension of 6 inches and no more than 8 inches. Your project must contain texture on the at least 50% of your project. The texture may be anything but smooth or the canvas texture.
Beginning with several sketches of possible forms and texture ideas, you will then construct a 1:1 scale model of your piece out of black oak tag. This visualization will allow you to make any corrections to your design before you start to work in clay. When you are satisfied with your design, disassemble the oak tag construction and use the pieces as patterns to cut your clay.
-Roll your clay by hand or on the slab roller to a thickness of 3/8 - ½ inch. Keep in mind that you will need to allow for this thickness as you assemble your clay slab piece.
***If rolling by hand, remember to turn the clay frequently to avoid stretching one side of the slab more than the other.
- All slabs should be of a uniform thickness.
-Store cut slabs on a board, with damp paper towels in between layers, for no more than 48 hours.
-Cover with a plastic bag. When the slab pieces are firm enough to support their own weight, you will assemble your slab construction using the score and slip method.
-Finished joints should appear smooth and seamless. Corners should be precise and slightly rounded.
-Your finished piece should sit firmly on a flat surface.
-You may also add designs by carving into your assembled project.
Grading for this project will be based on:
Completed oak tag pattern
One dimension of 6” and no more than 8
Did you include texture to your design?
Clay slabs of uniform thickness
Seams are scored, slipped, and strong
Seams are visually smooth
Slabs remain flat, do not warp or buckle
Symmetry is precise / asymmetry shows good balance
Class time well spent
Proper used of glazing techniques,
Skills learned: Pattern construction, wedging, slamming, rolling with a rolling pin, rolling on the slab roller, joining seams with slip, judging dryness / firmness of clay slabs, seam finishing, trimming, surface treatment.