Art II

Name ______

Clay Houses

There’s no place like home! For centuries, the idea of home has been a source of inspiration for numerous artists. The most basic definition for “house” is that of a building in which people live. But, isn’t it more than that?

The landscape around the structure can sometimes feel as much as home as being inside it. Whether you live in an apartment in the city, or in a house in the suburbs, a house by the beach or a farm in the countryside, your home can be more than just a shelter.

It can be a reflection of yourself, created from your own imagination.

The Chinese Western Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – 25 A.D.) were so connected to their houses, that they created tomb offerings that were clay models of their temples and houses, including the animals and furnishings that were in them. It was their way of taking a piece of their everyday life with them in the afterlife.

Task:

You will be creating an animated house using coil, pinch and/or slab-built clay ceramic techniques. You will need to add to your sculpture something that is a reflection of yourself in some way.

Step 1:

Look at various examples of clay houses.

Step 2:

Sketch out an idea for your house. Consider giving the house an unusual shape, not box-like (although you will be creating your house using slab construction). Will you leave spots open for doors and/or windows? What will the habitat/setting be like? (Apartment, city, house, country, beach house etc.) What about balconies? Stairs? Think of different components that houses have that you may to include (or distort etc.) such as a chimney, porch, sidewalk, shutters etc. What does the rooftop look like? Think about how you can incorporate your personality into this piece. Will you design a house where people and/or animals live or is it an abandoned house? Sketch out all sides of your house!!! What type of imagery or symbols will you put on/in your house? How can you make your sculpture “say” something?

Step 3:

Begin creating the structure of your house, using coil, slab or pinch methods. Use the slip and score method to firmly attach pieces together. Smooth coils together securely on at least one side.

Step 4:

If using slab, roll slabs ¼” to ½” thick. Prepare slabs and let dry until firm enough to attach together without collapsing.

Step 5:

Add details and textures. You can add details by using the additive method, incising, or incorporating negative space into your design. Remember that your house needs to reflect you in some way.

Step 6: Attach a base for your house to sit on (optional)

Step 7: Carve name into bottom of clay

Step 8:

Let clay dry completely, then bisque fire

Step 9:

Glaze your clay

Step 10:

Fire clay a second time

Step 11:

Write an artist statement about your artwork.

Step 12:

Turn in the following:

-  Clay

-  Rubric

-  Artist Statement

Assessment Rubric
Student Name: / Class Period:
Assignment: Clay House / Date Completed:
Circle the number that best shows how well you feel that you completed that criterion for the assignment. / Excellent / Good / Average / Needs Improvement / Rate Yourself / Teacher’s Rating
Criteria 1 – Preliminary Planning. Sketches of the house have been drawn showing clear planning and each angle of the house. / 10 / 9 – 8 / 7 / 6 or less
Criteria 2 – Creativity. Clay house is an original artwork (doesn’t look like anyone else’s!) and not a traditional square house. / 10 / 9 – 8 / 7 / 6 or less
Criteria 3 – Self-Expression. Sculpture has personal meaning to the student and can be clearly explained in the artist statement. / 10 / 9 – 8 / 7 / 6 or less
Criteria 4 – Construction. Structure is built strongly (not too thin and falling apart) / 10 / 9 – 8 / 7 / 6 or less
Criteria 5 – Craftsmanship – Neat, clean & complete. Skillful use with clay and glazes. / 10 / 9 – 8 / 7 / 6 or less
Criteria 6: Effort: took time to develop sketches, build structure and complete project. Good use of class time. / 10 / 9-8 / 7 / 6 or less
Criteria 7: Glaze: Glaze has been applied evenly (3 coats) and is neat. / 10 / 9 – 8 / 7 / 6 or less
Criteria 8: Details have been successfully added using additive, incise and/or negative space. / 10 / 9-8 / 7 / 6 or less
Criteria 9: Artist Statement is written clearly and addresses the what, why, how and title of the project. / 10 / 9-8 / 7 / 6 or less
Criteria 10: All components are turned in on time (refer to step 15) / 10 / 9-8 / 7 / 6 or less
Total Points: 100