Coil Vessel Cultural Inspiration

Modern Twist

Historic Pottery

• History of pottery dates back millennia • People around the world have fired or

baked clay to make pots, plates and ceramic decorations since prehistoric times

• Creations were not only aesthetic, but also functional… and each form served a specific purpose

Task

Research pottery from various periods in history, analyze how form worked with function, and then create your own culturally inspired ceramic vessel. Your vessel will have an updated and modern element to create a new and unique piece.

Task

You will use the hand building technique of coil with red terracotta clay.Some areas will be smooth, and others the coil design will remain unblended.The vessel will be finished by adding a pattern/design using texture, sgraffito, and underglaze.

CulturesResearch and read about ALL of the following cultures and their related pottery. There are links in your research and planning packet to guide you.

- Greek - Pueblo - Mimbre -- Hopi - Navajo - Zumi -

- Mesop - Minoan -Choose FIVE different vessel shapes and designs that have a form interesting or meaningful to you from the cultures above.

Worksheet #1Form & Function

For EACH of the FIVE vessels you decided on, draw a diagram of the shape of the vessel (including handles if present), write the name of the form, and the function of the vessel. Once you have completed Worksheet #1, choose and circle ONE of the vessel shapes you will recreate for your own project.

Modern Day Coil PotsLook at coil pots where the coils have not been smoothed and blended together on the outside of the form.Consider how you could incorporate these unsmoothed designs into your vessel… mixing both the historic form with a modern coil design.

Worksheet #2Coil Patterns & Designs

Create a plan for the unblended portion of your vessel. Shapes could be organic, geometric, symmetrical or asymmetrical. Use the coil pots you researched as inspiration. You will need at least 2 inches of unblended coils…complete at least 4 different designs so you have a variety to choose from.

Worksheet #3Finishing Patterns & Designs

Create a design you will add through texture, sgraffito, and/or underglaze.You will need at least 2 design elements…complete at least 4 different pattern designs. There are a many styles, images and patterns on ancient pottery. You should read about the designs and motifs meaning and symbolism.

Worksheet #4Final Drawing

Create a final drawing of your vessel.Include the unblended coil area and the final patterns/designs developed on Worksheets #2 and #3.Drawing should have clean lines, be symmetrical and show how your final vessel will look.

Some Cultural Examples

Greek

Pueblo

Mimbre

Hopi

Navajo

Zumi

Mesop

Minoan

Requirements

• All 4 worksheets must be complete before you can begin coil construction.

Requirements

• Must be a minimum of 6” and maximum of 8” in one direction.

• Must have at least 2” of unblended coils.• Must have at least 2 design elements

added with texture, sgraffito and/or underglaze.

• Must be created with help of a template.• May have handles.

Timing

• You have a total of 8 classes to

complete the entire project…– 2 days for research and planning– 4 days for coil construction– 2 days for finishing design * If you work slow…speed up or come in

extra! *

Questions?

Work TIme

• Finish Produce Creatures• Hand-in Produce Creature packet• Begin research & planning for Coil

Vessel• Steps #1-6 due end of next class!

Before You Make Your Vessel

You must create a template out of Bristol board and masking tape to ensure your vessel remains the desired shape and is symmetrical.

You must first be sure your final vessel drawing is complete and perfect…then you can make a template.

Making Your Template

On a piece of Printer Paper 1. Draw full/actual size and symmetrically the

outline or shape of your vessel – be sure your vessel is between 6” and 8”

2. Fold the drawing paper along the center of vessel. 3. Trace ½ of your image by placing the LEFT edge of

a piece of tracing paper along the foldOn a piece of Bristol Board 4. Measure 1 ¼” up from the bottom and draw a line

horizontally 5. Measure 3 ½” in from the right side and draw a

vertical line from the bottom of board 6. Place tracing paper graphite side down onto the

Bristol with the bottom of your vessel on the horizontal line and trace the outline of your vessel

7. Cut away vessel shape and the 1 ¼” x 3 ½” rectangle leaving a tab on the bottom and the negative space around your vessel

8. Cover the board carefully with Masking Tape 9. This is your template… write your name on this

and keep it safe until your vessel is complete!!!

Work TIme

• Start rolling coils• Put them on bat• Cover in damp paper towel• Put in double bag • Put name on bag• Store on shelves