Self-Portrait in Clay Beginning 3-D Art with Mrs. Graves
Artist of Inspiration Tony Natsoulas Tony Natsoulas is a well-known Sacramento ceramic artist. He earned both a BA and MFA in Art at UC Davis under artist Robert Arneson in the 1970s. Natsoulas calls himself a prankster in clay, and wants us to appreciate the humor in life.
“Balancing Act, Too” 1993, Painted Bronze, Located at Sacramento’s Downtown Plaza Public Commissions
“Super Shoppers” 1996, Painted Fiberglass, Downtown Plaza in Sacramento, CA
“Stribley Kids” 2009, Painted Bronze Stribley Community Center, StocktonStribley Community Center, Stockton, CA
“Play” 2007, Painted Bronze, Granite Park, Sacramento, CA
Granite Park
“Little Leaguers” 2006, Painted Bronze, Tahoe Tallac little league park, Sacramento, CATahoe Tallac little league park
“This is not a game” 1989, Painted Bronze, Bing Maloney Golf Course, Sacramento, CA
"I'm not the center of the Universe?" (Portrait of the Artist) 1997 Ceramic and found objects Portrait Busts
Portrait of Jim Piskoti Jim Piskoti Ceramic 2008
"Terri and Eric go for a ride in Violet's mind" Ceramic, 2006
"Hephaestus the God of Craftsmen" Ceramic 2005
"Nikai Goddess of Victory" Ceramic 2005
"Dr. Gladstone finds his bone " Ceramic 2001
Show at Crocker Art Museum
"Sir Stevens of the Royal Puppeteers" Ceramic 2002
"The Accademi de Suzanne with Gato" Ceramic and frame 2002
"Marriage of the angels a la mode" 2002 Ceramic
"Lord Stephen Bradford Holding Court" Ceramic, 2002
"Di Pasqua De Comedia Del Arte" 2002 Ceramic and Metal Birdcage
"Lady Nectar with Hummers" 2001 Ceramic
Celebrities
Visual Arts Standards 2.2 Prepare a portfolio of original two-and three-dimensional works of art that reflects refined craftsmanship and technical skills. 2.4 Review and refine observational drawing skills. 3.4 Discuss the purposes of art in selected contemporary cultures.
Element of Art Form = An object that is 3-dimensional – has height, width, and depth
Principle of Design Balance = having an equal distribution of visual weight
Vocabulary Drape mold = a form over which a slab of clay is placed to create the desired form (also known as a hump mold)
Materials Clay, clay tools, glazes, wire (for hanging)
Lesson Objectives All students will exhibit mastery in… Drawing faces using correct proportions Making and using a drape mold Modeling clay to make realistic 3-D features
Project Requirements It is a self-portrait (so, yes, it must resemble you) Shows correct facial proportions Facial features are 3-dimensional and realistic: Has clay added on for chin, cheeks, and brow bone Eyes are pressed in with eyeballs and eyelids added on, irises and pupils are carved
Project Requirements Nose has sculpted nostrils Mouth is pressed into the clay (no stuck-on “wax” lips) Hair is sculpted on using slabs of clay 1 hole poked thru each side with stylus tool for hanging (at eye level)
Student Examples
Greenware due _______________________ Project will be graded with Artist Statement after sculpting is complete. Glazing will be worth an additional 40 points after completion.