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 also been found. African

  Practiced earthenware (slip decorated and matted texture) until the 12 th 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 more prominent 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

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