Ceramics/Hard Slab Construction

Lesson Topic - Hard Slab Construction by Amanda B

Overview

Essential Question -

• How do you make a hard slab piece?

More Vocabulary

Powerpoint -

• Give handout - Handout
• Give Pictures of examples of Hard Slab Pieces

More Hard Slab Pictures

More Hard Slab Pictures

Timeline

History: Discuss hard slab artists, using powerpoint (20 min)

Demonstration:

Cut out five rectangular pieces of clay, (base and sides of pot) Explain the steps in drying a piece of clay, then connect a side to the base, showing the “slip and score” process (10 min)

Supplies needed for demonstration: Clay, hard board or table, tools to bevel edges, and cut pieces out, brushes and slip

Worktime: (5 days)

• Day 1- cut out design for pot or sculpture, let pieces dry a little over night (still being covered, but not completely)
• Day 2- start connecting semi-dried pieces together to form the shape of your object by beveling the edges, slipping and scoring
• Day 3-5- finish connecting last pieces, put in kiln to fire, glaze the finished project, then fire again for the last time

Lesson Detail

Worktime -

• 1. Give a demo of how to make the ceramic piece. (15 minutes)
  • Supplies – Clay, clay tools
• 2. Students draw 3 sketches of ideas for their piece. (45 minutes)
  • Supplies – Paper, pencils
• 3. Students wedge out clay and cut out shapes for their piece, then let pieces dry a little overnight (while still being covered). (2 days)
  • Supplies – Clay, clay tools
• 4. Put together pieces and put finishing touches. (2 days)

Evaluation

• Participation and meeting deadlines.
• Overall piece construction.
• Following instructions.

References

• Experience Clay

By: Maureen MacKey, Published 2003 by Davis Publications Inc.