Clay Flowers

 

Activity: 

For this activity, students explored ceramic and clay techniques by creating a flower sculpture in a shallow paper bowl. First, they learned and practiced a variety of clay techniques - such as wedging to remove air bubbles, and coil, slab, pinch, adding, subtracting, and slip and score methods to shape and attach clay securely. Once familiar with these techniques, students rolled out slabs and carefully constructed individual flowers using at least 2 different methods to add realistic texture and dimensions. The flower was then shaped into a shallow paper bowl. To ensure each student got their own sculpture, students engraved their name on the back of the slab before placing it into the bowl to air dry. 

Extension Activity: 

Students would explore the connection between botany and art by studying real-life flowers or plants to use in their designs. This activity would encourage the students to research various flower or plant species, focusing on the structure, petal arrangement, symmetry, and texture. Using their findings, students will create a second clay flower that is scientifically accurate, applying techniques such as adding, subtracting, and engraving to mimic realistic features. Once complete, students can present their flowers to the class; explaining the specific plant they chose, how its anatomy influenced their sculpting process, and the difference between their interpretation, and the real flower.