POTTERY 2Carved Surface

Treatment Project

Assignment:

You will construct a form such as a vase, rounded bowl, or pitcher. The form may be handbuilt or thrown on the wheel. It must have walls of a uniform thickness adaptable to your planned surface treatment. At least 30% of the outer surface must be treated with a carved pattern of your own design. Symmetry should be carefully measured, and asymmetry must reveal successful informal balance. This should be a functional piece.

Steps

Step 1.

Choose a pleasing form and decide which method of construction you will use.

Step 2.

Sketch your planned form several times, and draw several options for a carved surface treatment.

Steps

Step 3.

When you have decided on a carved design, proceed with the making of your form. When the form is completed, keep it moist under a plastic bag while you make patterns for your carving. Be sure to place the design on the form in a way that enhances the overall appearance of your piece. Consider the following when matching a pattern to a form:

Types of line – curved or straight, soft or angular

Thickness of line – all the same, repeated variation, random

Placement on the form – weight of the design vs. the form, symmetry vs. asymmetry

Steps

Step 4.

Use your paper pattern to visually sight the design on your form. If guidelines are needed, draw them lightly with a needle tool on the clay. 

Step 5.

Keep the clay piece covered and moist until you have finished carving.

Grading:

Form that complies well with carving requirements

Uniform thickness of walls, appropriate to carving depth

Well designed pattern (symmetrical or asymmetrical) that suits the form

Concise and deliberate carving technique

Overall balance of the finished form / pattern combination

Sits well on a flat surface

Class time well spent

Glaze sheet is present.

Showing good design and proper craftsmanship