It’s always a blast in Lower School Art when clay is involved! Recently, both first and fourth-grade students have been trying their hand at sculpting with clay, learning different concepts along the way from Sarah Garner, Lower School Visual Art Teacher. What have they been creating? Cupcakes and functional art sculptures!
In first grade, there’s no sweeter way to work with clay than by making clay cupcakes! To create these artistic desserts, students were first taught how to form a pinch pot for the base of the cupcake. Next, they used the coil method to create—you guessed it—the icing! After that, they used a technique called “slip-and-score” to join together the two pieces of clay, the base and the icing. In this process, the student made scratch marks on the surface of the clay to score it. Then, they applied a liquid mixture of clay in water to the second surface as the slip. Next, the slip and score sides are joined with some light pressure to the two areas. Lastly, the artists finished their masterpieces by adding a cherry on top. Here, they used the slip-and-score method again to add the third, final piece to their delicious-looking cupcakes.
As Beasley students advance in grade level, they build upon the skills they have learned from years before. Although the first graders had learned about coiling before, they were able to add to that skill with this new construction challenge. By the time they get to fourth grade, they’re able to create even more advanced works of art!
Jumping right into the fourth-grade art classes, these artists used clay to design functional art sculptures. “Fourth graders began this challenge thinking about what makes art functional and if functional items can be art,” said Garner. “The challenge was to use the slab construction method in clay, building on skills from previous years, to design a functional wall hanging of art.” The slab construction method is when the sculptor rolls out the clay to an even thickness and then cuts, folds, bends, manipulates, and joins shapes from the slab to form a final object. Students also used the slip-and-score method when needed.
Ultimately, students created wall hangings that also functioned as planters for small succulents or air plants. Additionally, as they completed the challenge, they were then invited to make a piece of their choice using the slab construction method while designing a piece that could also serve a function. Some artists created pencil holders, small mugs, spoon holders, and more!
All of the pieces will be glazed after the initial firing, and then will go back into the kiln for the glaze fire! Students will also get to paint their pieces to add color to the cupcakes and functional wall hangings, and we can’t wait to see the final products!
Whether creating cupcakes or functional art from clay, Garner had this final takeaway for her students from these lessons: “As you look at the world around you, remember that art is all around and can connect us all.”