AGHS’s Intro to Ceramics class worked on their ceramic creatures for weeks. Creating something like this requires various techniques, such as the “Pinch Pot” method, which involves taking a lump of clay, placing one’s thumb in the middle, and working it outward toward one’s hand to create a bowl-like shape.
Many students used this method for a prior project in the class, so they were familiar with the technique. Another technique students used was “Score and Slip,” the act of inscribing lines in the surface of one’s clay and applying a glue-like clay mixture (slip) to connect other pieces or accessories to the pinch pot.
Students then carved their creatures with needle tools or worked the clay with their fingers.
AGHS’s ceramics class teaches students patience, dedication, and encourages creativity; it allows them to step away from a typical classroom setting and gain hands-on experience. The ceramics course is also a VPA class and can help students earn the required credit to graduate.
It helps students build on their mistakes and learn to work around obstacles while having a good time with peers.
“I took this class to make a cake Jelly Cat I saw on Pinterest. The creature took way longer than I thought it would and was very tricky, but I’m proud of the result,” Harvey said.
Julissa Andrade, one of the two ceramics teachers at AGHS, started this assignment when she first became a teacher at the high school.
“My main reason for this assignment was teaching the pinch pot method, which is one that we must learn,” Andrade said.
This project is one of Andrade’s favorites because of the Walk Around aspect after the projects are all completed.
Gallery Walk:
