Click images for larger views                                See other side

Preparation:

Create a handout with the traditional Greek Vessel forms. See Resources

ART HISTORY Introduce students to history of Greek Pottery-Power Point Discuss how art documents/ records history Function of pots in culture- then and now Invention of pottery wheels Technology and art Look at Black on Red/ Red on Black pots Discuss meaning of imagery on pots AESTHETICS Discuss-How changing times, economy, overlap of cultures effect design  The “marriage” of form, function and design Classical Greek shape identification activity (Amphora etc.)

Greek amphora

ART CRITICISM

• Analyze dominant elements and principles in Greek Pottery design through different periods
• Group activity where students guess function based on form

PRODUCTION

• Coil method (this is third coil pot project in a row) (Basic coil plan)
• Practice pulling handles for 2-3 days.
• Coil of the classical Greek symmetrical shapes at least 10’ high
• Sketch out an image that reflects a significant event or happening in your life
• Cover pot with black slip
• Carve image using sgraffito technique

IN PROGRESS PHOTOS

click images for larger views

ASSESSMENT

• Form and Function match
• Vocabulary quiz
• Greek pottery test
• Group critique
• Self reflection sheet

STUDENT ASSIGNMENT (HANDOUT):

         Freshman assignment

Sculpture - Greek pottery unit

·     Think about an “event” or “happening” in your life that you wish to illustrate on your Greek influenced pot. 

·     Make at lease 2-3 thumbnail sketches. Due on__________________

·     Think about which Greek pot shapes could accommodate your design the best

·     Choose 3-4 of the many styles of Greek pots (from the handout) and make 3-4 thumbnail sketches. Due on_________________________

·     After discussing your ideas for your pot with teacher then make a sketch of your image on the pot you’ll build in clay

·     The final sketch of the pot should fit on an 8-x11 piece of paper. Make sure the lines are clean, straight, and the pot is symmetrical. 

Sketches due on________________________

·     On the bottom right corner of your sketch write the Greek shape name of the pot

·     Pot must be at least 10inches high with functional handles

·     Begin to plan for construction!

STUDENT SELF REFLECTION (HANDOUT):

Greek Pot REFLECTION PAPER          Name_______________ Date_____          

Please answer the following questions by “reflecting” back to the process.
Be descriptive and respond in full sentences.  Please write neatly!

1.                  What are the qualities you like about your pot? Why?

2.                  What are the qualities that you don’t like about your pot

3.                  Compare your 2 drawings, how is your pot different from the original drawing plan? 
            Describe.

4.                  Name all the techniques you used to create your pot (don’t forget handles!)

5.                  What were some of the obstacles you encountered during the construction of your 
            pot? How did you resolve them?

6.                  Describe your experience using the sgraffito technique, what where the challenges, 
            what did you do or not do to master the technique? Describe

7.                  Look at the Greek pot shape handout. Which shape does your pot most resemble? 
            Or is it a combination of one or more shapes? Which characteristics does your pot 
            have and from what Greek shape?

Give yourself a numerical grade in the following 4 categories; 99-0

1.                  Met criteria of the project_____

• 10inches high

• Pot is Greek pot shape inspired 

• Used sgraffito technique

2.                  Creativity ________Why?

3.                  Level of Effort/ Perseverance ____Why?

4.                  Craftsmanship ____Why?

GROUP CRITIQUE

Greek Pot Group Critique    Group members____________________________   
                                                    Period_______

Directions

1. As a group decide which pot meets the criteria of the specific category.

2. For each category write the number of the pot on the short line provided.

3. Describe in full sentences your reasons for choosing the pot you selected. Be descriptive 
    in your reasons use specific art vocabulary.

Best Craftsmanship

Most symmetrical shape

Symmetrical handles (negative space)

Smoothest surface

Most resembles Greek Pot Shape

Best-constructed handle/s

Most functional

Most difficult to create

Has potential but needs

ASSESSMENT - SAMPLE RUBRIC (adapted from Marianne Galyk)

Student Comments:

Teacher Comments:

NATIONAL STANDARDS:

Submitted by Judy Decker
UNIT: Traditional Coil Form - Decorating techniques
Lesson: Coil vessel with template
Grade Level: High School (adaptable to middle school)

Materials: heavy cardboard (we used left over mat board), scissors, masking tape, banding wheels, choice of clay (we used Amaco Buff), metal scrapers, modeling tools, sponges, glazes, underglazes, slip, carving tools, brushes. Objectives: students make a traditional form - coil method - using template to control shape (diagram shown - template is white side) students study traditional from in clay - looking at vessels throughout history. students explore decorating techniques - apply one to finished vessel.

click image for larger view

 Instruction:

1. Present a selection of traditional vessels to student (via slide or PowerPoint)

2. Demonstrate wide coil technique using template

3. Demonstrate various decorating techniques

Procedures:

1. Make several sketches for possible shapes. Select best one and make a full size paper pattern (fold 12 x 18 paper - draw contour - cut out)

2. Make cardboard template from paper pattern. Tape a cardboard tab at bottom of template that will stop at edge of banding wheel. Wrap template in masking tape to make it water resistant.

To shape vessel: Cut slab circle for base (about 1/2" thick) - center on banding wheel. Shape vessel with wide slabs. Roll out slab of clay about 1/2" thick - cut into 1 inch strips. taper ends to overlap. Score and slip. This method was quicker than rolling out coils. Control shape using cardboard template. Scarp with metal scrapers to smooth surface. Smooth with sponges.  Plan decoration to enhance form (students chose from sgraffito, majolica, underglazes/glaze - making samples on test tiles) Apply slip to leather hard vessel for sgraffito - carve decoration Fire and glaze. Majolica was done with colors on white opaque glaze.  Note: the example to the left shows shrinkage of vessel in leather hard stage. This photograph came from a high school art site.

[HIGH SCHOOL LESSON PLANS]