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Sketch Vase Silhouette
The first step of the assignment is to choose the vase form I want to build with the coil method and then sketch that form on a piece of paper. I can search vase silhouettes online or research historic or culturally relevant vase forms that interest me. -
Period: to
Coil Building Method Timeframe
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Create Template
I will draw a vertical line to separating my sketch in half. Then I will chose my favorite side and cut out the shape to build my pot. Then I will transfer that shape onto "heavier stock" (stock paper or card stock is thicker and sturdier than regular paper) and cut out the "template" (a shape that is cut out of a hard material, such as paper stock, and used to make the same shape and pattern in other pieces of different material. ) for my vase design. Only use silhouette of one half! -
Create Base of Vase
Measure the base of your vase sketch and create base by rolling clay flat with a rolling pin to no thinner than 1/4 inch thick. Then use compass to draw a circle and cut out the base of your vase with a needle tool. Tip: hold the needle tool at a 90 degree angle to avoid a bevel. -
Score & Slip to Connect Coils
"Score" (scratching surface of clay with needle tool or fork) and "slip" (apply liquid clay) to connect two pieces of clay (first coil on base, then coil on top of coil). Do not add too much slip as this could add too much moisture to your vase and make it unstable. -
Rolling Coils
To make a good coil first elongate your clay by squeezing and rolling it between your hands. Then put your clay on the table and roll the coil back and forth spreading your fingers apart to evenly apply pressure. Tip: keep fingers spread and pressure light! "Just think about making a clay snake." -
Smear & Smooth
Once you added a coil smear the seam to connect the coils and smooth the surface of your vase inside and out.
Tip: spoons or trim sticks/modeling tools can help smooth hard to reach places inside of your vase.
Quote: "One of the ironies of working with clay is that you have to rough the surface to smooth it out." Use a serrated metal rib to scratch away any unevenness on your pot's surface and then smooth it with a sponge and/or rib. -
Placement of Coils
The placement of your coils will determine the shape of your vase! Make sure to use your template often to stay on track. Tip: you want to be careful of angles that move abruptly inward (neck of vase). Make sure your previous coil is leatherhard to withstand the pressure. -
Midway Construction Point
At this point in the coil building method unit I should be about half way done constructing my vase to stay on track. -
Basic Construction of Vase Completed
At this point I should be done with constructing my vase using the coil building method and move on to smoothing and refining my surfaces. Tip: It is okay to use a blow dryer to speed up the process for your clay to get leatherhard so that you can add coils to trick areas where your form changes abruptly (going in or out). -
Vase Completely Finished & Signed
The last couple of days I used to smooth and refine the surface of my coil vase with various tools such as clay shavers and metal ribs. I will then cut my vase off the bat and sign my name or initials as well as my class period. (i.e. DGM 2)