Ceramics I - Final Project: Sculptural Bank or Soap Bottle

Due Dates:
Greenware to be finished by last day in clay: _______
Finished glazed pots due: ______

General Project Overview:

-

You will create a sculptural bank or soap bottle in clay using one or more of the construction
techniques we learned this year
Coil, pinch, and/or slab construction
You will voice the inspiration behind your artworks in your final reflection, so keep this in mind
throughout your project.
Excellent craftsmanship is highly important in this project I am looking for smooth, precise
construction with close attention to details.

Basic Requirements Self-Check List:

Banks:
Requirement Description:

Check if Applicable:

I have a clear inspiration for my piece that I have can describe on the Reflection
Sheet after I complete my project.
I have approved my design with Miss T.
I used coil, pinch, and/or slab construction for my piece.
My bank appears sculptural. It does not immediately look like a bank.
My bank has a hidden coin slot large enough to hold a quarter after firing.
My bank has a correctly sized stopper placed at an inconspicuous spot at the
bottom. I beveled the place for my stopper so it does not protrude.
My bank meets size requirements: It is big enough to hold change. It does not
exceed 8 X 8 X 8.
My work is my own. It does not include any logos, names, letters, numbers, or
images created by another artist.
I have used excellent craft. It is smooth, with precise measurements and
attention to detail.
I have used at least three low-fire glazes the make sense within the context of my
piece.

Bottles:
Requirement Description:

Check if Applicable:

I have a clear inspiration for my piece that I have can describe on the Reflection
Sheet after I complete my project.
I have approved my design with Miss T.
I used coil, pinch, and/or slab construction for my piece.
My bottle has a major sculptural component.
My bottle is the correct height for the tube of the pump (approximately 5
internally and 6 externally)
The opening of the hole for the pump is correctly sized. After firing, my piece
will snugly fit the soap pump.
The top of my bottle is flat and even. It has enough clearance to allow for
shrinking, so the collar can be securely glued in place after firing.
My work is my own. It does not include any logos, names, letters, numbers, or
images created by another artist.
I have used excellent craft. It is smooth, with precise measurements and
attention to detail.
I have used at least three low-fire glazes the make sense within the context of my
piece.

Important Vocabulary:
Review Vocabulary:
Pinch Construction: Pressing, squeezing and pushing a ball of clay with ones fingers to render a form.
Slab Construction: Creating a form through thin clay sheets, which are then scored-and-slipped and
attached.
Coil Construction: Creating a form through attaching rolled snakes of clay.
Score-and-Slip: To scratch hatch marks onto a clay form, apply a clay slurry, and attach the pieces
together.
Texture: Surface treatment. Can be achieved through additive or subtractive methods.
Applications: Pieces added to the body of a clay work through scoring-and-slipping.
Bevel: To slope a surface or edge. We beveled the sides of our slab pot and will also bevel the areas for
our stoppers.
New Vocabulary:

Functional Ceramics: Designed to have a practical use.

Sculptural Ceramics: Designed around an aesthetic or conceptual intention rather than a
practical use.
Procedure:
-

Create/Sketch ten different designs on on your Sketch Sheet. From those ten, choose 2 to enlarge. Show
the teacher to check your design.

If using the pinch method: Make two sphere of even size, much as when you made your pinch cups.
Score-and-slip the pieces together. Shape and let the form firm slightly.
Note: You may also use the coil or slab methods you learned in earlier projects. You must decide on the
best method(s) based upon the design of your piece.
Score-and-slip all points of connection between clay.
When it is leatherhard, clean your piece with the Sureforms, metal ribs/scrapers, and rubber ribs.
For banks: Cut a correctly sized stopper placed at an inconspicuous spot at the bottom. In addition, bevel
the place for your stopper so it does not protrude.
For bottles: Cut a correctly sized opening of the hole for the pump. After firing,your piece must snugly fit
the soap pump. Make sure the top of your bottle is flat and even. It must have enough clearance to allow
for shrinking, so the collar can be securely glued in place after firing.
Bisque fire and then glaze with at least three low-fire glazes (Cone 05). Your glazes should work together
to compliment one another and the context of the piece.

Assessment Components:
I will assess your pieces by the following criteria:
Minimum Requirements

For Banks: The stopper fits well and the coin slot is large enough for a
quarter. The stopper is recessed It does not protrude.
For Bottles: The pump dispenser hole is the correct size and height (5
internally and 6 externally.) There is a flat, even top for the collar.
-Design elements utilized.
-Maximum size does not exceed 8 in any direction.
-Name or initials are clearly identified.

Craftsmanship

-Neat blending of seams, very stable.

-Stays together, attention to small details.
-Precision in construction, not lumpy.
-No dents, rough spots, cracks, or fingerprints.

Design - Originality

-Pleasing design, and approach and has a sculptural component.

-Evident sense of balance Top/Bottom, Front/Back
-Design stands apart from others favorably
-Design considers slot and stopper hole.

Glazing

-Glazing is even in appearance, not too thick or thin. Glaze is cleanly

applied, not drippy on the sides or messy on the bottom of the piece.

Reflection

-The reflection and self-assessment worksheet accompanies the finished

work.The reflection clearly states the inspiration and logic behind the
piece. The self-evaluation is thorough and thoughtful.