Clay is a magical material that can last thousand of years. Objects made of clay are a beautiful expression of art that can also be useful in everyday life. In Paola's class, students work with clay a lot. Here they are making bowls.
After giving an overview of the steps involved in making a clay bowl, Paola passed out sketches students had previously drawn to remind them of possible design ideas. When asked if the drawn design had to be followed exactly, Paola answered: "Sometimes the clay will tell you what it wants to be." (She might have said it slightly differently, her point being that the creative process sometimes requires a change of plans, as many students discovered in the following session). Starting with a mold, then adding a curl (or several) on top, students' bowls were an enactment of a story about the Lenape that had been read and discussed the day before. Smoothing with water and sponges and fingers, finding a balance between too much water and not enough, many designs shifted as work progressed. Each individual's process and personality was visibly manifest. The last step was "drawing" a pattern/design into the bowl with a thin stick or carving tool. Some students added sculptural elements. In the end, the students transformed slabs of clay into wonderful bowls. The tables were a battlefield of creativity. Everyone helped clean up and Paola went on...more inspiration, more clay.
After giving an overview of the steps involved in making a clay bowl, Paola passed out sketches students had previously drawn to remind them of possible design ideas. When asked if the drawn design had to be followed exactly, Paola answered: "Sometimes the clay will tell you what it wants to be." (She might have said it slightly differently, her point being that the creative process sometimes requires a change of plans, as many students discovered in the following session). Starting with a mold, then adding a curl (or several) on top, students' bowls were an enactment of a story about the Lenape that had been read and discussed the day before. Smoothing with water and sponges and fingers, finding a balance between too much water and not enough, many designs shifted as work progressed. Each individual's process and personality was visibly manifest. The last step was "drawing" a pattern/design into the bowl with a thin stick or carving tool. Some students added sculptural elements. In the end, the students transformed slabs of clay into wonderful bowls. The tables were a battlefield of creativity. Everyone helped clean up and Paola went on...more inspiration, more clay.
by Sabine Hoffman
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