I AM A COIL POT – Metaphor, Identity, Colour

In this 3-part lesson students use air dry clay to create a coil pot that is a personal metaphor, and use acrylic paint to colour it symbolically. Then they decorate a piece of paper that connects with their clay pot and use it to write an artist statement that describes their process and intentions.

Supplies:

Crayola Air-Dry Clay 1.13 kg White
Crayola Acrylic Paint - 6 Count
Crayola Variety Brush Set - 5 Count
Crayola Markers - 16 Count
Crayola Marker & Watercolour Paper - 22.9 cm x 30.5 cm (9" x 12")
Water Containers
Paper Towels
Plastic Lids for Palettes - about 12 cm (4.5") Diameter
Plastic Containers - about 12 cm (4.5") Diameter - 1 per student
Small Pieces of Sponge - about 3 cm x 4 cm (1" x 1.5") 1 per student

Steps:

PART ONE

Use the How to Make a Coil Potlesson plan available on this website to create a clay pot.
Add details to represent parts of your identity.
Allow the pot to dry for a week.
It should be white when it is completely dry.

PART TWO

Place the pot on an upside down plastic container.
Use acrylic paint to apply colours that have a special meaning for you.
Mix small amounts of paint on a plastic lid - a little goes a long way.

When you have finished painting it, view the pot from all directions.
Make any changes and clean up the edges.
What does your coil pot say about you?

PART THREE

Use the Decorated Pages lesson plan available on this website to decorate a piece of paper.
Use design elements that connect with your coil pot.
Write your artist statement on the decorated paper.