SPANKING THE CLAY

PINCH/COIL/SLAB PADDLED POTS

CERAMICS II

clay, paddles & glazes

This is such a great assignment for the second year clay students.

They learn how to be more spontaneous with coils, 

how to build an "S" curve,

choose between 5 different lid structures to build and make fit, 

to have a visual flow between lid, pot and handles,

and lastly they are required to paddle the structure to bring in pattern and texture.

And of course the beauty is how different each child has interpreted this assignment.

We start with senior Ylia Madayag.

So many parts of this pot to love;

the triangular lid shape instead of a circular one,

the contrast between coils and slabs as well as the contrast between smooth and texture,

the slight angle of the piece that gives it a bit of whimsy,

and the wonderful pointy overlaps of coil ends.

Such a well designed pot Ylia!

This next beauty is the work of junior Eugene Ho.

Loving the patterned texture he paddled into his sides 

as well as his scalloped edges around the lid and lip.

And the shape of the handles flow really well with the pot.

Bravo young man!

The kids were required to use Oxides to first stain the clay with

 before they applied the Transparent glaze.

Ylia above used Cobalt Carbonate which produces a blue/black color,

and Eugene here used Red Iron Oxide which turns black under Transparent.

Another nice element in Eugene's piece 

is the contrast between the Chili glaze on the inside against the Transparent on the outside.

Next we have the work of junior Julia Ruiz.

Love those overlapping coils,

 the twisted handles, 

and the way she placed them on the horizontal.

I also really like how the lid is not completely flat but seems to be rolling like a gentle wave.

Junior Chloe Chang really followed her own path here which lead to this sensational piece.

She blew off the "S" curve but I'm so glad she did.

I adore this piece just the way it is.

There is so much delicious pattern and texture to find and enjoy,

lots of interesting overlays,

and then that lid makes for an  absolutely fabulous ending.

Woo Hoo Clo!!!!

We end with senior Sarah Oh.

You all remember her, right?

Hee hee.

She has added so much interest just by placing those 2 eyes in there.

Two small elements that end up making this piece so special.

She has also really worked those overlapping coils 

creating a piece that must be touched and turned all the way around.

I also really enjoyed that on some of the coils she wiped off more Red Iron 

so she has a contrast between a dark and light finish.

For me,

this was a very difficult task to pick a favorite

 because there are several things about each one that I love.

Thank you guys for coming thru big time on this assignment

and giving me your all!