INTRODUCTION TO POETTRY

Introduction

Artworks or objects that can be viewed from all round is what we call three-dimensional art. Three dimensional objects differ from two- dimensional objects because they are not flat. Look at the painting and drawings or a calendar on the wait. these are two dimensional artworks and objects. They are done and viewed on a flat surface.

They are seen from one direction only. However, three-dimensional artworks can be viewed all round-in three dimensions of length, width and height or depth. Look at Figure 6.1; can you identify the three sides of the images?

Artists use any materials to create three dimensional artworks. Common naturally used materials include stone, wood, and clay. In this chapter you are going to learn how to use clay as a natural material to make three dimensional artworks that serve a specific purpose.

Discovering Clay Material

Clay is the most common and cheap material to use. Clay is part of the soil, is made workable with water, dried by air and is made durable with fire. Clay is a natural resource used by people to make earthen wares for example, pots for various uses, cups, plates, etc. Have you ever known where clay is found? In groups do activity 6.1 to find more about clay as a natural resource for making earthen- ware.

Activity 7.1:

Discovering Clay as a natural material

Using the internet or visiting the library look for information regarding places where clay is found, and make your own notes.

In groups, discuss how you can identify clay from other soils.

Identify three dimensional objects you can make using clay and the purpose it will serve the community.

Make a sketch of the object you intend to do out of clay in your sketch book.

Although we will be using clay to make pieces of artwork clay is also used in industries to create items such a, bricks, building and drainage Wes, plumbing fixtures (toilets and _sinks). _{Usi £} * _can „_{e an}

interesting creation of three dimpnc:inn-,i .

u *                ,                                 ^{nsional       wo}^ks.  You are eoinp to arn

how to use clay to make a pot You npoH *                         g°ⁱⁿg¹⁰

creating your pinch pot.                                       Practice  the proce: c

Pottery

Pottery is the forming of a ceramic body into objects of a required shape often using clay. You can use clay to form ideas of different shapes. But before working you need to understand the process you have to go through.

Rarely can one successfully use clay just as it is dug from the ground. Depending upon its origin, clay usually contains large impurities such as vegetation matter or rocky debris. It is important to know the general process by which it is prepared for use: Digging up a lump of clay and storing it, preparing it using different methods, keeping it in a cool place, and using it to make artworks.

Clay Methods

There are three common methods to creating basic constructions: Carve, coil and slab. The technique of pinch is used to easily form a shape. You may also join two of these shapes together to create a spherical form that could be the body or head of an animal, bird house, etc. Slab is rolling pieces of clay flat, joining the pieces to form a shape. Coiling is where clay is rolled into long, smooth snakes which are joined together in layers to build up a form. Carving is where tools are used to cut out shapes. You are goingto start with the technique of pinching to create a pinch pot.

Making a pinch pot

Pinch pots are used for different purposes. Figure 6.2 shows pi rich pots being used in different ways. Can you think of what pinch pots can be used for in your community? The size, shape and decorations they all depend on the artist. In fact, the beauty of the pinch pot technique is thatthe only limiting factor is your imagination. Let’s follow the process of making one.

Clay preparation

Clay straight from the ground needs to be prepared to be used for a given

work. The clay will need to be prepared, sieved to remove unwanted

material such as stones, twigs, and roots, Cleaning can be done either of

two ways. The clay can be crushed when dry and then sieved, or dried, slaked down in water, then sieved You mr,

hard object in small bits.                                            ^  ^{US<? fm}g^{ers t0 feel m}

Forming a pinch pot

Begin by forming a lump of clay into a smooth                                          u

of the hand or less, and stick your thumb ‘                                      ^ ^ ^f‘^{tS tH}

half-way to the bottom. Then app|_v ^{ln the cen}t>’e, making ; ^;

outside and thumb on the inside cre^⁵⁵^^{0 W}‘^th ^^0Ur ^ⁱⁿS^{ers c}

method is similar to the way some nl³ ‘^{nga rou}nded bowl shap>

7-3). While revolving the ball i_n onpT ⁶ ^ ^f°°^{d trad}‘t’onally (F ,

^e nand, dtpqc

with the thumb into the inside and the fingers on the outside. Smooth the surface with a damp sponge.

It would be difficult to create an entire form by simply pinching, you may add thick coils (Figure 7.4) to help shape and add height to the work. Make sure it is uniform in thickness, and then slowly start to roll out the coil, using your entire hand, held flat, rather than just your palms.

‘ou can add decorations according to the purpose and inspirations.

Activity 7.3:

Making a Pinch Pot

1. Roll the kneaded clay into a ball^ ^    _{the  ba[(}
2. Use your thumb to create a o                                                                                       ^ _{thg centre}
3. Use your thumb and fingers op

outwards to form walls                          ,     inspired by the natural

4. Decorate your  pot by making  marks  me    y

environment.          awssgnraPF

5. Once you finish, let your pinch pot air

Activity of Integration: Project

Context: Create a series of three earthen pots, using any three of the coil, slab, and pinch techniques. Give your artwork a textured surface that depicts the natural environment as your inspiration. Present your work and explain what you did, and take photographs for your art journal.

Chapter Summary

In this chapter you have learned to:

1. identify where to find clay as a natural resource.

artworksinTri ^ °^f ^ ^environment in the makingof

artworks in order not to affert

familiarizeAfricans,ylesintoownartworks^nVlr0nment‘