SLAMMIN'
...an experiment with clay...
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Students slab, SLAM!, and decorate clay projects, created with a piece of EZ-Cut that they've carved their faces into. |
So, it's no secret that I enjoy a little chaos. And many times that chaos comes from doing things with art materials that I've never done before. This experimental concept led to the creation of this year's 6th grade clay project...which I'm simply calling "SLAMMIN'"!
The coolest thing about this project, is that it directly leads from a previous printmaking project in which the kids transferred and then carved their faces into a small sheet of EZ-Cut linoleum. So...as soon as the kids finished printmaking, and then painted a few additional details, they dove directly into slammin' clay.
I asked kids to slab out their own clay with the slab roller (of course I teased the clay into the correct size for them), then SLAM! their EZ-Cut into the clay which resulted in relief print of themselves. Then...the directions were very simple...do what you want and experiment. Of course I gave the kids a few ideas just in case, but overall the project was in the hands of their creativity. And I must say I've seen some interesting things happening, which is FANTASTIC!
It's this kind of experimental chaos that drives my classroom, and I absolutely love seeing the kids work out their own art-making problems. These projects still have quite the journey, as they'll need to dry for a week, get fired in the kiln, glazed, and then re-fired. So...hoping they'll be all ready to go just in time for our May art show!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK, EVERYONE!!!