MIDDLE SCHOOL

Charity McCartney

Each year, my colleague and I develop a ceramics unit that will engage our students and produce a variety of exciting results. Pop art offers plenty of ideas to inspire students, and it also allows us to focus on a variety of forms that incorporate geometric nets and mathematics.

We begin with a slideshow presentation highlighting various artists such as Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg, Wayne Thiebaud, and Yayoi Kusama. Students brainstorm and list ten pop art objects they would want to sculpt. They choose one object from their list and sketch it in multiple views to better understand the form.

A mathematical/geometry net is a 2D representation of a 3D shape. It is a 2D shape that can be folded to form a 3D shape or a solid. It is also the pattern made when the surface of a 3D figure is laid out flat, showing each face of a figure. The concept of surface area can be explained and illustrated using geometric nets. Three-dimensional shapes such as cubes, prisms, cylinders, and pyramids all have surface areas that can be measured and calculated.

Pop art offers plenty of ideas to inspire students, and it also allows us to focus on a variety of forms that incorporate geometric nets and mathematics.

Understanding mathematical nets is the key to success. What if we touched the object and it fell perfectly flat on the table? We discuss what the net would look like for a rectangular prism, triangular prism, cylinder, and cube. We practice drawing the nets on paper. Then we narrow this discussion to what objects might be considered a cube or cylinder. Students think about how they will make their object. Does it require more than one net? Can a template made from paper be used to help them sculpt?

The demonstration comprises two days of discussing and modeling nets using the pinch and slab methods. Paper templates of the net can assist in cutting the slab. As students watch, they label their sketches with the method of handbuilding they intend to use, and in some cases, it requires both methods. The procedures of slip and scoring, smoothing, sgraffito, and releasing trapped air are discussed at length to ensure a successful clay sculpture.

After all the time spent discussing and planning, students are beyond excited when the day comes that theyʼll actually get their hands on some clay. In order to have a sturdy form, the clay must firm up between newspapers overnight. Students receive their clay, roll it out into a slab, place it between newspapers, and wrap it in plastic until their next class.

Students are often apprehensive about cutting into their perfect slabs. Templates and rulers help give them control and confidence in the process. Most students use slab construction, but if their subject contains a rounded area, the pinch method is used. Once all pieces are cut or created, students begin slipping and scoring to complete the form. Smoothing is a must before carving or the application of clay for final details. As students complete their sculptures, we discuss releasing any trapped air.

While the pop art ceramic sculptures are drying and waiting to be bisque-fired, students work on a different project. Once the sculptures have all been bisque-fired, the pieces can be glazed. I emphasize that students should take great care while glazing to ensure a successful outcome. Students love their sculptures and cannot wait to take them home and show them off.

Charity McCartney is a middle-school art teacher at Feriba McNair Middle School in Fayetteville, Arkansas. charity.mccartney@fayar.net
Pop Art Ceramic Sculptures