High School

The Essential Question
How can changes in construction techniques influence the final form of a ceramic piece?

Objectives
Students will explore how form is affected by altering coil lengths during construction. They will create dynamic, nontraditional coil vases that emphasize rhythm, movement, and silhouette through intentional shape changes.

Materials
low-fire or mid-fire clay, basic handbuilding tools, water and slip containers, sketchbooks or paper for planning

Procedures
1. Begin by reviewing traditional coil-building techniques and basic form vocabulary (e.g., taper, bulbous, flare). Show examples of both symmetrical and asymmetrical coil forms.
2. Introduce the challenge: students will build a vase using coils of intentionally varied lengths to manipulate the form as it grows. Demonstrate how changing coil length affects the shape, causing it to expand, contract, or twist.
3. Have students sketch two to three vase silhouettes and note where they will intentionally alter the coil size. Encourage both organic and architectural approaches.
4. Students begin construction on a solid base, applying slip and score methods as they build. Emphasize compression and smoothing at each layer for structural integrity.
5. Encourage reflection during the building process. Students should pause often to check symmetry (if desired), adjust proportion, and consider the visual impact of their shape shifts.
6. Once bisque-fired, students may choose a finishing method.

Assessment
Evaluate students on artistry, experimentation, and thoughtful manipulation of form. Sketches, process reflection, and the final piece should demonstrate understanding of how coil length affects structure and aesthetics.

Kristina Latraverse is the founder and lead instructor at Seagrass Pottery in Indialantic, Florida.