Studio Art: Coil-Built Sculptural Vessel
Students create sculptural vessels inspired by the work of master ceramic artist Magdalene Odundo. They are exposed to the traditional African ceramic art that informs Odundo’s work and learn about asymmetry and gesture as powerful sculptural strategies. Students learn to view form critically and explore the form/surface relationship. Students will work in earthenware clay, learn to coil build using traditional and contemporary techniques and to carve using a variety of tools. Students speak about their work in group discussion and write their own artist statements about their work.
Skill Building and Drawing
Students are invited to participated in guided class discussion about ceramic artist Magdalene Odundo’s work with emphasis placed on form and the figure as a recurring theme in her work. Students watched a video showing traditional African ceramics being made and are invited to discuss the various shapes and forming methods including coil building which is the focus of this project. Students are asked to identify a piece of Odundo’s work that is asymmetrical and to draw it in their sketchbook. Students watch a coil rolling demonstration, then have an opportunity to practice this skill.
Coil Building and Shaping
Students are led through several demonstrations centering around creating a volume while maintaining control over the profile of the object. They are encouraged to explore asymmetry and gesture as Magdalene Odundo does in her work, while making an object that is uniquely their own. Student learn to use a rib, fettling knife and paddle to shape their piece.
Finished Work
Students learn to apply glaze by dipping and pouring. These satin matt glazes are specially formulated for this project and students have the choice between a warm white that picks up the speckles in the clay and black.
