Coil Pottery Project

By Deania Jackson Nieves

Essential Questions

What are the special qualities of clay that allow it to be both sculptural and functional?

Clay is soft and moldable at first, but firm enough to shape it into whatever you desire. Once your clay is shaped into what you want, you can put it in the kiln where it will harden to become functional! This makes clay very special because you can easily turn it into what you want and also have a great end product that you can use.

Essential Questions

What knowledge and basic actions does one need to make a successful of creating with clay?

You need to know how to properly wedge the clay to remove all air bubbles, or else the clay might explode in the kiln. You also need to know how to properly slip and score, or else the clay may not be firmly attached and it might fall off, or worse, it may form and air bubble and explode.

Essential Questions

How is the kiln involved in pottery production, and how does the clay change after firing?

The kiln is an essential part of the clay process. Without it, your clay would never be hard and functional. Well, greenware clay is hard, but it’s way too fragile to be functional. You need the kiln to have a good final product. The clay changings by starting soft and slowly hardening until it’s hard but very fragile and weak. After the kiln, it becomes more solid and strong. It also changes to a darker color because of the heat.

Essential Questions

How do artists and designers document the development of their artistic process and why?

They can take pictures and write about their artistic journey. They do this for a few reasons. One, if something happens to their artwork, there is still a way to see it. Secondly, it’s nice to see the process of what you did if you want to replicate it, or just be proud of your creation. It’s fascinating to watch/see!

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Final Artwork

Theme of my Pottery

The theme in my pottery creation is that freedom is a gift, and you should use it. This is conveyed through the wings on either side of my sculpture. Wings, in every part of the world, represents freedom and taking off. The Earth, in some cases, can be seen as a limitation. You’re stuck there, grounded. But with wings, you have the capability to be free and to fly. Use the gift of freedom that everyone is born with. Spread your wings and be free.

The big idea on its own in my coil pot is the idea of freedom and letting go. Usually one would view flying as a way to release their problems and again, be free.

My first drafts

Here was my original concept: And here were my original 3 symbols:

Critique

Was it good? Yes, I am very proud of this creation. I love the concept and the colors and I like how the wings turned out. Also, I expected the wavy coil to perhaps collapse, but it held steady! That part tools me the longest.

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How could I improve? Well, I definitely think that I could use more designs. I sort of ran out of room, my pot was getting too large. Perhaps scale it down next time. As well as that, I made an effort to sand down the hardened clay at lot, but it still wasn’t enough, if I were to redo this, I’d pay more attention to that.

Symbolic meaning

1. The twisted vine - the vine represents nature. Nature is oftentimes associated with life, connected back to the core theme about freedom in life.
2. The wings - the most important symbol, directly relating to my core theme about freedom, because that’s what angel wings represent.
3. The blue coils - the color blue is the color of the sky, which is another symbol for freedom, because if you were to fly, it would be in the sky.

References

I did indeed have quite a few reference images. Since my design changed, some no longer apply. However, the wings certainly do.

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Purpose and place

My pot will hold a plant. This is because of its connection to Mother Nature, it seems meant to hold a piece of nature. It will be conveniently placed on a windowsill, so the plant will obtain its necessary sunlight and water. Simultaneously, it will also help express my theme by being close to the outside world.

Process of its creation

Conclusion

What are some new feelings I discovered about myself through this project? This project got me thinking a lot about freedom in general and not everyone has it. It made me more aware and grateful for what I have.

I definitely tried to create a positive environment. I helped out, and was kind to everyone. I enjoyed this project a lot and I thought for the most part the class was pretty peaceful at times.

At the end of class, I’ll usually clean brushes or wash/ dry the tables. Either way, I always contribute at clean up though! :)

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