Ceramics

Slab Method

• There are 3 main hand building techniques for making 3D ceramic forms. These are the pinch, coil and slab techniques. For this project you will be using the slab method.

• Since ancient times these techniques have been used to create large, imaginative and exciting vessels.

• Until quite recently they have usually been functional but now they are made as decorative works of art.

• Many of the potters and artists who make these works have become well known and their work is collected and displayed in galleries, much the same as paintings and sculpture.

Assignment

For this project you will design a birdhouse and construct it using the slab method.

• To begin, you will use the internet to research various architectural styles - Greek temples, Swiss chalets, Mid-Century modern homes, medieval castles, Victorian summer houses, etc.

• Once you have located an architectural style you like, download an image or 2 and print out. Secure this reference in your sketchbook.

• Again in your sketchbook, design 2 possible structures suitable for a birdhouse, based on the essential design qualities of the references you’ve selected.

• Make modifications to your design to accommodate the needs of a particular or average bird, and the endurance of the birdhouse. Some additional research may be needed here.

• Remember this is an art class so unique, fanciful, imaginative aesthetic decisions will be what sets your well crafted birdhouse apart from one that is just technically well made.

• Now make pattern pieces for the walls, floor and roof based on your final design. Before cutting slabs, assemble the pieces to make certain you are pleased with the proportion.

Slab Construction

Fiona Hannon. Slab built lamp. 2007

Ken Eastman. ‘Still Life With Seven Forms.’ Slab built and painted.. 19 x 23 48 cm. 1997

Stoneware slab pots. 20th century

David Faithful. Lidded Pot. Slab built. 1970’s

Shoji Hamada. ‘Vase’ Japan 1938

Toini Muona. ‘Chamotte Vase’ Finland 20th century

Steve Irvine. ‘Ceramic Pinhole Camera.’ 2007

Kazuo Yaqi. ‘Walking’ Japan

Slab Vessels.

Building a slab vessel

New England architecture

Temples

• Greek • Roman

Castles

• English castles

• French tower • French castle

• Japanese castle

Cottages

• Irish cottage • Scottish cottage

Cottages

• Cotswold • Thatched roof

Cottages

• Key West • Victorian

Huts

• African • Thai

• English Tudor Style

Chinese House

Chickadee birdhouse

Lisa Pritchard

Slab Houses

Chris Theiss. ‘On the Bridge.’ Slab and coil work with sgraffito. 1989