ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS: Would you rather have a teapot that is functional or sculptural? Why make a teapot that is sculptural if it cannot be used? WHY? Technical Skills Learn how to make a spout and handle Improve carving and sculpting skills Introduction to Cone 10 glazes
Art Concept History of Teapots Function vs. Non-Functional
Life: Focusing on detail How to recover from set-backs
Assignment
Create a functional or non-functional Teapot.
Requirements: Prep: Sketch- 50 points Art Analysis- 50 points
Form: 200 points Creativity Patiently Completed Proper Building Techniques Design is unique Evidence of detail/pattern Used Class time wisely Effort/Stayed on task/Good Attitude
Surface: 100 points Creativity Glaze is the proper thickness Surface is intentional Evidence of detail/pattern Effort/Stayed on task/Good Attitude
Reflection: Self- 50 points
Total Points: 450
Ceramic Teapot
For my wheel throwers: making a teapot combines everything you’ve learned so far about using the wheel to throw clay. It’s a challenging exercise, and it may require several tries to get it right. Don’t give up! If you end up making a few nonfunctional teapots, you can always turn them into pieces of sculpture. Planning Your Teapot
Before you begin, decide on your desired teapot shape. It can be squat, tall, narrow, or cone-shaped. Make a simple drawing of the shape and outline the profile. Then sketch a lid. As you consider your ideas about a teapot, ask yourself:
Will the lid be flat or domed?
Will it rise out of the pot or sink into the opening?
What type of knob will it have – thrown or hand-built?
Does the lid shape complement the form?
Do you want to place the handle over the lid, on top of the shoulders of the pot – or on the side, opposite the spout?
What size spout complements the shape?
Making Your Teapot
Make sure you use the same clay for every part of your teapot: body, lid, spout, and handle. Throw or form these pieces all at the same time so that they will shrink at the same rate, fit together better, and the measurements will be more accurate. You can assemble the pieces at another time, but remember to cover them in plastic to keep them workable.
Throw or hand-build the body of the teapot.
Measure the diameter of the opening and create a flanged lid.
Pull or throw the handle. Shape it and allow it to stiffen.
Throw or hand-build the spout (and a few extras).
Let all pieces stiffen to leather-hard.
Trim or attach a foot ring on your pot before you attach the spout and handle.
Hold the spout against the side wall and adjust its fit.
Note: Make sure the top of the spout is as high as or higher than the top of the pot. If the spout is too low, tea will spill out when the pot is filled.
Trace around the spout on the wall.
Supporting the wall, cut a series of holes within the outline.
Smooth rough edges with a damp sponge.
Score and slip the base of the spout and the traced outline on the pot.
Press the two pieces firmly together and smooth around the join. You can reinforce the join with a thin coil and smooth it with your finger or the edge of a wooden tool.