Coil Dish Set Cultural Inspiration

Modern Twist

Historic Pottery

History of pottery dates back millennia

People around the world have fired or baked clay to make pots, plates and ceramic decorations since prehistoric times

Creations were not only aesthetic, but also functional… and each form served a specific purpose

Task

Research pottery from various periods in history, analyze how form worked with function, and then create your own culturally inspired ceramic dish set.

Use the coil hand building method along with a slump or hump mold technique to create 2 ceramic pieces.

Task

Your set will show inspiration from historic forms but have an updated design with modern elements… some areas could be smooth, and others the coil design could remain unblended. You could also finish it by adding a design using texture, sgraffito, and/or underglaze.

What is a Set?

It is a collection of articles designed for use together, and have a similar nature, design, or function.

These pieces display a unity in design and clearly relate to each other.

Planning PART #1The Mug

Research different mug shapes and forms

Print ones that you find interesting

Choose FOUR mug shapes from this research and draw a diagram of each on Worksheet #1

Planning PART #1The Mug

Research different handle designs

Print ones that you find interesting

Choose FOUR handle designs from this research and draw a diagram of each on Worksheet #2

Planning PART #2The Dish

Research ceramic plate, bowl, tray, etc

Print ones that you find interesting

Choose FOUR dish forms from this research and draw a diagram of each on Worksheet #3

Planning Part #3The Pattern & Design

First, research ceramic pieces that were created using the slump or hump mold process.

Print images of designs, forms or patterns that appeal to you.

Process of laying a slab of clay (or coils) over a shape, the hump, and shaping the clay to the form

Slump mold is the opposite – where you lay the clay inside of a shape

What is a Hump or Slump Mold?

Planning Part #3The Pattern & Design

Next, look at coil pottery where the coils have not been smoothed and blended together on the outside of the form.

Print images of designs that you like.

Unblended Coil Examples

Planning Part #3The Pattern & Design

Finally, research ALL of the cultures on the following page, along with their related pottery.

Print ones you find interesting.

Cultures to Look At

- Greek - Pueblo - Mimbre -

- Hopi - Navajo - Zumi -

- Mesop - Minoan -

Greek

Pueblo

Mimbre

Hopi

Navajo

Zumi

Mesop

Minoan

Planning Part #3The Pattern & Design

Once you have researched and gathered images for slump and hump molds, unblended coil pottery, and cultural influences, complete Worksheets #4 and #5.

Now your research is done!

Planning Part #4The Final Set

Look back at all of your research, references, ideas and sketches and put it all together for a final set.

Consider what shapes, forms and patterns will work best together.

Planning Part #4The Final Set

Complete Worksheet #6: Final Set Drawing

This drawing should have clean lines and show how your final set will look.

Planning Part #4The Final Set

Your final drawing should include: Your best mug formYour best handle designYour best plate/bowl/tray, etc. shape

and formAn area of unblended coilsAn area with a finishing pattern using

sgraffito, texture or underglazeAny details or embellishments

The Construction

When hand rolling coils, use a smooth surface, gently roll the clay back and forth spreading your hands to apply

even pressure. 

Roll the coils so that they are a little thicker than a pencil – about the thickness of a Tootsie Roll.  Then layer the coils one on top of another in the desired shape of your vessel.

For strength, force the clay together on the inside of the piece.  Use you finger and scrape the top coil onto the coil

under it.  

When smoothing the inside of the piece hold your other hand on the outside so you do not damage what you have

completed.

If you want the top level, gently turn your piece over and lightly tap it on a smooth surface.

 

This is another technique using coils to construct a piece of pottery.  This technique involves both making coils and

pressing them into a pattern.  

Fill in gaps. Scrape all the coils together.  Don't worry about the other side, your coil pattern will still be visible.

   

Some ceramic pieces

constructed with an exposed coil design

Coil

Coils rolled to consistent 3/8 to 1/2 inch in

diameter are a good start Roll out all of your coils in advance to ensure

consistent diameter size and prevent them from drying while constructing your piece

Keep coils covered to keep them in a workable state

Construct a base that is 3 ½ - 4” in diameter Start to lay in your coils Work around evenly to ensure craftsmanship

Steps for Coil Construction

Slump & Hump MoldsConstruction

Your slump or hump mold dish can take on a variety of shapes and forms.

When planning, consider both the shape of the dish and what and where you want the design or unblended coil area to be.

Consider bringing in a dish from home to use as your slump or hump mold. You will be able to use molds from the class – however, there are not enough molds for everyone so bringing one can ensure you have something to work on.

Create your coiled dish using the pattern you designed and using a slump or hump mold

Then add details… handles, feet, etc.

When almost leather hard, pull dish from mold and repair any mistakes on the side that was against the mold. Then add details – handles, feet, borders, etc.

How do you want your two pieces to work together? Will the shapes or patterns be unified?

Will your design be symmetrical or asymmetrical? Will your design be geometric or organic? Do you want the unblended coils on your dish to

be on the inside or the outside? Will you add embellishments to your dish or mug? Roll practice coils and unblended patterns to be

sure your design will work. Make ALL of your coils first, and make them the

same size and thickness.

Tips & Things to Consider:

Timing

Coil set construction and finishing design must be completed in 9 class periods… 2 days for research and planning 5 days for coil construction 2 days for finishing design

* If you work slow…speed up or come in extra! *

Questions?