Students taking elective 3-D Art have a blast in class while using handbuilding skills and working with their imagination.
Currently, under the advisory of Mrs. Stafford, students are making a small clay pinch-pot in the shape of a monster. Students have been working on this fun and creative project as Halloween approaches.
The process of making these monsters starts with a sketch. The only requirements include that the monster must be shaped out of a clay pinch pot and must include at least three body parts. Otherwise, students have full control over what they want to create.
After sketching the monster, students begin to start creating. Some students made their own design of a monster, while others inspired their projects on different literary characters. These fun characters included Mike Wazowski, minions, and many more.
The forming of the monsters took about two to three classes to finish making. Once that was completed, Mrs. Stafford let the projects dry and put them into the Kiln. When they were taken out, students started glazing their pieces with any colors they wanted. The excitement continued to build as many were eager to see their finished creations. Mrs. Stafford once again put the monsters in the kiln for their final time being fired. Many were thrilled with how they turned out.
When Mrs. Stafford was asked what inspired her to assign this project, she responded that she admires this assignment because “it introduces students to the basic first steps of handbuilding — the pinch pot technique.”
“It teaches students how to attach clay pieces by scoring and slipping, and I love seeing how each monster takes on its own personality as students add different features,” she continued.
The projects allow students to let their creativity shine, without any limits. Many enjoyed the freedom of the process and became eager to learn about what they will be creating later on in the year.
When freshman student, Taylor Krasner, ’29 was asked how this project made her feel about the class, she stated, “I expect the rest of the year is going to be fun, because this project was fun!”
Though Mrs. Stafford has has only been assigning this project for the past two years, she thinks she will definitely be assigning it again in the future.
“I first introduced this project last year, and it was such a success that I decided to continue it. The project is fairly new, but is working very well, and seems like it may continue throughout the years,” she said.
Mrs. Stafford’s 3-D Art class is a full year elective open to all grade levels. Throughout the year, students will complete projects involving clay, plaster, sewing and much more. Consider taking it next year and giving the course a try!
