Nourishing Creativity
Celebrate the beauty of everyday objects through ceramic sculpture inspired by fruits and vegetables. In this lesson, students study the form, texture, and color of produce while creating trompe l’oeil clay sculptures using pinch-pot construction techniques. Inspired by historical and contemporary ceramic artists, such as Bernard Palissy, the Yixing Potters of China, Lisa Fitzgibbon, and Lorrine Taylor, this project encourages close observation, surface refinement, and creative exploration through clay.
Supplies List
- AMACO No. 25 White Art Clay
- AMACO LM Glazes
- Hardwood Modeling Tools
- Smooth Metal Rib
- Serrated Metal Rib
- Needle Tool
- Sketchbook
- Drawing Materials
- AMACO Fan Brushes
Observe and Sketch
Look at fruits and vegetables, both local and imported: surface texture, color, stems, etc. Draw shape of chosen fruit or vegetable, break down into basic forms.
Create Pinch Pots
Create two pinch pots roughly the same size.
Slip and Score
Score the rims of both of the pinch pots.
Join Pinch Pots
Join the pinch pots rim to rim, use a wood tool to joint the seam.
Reinforce with a Coil
Add a coil to reinforce the seam.
Shape
Use your hands and a paddle to mold fruit into desired shape.
Prepare the Surface
Use toothed rib or scoring tool to score the surface in preparation for smoothing.
Smooth the Surface
Use a metal draper or a rubber rib to smooth the surface.
Add Details
Add stem, leaf, or texture to the piece.
Prepare for Bisque Fire
Poke a small hole in your form before bisque firing.
Bisque & Glaze Fire
Let the piece dry and then bisque fire. Apply LM glazes and fire to cone 05 for a satiny surface.
Video
Similar Lesson Plans
Cubist Clay Portrait
Learn More
Twisted Vessels
Learn More
Three Cups
Learn More
Mimbres Bowls
Learn More