Ceramics/Self-Portrait Relief Sculpture

Unit: Sculpture


Lesson: Self-Portrait Relief Sculpture


Grade Level: High School


Overview: This project is introduced as a “self-portrait” project in which the students create their own self-image onto a piece of paper. They will then use this “self-portrait” to create a three-dimensional relief sculpture, using the medium of clay.


Allotted Time: 2 ½ weeks (on block-scheduling—90 minutes/class period)


Teacher Materials:

Computer (slideshow)
Projector
White Board (or the like, used as projection screen)
Photocopier
Paper
Kiln


Student Materials:

Paper
Drawing/Painting Supplies
  • Pens
  • Pencils
  • Paint
  • Markers
  • Pastels
Canvas Cloth Surface
Clay
Clay Tools
Rolling Pin
Bowls of Water
Glazes/Underglazes (and/or acrylic paints)


Day by Day Procedure:

Week 1: Self-Portrait
Day 1
20 Minutes: Explain the concept of self-portraits, defined by Merriam-Webster Online as “a portrait of oneself done by oneself,” noting that they can be as literal or figurative as the artist desires. Present a slideshow presentation consisting of many different types of self-portraits, emphasizing the fact that the artist can be as creative as they like in portraying their own image.
Effective Pictorial Examples:
Photo realism
True-to-life, realistic representation
Realistic representation—less detailed and more conceptual
Simplified self-image in the style of cubism
Exaggerated features
Non-traditional
Additional picture resources can be found at: http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/s/self-portrait.html
5 Minutes: Pass out supplies (paper and drawing/painting materials)
5 Minutes: Answer any questions
50 Minutes: Have students brainstorm and draw a couple of preliminary self-portrait sketches. Walk around the class and observe, answering any questions that may arise while giving suggestions and constructive criticism.
10 Minutes: Clean up and pack up.
Day 2
10 Minutes: Review the previous day’s info-session, allowing the floor to be open for questions.
5 Minutes: Pass out drawing/painting supplies
65 Minutes: Student work-time—Walk around the classroom and observe, once again answering questions while giving suggestions and constructive criticism.
10 Minutes: Clean up and pack up.
Days 3, 4
Student work-time.
Day 5
Self-Portraits due.


Before assigning the next part of the project, make sure to photocopy each of the students’ self-portraits, having both the original and photocopy ready to give back to the students for the following portion.


Week 2: Relief Sculpture
Day 1
20 Minutes: Give a brief PowerPoint presentation outlining the concept of creating a relief sculpture, which is, as noted by Slobodkin in the book Sculpture: Principles and Practice, simply the objective of “creat[ing] within a materially limited area the illusion of a full-bodied shape.” Once again, use pictures as examples to back up your explanation.
Effective Pictorial Examples:
http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/quercia/quercia.html
10-15 Minutes: Inform the students that they are to make a relief sculpture from their previously drawn self-portraits. Then, demonstrate the process of making a relief sculpture.
5 Minutes: Pass out all Supplies (clay, clay tools, etc.)
40 Minutes: Student work-time—Walk around the classroom and observe, once again answering questions while giving suggestions and constructive criticism.
10 Minutes: Clean up and pack up.
Days 2, 3
Student work-time.
Days 4, 5
Students should be underglazing their pieces and have them ready for bisque firing.
Week 3: Finishing Touches
Days 1, 2
Students overglaze their pieces, having them ready for firing.
Day 3
All projects are due.


Resource:

Slobodkin, Louis. Sculpture: Principles and Practice. New York, NY: Dover Publications, Inc., 1949.