In this 5-week flex course, we will learn clay techniques such as pinch pots, slab and coil construction, and how to attach pieces that actually stay together!  Air-dry clay has come a long way!  It will now actually stick together and mold into shapes and creations that mimic the real thing.  

We are going to utilize all of the "real" techniques of clay construction - pinch, slab, coil, score and slip, smoothing, and texturizing to make decorative, sculptural, and functional pieces.  You will also learn proper clay terms while constructing each of your pieces.

We will create something new with the clay during the first four weeks of the course.  Our last week will consist of adding surface decoration to at least one of the pieces with paint.  This will give you a good foundation to finish the rest as you decide if they need color or if you prefer them in the natural state of clay.

*Please note that since this is a FLEX course, we will not have scheduled live meetings, instead, each learner will be able to work on their art at their convenience.

------     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----

Week One: Introduction to the properties of clay
Creation of a pinch pot and carving surface decoration.

Week Two: Attachment
Creating coils and learning how to attach clay together to guarantee it doesn't fall apart after it dries.

Week Three: Sculptural vs. Functional Work
Creating something decorative with the choice of leaving it as is or adding a functional element to it.

Week Four: Relief Sculpture
Creating tiles with varying heights and dimensions.

Week Five: Surface Decoration
How to paint your pieces to add a wow factor with color.

We will focus on the different sculptural techniques, adding details, texture, and color.  Instructional videos and printable resources will be dropped each Monday.  Examples of what you have created should be shared by the following Sunday with extra interaction happening throughout the week if you have any questions, concerns, successes, or comments to be made about your artwork.  A mid-week check-in with a prompt for discussion will also be added.

-----     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----

Interaction:
The students and I will interact regularly in the Outschool classroom.  Please share what you know and love about each of the clay techniques that we will be working with!  Students will submit photographs (or videos, if they wish) of their work and submit questions, concerns, successes, or comments to be made about your artwork for peer review in addition to my guidance.  A mid-week check-in will require participation in not only prompts for discussion about the artwork created but will vary between games, polls, and challenges based on that week's theme.  Sharing your work will help you gain confidence in your artistic abilities and give me a chance to provide feedback.  

Perhaps you are stuck on something or just can't quite figure out why you aren't happy with some part of your work - ask for feedback, not just from me, but from your peers.  Maybe you tried something that had an unexpected result.  Share with the class so we can celebrate your successful experimentation!  We can learn so much from each other through the work-in-progress photos and being able to compare each piece from day one to the completed masterpieces.  

I will provide individual feedback and guide each learner through the questions that are asked and photos that are shared.  Learners will also be encouraged to provide feedback and encouragement to each other with specific prompts each week.  Since so many other physical supplies are required, we will keep communication as simple as possible.  Communication will be made entirely through the Outschool classroom, no need to log in to anything else during this course.  Feedback will be provided within 24-48 hours Monday-Friday.

🥇Do you know about the Summer Smash Challenge?
Eligible families can earn up to 8 unique badges by taking classes and completing activities between May 1st and June 30th as part of the Summer Smash Challenge. Each badge is worth $5 in Outschool credit and families can earn the badge per account. Learners who complete the badges will also get a special learner avatar added to their learner profile, so they can show off their badges to friends! #creative

Creativity is encouraged!  As I provide demonstrations and resources each week to sculpt I hope you take what you learn and use your own ideas and spin the suggested subject matter into something unique to your own interests.  I can't wait to see how you give your work character and begin developing your own artistic style! 

-----    -----     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----

*Please note that although we may create some vessels such as bowls, cups, or plates and air-dry clay is non-toxic, it is not food-safe.  Functional pieces will be able to be used but not in the kitchen or for holding items meant to be wet, such as plants, unless there is a liner placed inside it.