by MaryAnn F. Kohl
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There is nothing like the feel of smooth, cool clay. Clay is relaxing, and promotes imagination, creativity, and exploration. Provide artists with a few pottery tools, clay, space, and lots of time to create.
Materials:
• Many hands and imaginations
• Wet potters clay (often called Moist Clay or Earth Clay)
• Large plywood base, about 3′ x 3′ (1 m x 1 m)
• Small containers of water
• Sponges
• Pottery tools (see list)
• Tempera paint, optional
• Paintbrushes, optional
Process:
1. Each artist will need about 1/2 pound of clay (230 g).
2. Artists gather around the plywood base. Working together with individual mounds of clay, build and create a joined big group clay sculpture of either a random abstract design, or something more pictorial and realistic.
3. Use wet sponges for smoothing the clay. Use pottery tools for creating textures or straight edges. Explore and have fun! If it doesn’t look just so, smash it down and start over again.
4. Add to the sculpture over the course of several days (dried clay can be moistened with sponges dipped in water).
5. When the artists agree that the masterpiece is complete, let dry until a soft, dusty color.
6. Whey dry, paint the clay work with tempera paint, if desired.
Other Potter Tools to Try:
Craft sticks
Flat sticks
Forks
Knives
Lengths of broom sticks
Scoring tools
Spatulas
Sponges
Wooden dowels
Think up your own ideas!