CERAMIC CHINESE DRAGONS

Ceramic Chinese Dragons

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create a Chinese Dragon using ceramic techniques learned in class
• Use form (two dimensional, three dimensional), texture (scales, feathers), and traditional colors (white, red, yellow, gold) inspired by California Artist (1957-Present) Jeff Nishinaka, Chinese Photographer (1959-2013) Den Wei Wei, and Contemporary Painter (1919-2010) Wu Da Dei
• Use hand building techniques (slab method, coil method) and design principles (balance, composition, proportion) relating to Contemporary Art Movements
• Define Figurine (a small carved human or animal statue)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Imperial Dragon (2013) Jeff Nishinaka
2. Read Where The Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
3. Discussion Questions "Did the artist choose and use the proper method of construction that would work best for their dragon? Is the basic structure of the dragon formed properly? Do the walls have a consistent thickness throughout the piece? Are the dragons' features joined together using a slip and score method? What is hidden in the depths of the ocean?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use coil construction to make the animal torso (stomach, back, tail) of ceramic work
2. Use needle tool to add animal parts (legs, wings, horns) of ceramic work
3. Use slip & score method to add facial proportions (nose, eyes, mouth, head) of Chinese Dragon

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Ceramic Chinese Dragon for Assigned Table
2. Watch Dragon Dance Excerpt Dragon 2000
3. Discussion Questions "What is the difference between a myth and a legend? What adjectives would you use to describe the Chinese Dragon? Do you have a story about a dragon in your culture? How is the New Year celebrated in the Chinese Culture? Why is the Chinese New Year important? How long does the Chinese New Year celebration last? Have you ever been to a parade?"

Lesson Activities

1.  Use hand building techniques (slab method, coil method) to add details (whiskers, horns) to ceramic work
2. Add texture (feathers, scales) to animal torso (stomach, back, tail) of ceramic work
3. Add base (mountain range, wind, clouds) to bottom of Ceramic Chinese Dragon

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Ceramic Chinese Dragon for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (water bucket, rubber mat, needle tools)

Lesson Activities

1. Add watercolor paint to positive space (animal parts, facial features, details) of ceramic work
2. Add watercolor paint to negative space (mountain range, clouds, wind) of ceramic work
3. Apply Gloss Finish to facial features, animal parts, and flat base of Ceramic Chinese Dragon

Artist Examples

Student Examples