CERAMIC SELF PORTRAITS

Ceramic Self Portraits

Learning Target

I can...

• Create a Ceramic Self Portrait using ceramic techniques learned in class
• Use form (two dimensional, three dimensional), shape variation (oval, rectangle, square), and texture (clothing, hairstyle, lipstick) inspired by American Sculptor (1930-1992) Robert Arneson
• Use hand building techniques (coil method, slab method) and design principles (movement, proportion, variation) based on Funk Art
• Define Self Portrait (a picture of oneself made by the artist)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. A Hollow Gesture (1971) Robert Arneson
2. Read Portraits of Artists by Anna Reynolds, Lucy Peter, & Martin Clayton
3. Discussion Questions "What is a portrait? What is a self-portrait? What does a Self Portrait say about the artist? Self Portraits are about more than your appearance. They show who you are or who you want to be. If you could make a painting into a sculpture, how would you accomplish that? How can a self-portrait help you think about your own identity? How can you use close observational skills to feel good about yourself and other people around you? Who Are you?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add lines for proportions (head, neck, shoulders) within the silhouette of the self portrait
2. Mold clay into basic shapes (oval face, crescent ears, rectangle neck) of self portrait
3. Use needle tool to draw facial features (eyes, nose, mouth) within the silhouette of the self portrait

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Ceramic Self Portrait for Assigned Table
2. Watch James Cook Sculpture Demonstration- Aging Self Portraits In Clay
3. Discussion Questions "Why do artists paint portraits? Does the way a person is sitting or standing tell you anything about them? What makes this portrait unique? Do you like the way the artist arranged the portrait? What does the background and the objects in the background of the picture tell us? How often does the artist repeat certain colors or shapes within the portrait? Is the portrait considered abstract or realistic?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add facial features (eyes, nose, mouth) within the silhouette of the self portrait
2. Add details (eye sockets, brow bone, moles) to facial features (eyes, nose, mouth) of self portrait
3. Use modeling tools (paddle, brush, grips) to smooth out facial features (eyes, nose, mouth) of self portrait

Day Three, Art Start

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

Lesson Activities

1. Add tempera paint to positive space (neck, face, shoulder) of ceramic work
2. Add tempera paint to negative space (background, clothing) of ceramic work
3. Apply Gloss Finish to face proportions, facial features, and accessories of Ceramic Self Portrait

Artist Examples 

Student Examples