CLAY GARGOYLE

 Clay Gargoyle

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Clay Gargoyle using sculpture techniques learned in class
• Use form (two dimensional, three dimensional), shape (geometric, organic), and texture (rough smooth) inspired by American Artist (1963-Present) Sam Sidders
• Use ceramic techniques (slip and score, coil method, hand building) and design principles (proportion, balance, movement) based on Medieval Architecture
• Define Caricature (a picture, description, or imitation of a person in which characteristics are exaggerated for a comic effect)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Ulmer Munster Gargoyle (2012) Sam Sidders

2. Read Anthony and the Gargoyle by Jo Ellen Bogart

3. Discussion Questions "How can improvisation and spontaneous exploration of metals positively influence the creation of artwork? What are gargoyles? What are grotesques? What happened to the story gargoyles over time? Why do buildings have gargoyles? What is a chimera? Have you ever felt like someone was watching you? Do you think you could ever create a gargoyle? If you could design your own gargoyle, what would it look like?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add lines for proportion (head, body, tail) within the silhouette of the gargoyle sculptures

2. Mold clay into basic shapes (cylinder, cone, pyramid) for the positive space (body) of the gargoyle sculptures

3. Use modeling tools to draw facial features (eyelashes, eyelids, freckles) within the silhouette of the Clay Gargoyles

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Clay Gargoyles for Assigned Table

2. The Same Old Thing (2012) Sam Sidders

3. Discussion Questions "Do you think you could ever sculpt a gargoyle out of stone? What if you could grow your own gargoyle? Did you know The Monster walks is a series of virtual tours of gargoyles that can be found in and around New York? Do you know what these statues are? Do you notice any differences between modern gargoyles and the ones created over 700 years ago? What did you observe about the old gargoyles? How are the old gargoyles and the new gargoyles different? How can you explain why happened to the old gargoyles? What made them change? Where did the stone go?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add facial features (eyelashes, eyelids, freckles) within the silhouette of the Clay Gargoyles

2. Add details (wings, claws, teeth) to the positive space (body) of the gargoyle sculptures

3. Use modeling tools (brush grip paddle) to smooth out the facial features (eyelashes eyelids freckles) of the Clay Gargoyles

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Clay Gargoyles for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (rubber mat, modeling tools, clay)

Lesson Activities

1. Add tempera paint (red yellow orange) to the positive space (body) of the gargoyle sculptures 

2. Add tempera paint (blue green purple) to the negative space (background) of the gargoyle sculptures

3. Apply Gloss Finish to the facial proportions, facial features, and accessories of the Clay Gargoyles

Artist Examples

Student Examples