CLAY SLAB AQUARIUMS

 Clay Slab Aquariums

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Clay Slab Aquarium using ceramic techniques learned in class
• Use form (two dimensional, three dimensional), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and texture (actual, implied, visual) inspired by French Artist (1869-1954) Henri Matisse
• Use hand building techniques (coil method, slab method) and design principles (composition, proportion, balanced) based on Fauvism
• Define Form (an element of art that is three dimensional having volume, depth, and width)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. The Goldfish (1912) Henri Matisse 

2. Read Earth's Aquarium: Discover 15 Real-Life Water Worlds by Alexander Kaufman

3. Discussion Questions "What kinds of things do you think are found in each habitat? Why are these things found in this habitat? What types of things do you find in each habitat? How can you assemble different materials to build a habitat for living things? What things in our terrarium are living, non-living, and once living? What things do you see happening inside the terrarium? If an animal is included, what is the animal eating or drinking? What does it do within the habitat? What do you see? Which direction are they Ines facing in all the examples? Are they consistent? Do you see any lines that do not follow the rules of these lines? How did the artist use pinch and slab methods of building to make the fishbowls? Are the fish and other items three dimensional or two dimensional? Can all the fish be the same size?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use three 12 X 15 Clay Slab Sheets 

2. Use three compositional elements (shape, color, texture) to represent a memory, place, or event from everyday life 

3. Use line variation (wavy, straight, curved) as a design principle (balance, movement, repetition) within the Clay Slab Aquariums

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Clay Slab Aquarium for Assigned Table

2. The Goldfish Bowl (1921-1922) Henri Matisse

3. Discussion Questions "How many goldfish are there in this painting? Do you think the broad brush strokes on the surface of the bowl are goldfish or reflections of the four goldfish depicted below? Do the goldfish swimming in the water make you feel calm? Why do you think Henri Matisse was interested in painting goldfish? Do you like this painting? What do you think this painting is trying to tell us about the artist? What emotions do you think Henri Matisse is trying to convey in his painting? What do you feel when you look at Henri Matisse's art? Do his pictures make you feel calm?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use compass, protractor, and texture plates to add symmetrical shapes and expressive lines to the clay aquariums

2. Use form (two dimensional, three dimensional) to fill in the positive space (aquarium) of the clay aquariums

3. Use form (two dimensional, three dimensional) to fill in the negative space (background) of the clay aquariums

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Clay Slab Aquariums for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (tempera paint, water buckets, paint brushes)

Lesson Activities

1. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to fill in the positive space (aquarium) of the clay aquariums

2. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to fill in the negative space (background) of the clay aquariums

3. Apply Gloss Finish to the positive space (plant proportions, features, accessories) of the Clay Slab Aquariums

Artist Examples

Student Examples