The Pinching Method

Lesson Goals and Objectives

• Students will create a hollow bird using pinch and coil methods.

• Students will learn techniques for refining surface.• Students will learn to translate perceived 2-D volume

to a 3 dimensional form.• The lesson integrates natural history with art.• Students will personalize their work though the use of

texture and glaze.• Students will learn how to attach clay by using the

score- and- slip method

Tools and Materials

• Porcelain clay and slip• Flexible serrated metal ribs• Flexible rubber ribs• needle tool• Small paddles• Sponges• Glazes• Wax resist• Soft natural-hair brushes• Water to clean bisque

National Visual Arts Standards

• Understanding and applying media, techniques and processes.

• Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines.

• Using knowledge of structures and functions.• Reflecting upon and assessing the

characteristics of artwork.• Choosing a range of subject matter, symbols

and ideas.

1. Wedge the clay and form it into a ball

2. Put your thumb into the clay and start pinching gently then turn, repeat

3. Repeat until the entire pot is ¼ inch thick

4. Use a serrated metal kidney to score the top of the pot, then add slip

5. Push the ends together and smooth, then roll a coil and add it to the seam

6. Use a rubber or metal kidney to smooth the coil and the outside of the pot

7. Pull the tail end to stretch the clay

8. Add extra clay to the front by scoring and slipping. This will become the head.

9. Pull the beak out. You may need to add some water to your fingers.

10. Flatten the bottom so that it may sit on the table without rocking.

• 11. Smooth the entire outside surface• 12. Add texture, wings, feathers, eyes, etc. to

make it creative.• 13. Poke a hole in the bottom to vent air so

that it will not explode in the kiln.• 14. Sign it on the bottom.• 15. Bisque fire it.• 16. Apply 3 layers of glaze, not on the bottom• 17. Glaze fire it.