The Art of Dessert: Pop Art Inspired Ceramic Treats

Objective: Create ceramic sweet treats inspired by Pop Art, particularly Claes Oldenburg. Target Levels: Middle School to Advanced. Focus: Artistic expression through ceramics using color, texture, and exaggerated forms.

Key Concepts: Pop Art Influence - Explore the Pop Art movement, focusing on exaggerating everyday objects like sweet treats. Artistic Techniques - Utilize hand-building techniques (coiling, slab construction) and apply Mayco underglazes for vibrant finishes.

Objectives Breakdown:

• Generate Ideas: Brainstorm exaggerated designs for ceramic treats.

• Develop Work: Sculpt forms with hand-building techniques and apply underglazes.

• Refinement: Add detailed textures and connect personal experiences with artistic interpretations.

Supply List: Mayco’s Fundamentals® Underglazes, clay cutting tools, canvas sheets, slip containers, sponges, modeling tools, rolling pins, icing tips, and found objects.

Directions:

1. Sculpture Base Formation: Create templates and assemble slabs into sweet treat forms using pinching and coiling.

2. Adding Texture: Techniques for texture include pinching and modeling.

3. Glazing Process: Apply underglaze colors before firing and use a clear gloss glaze for finish.

Master Artist Focus: Claes Oldenburg - Known for oversized whimsical sculptures critiquing consumer culture. Notable works include "Clothespin" and "Giant Hamburger."

Accommodations for Diverse Learners: Provide pre-formed clay, visual aids, extra time, and peer support.

Assessment Rubric Overview: Creativity, Technical Skill, Detail, Concept, Finishing Techniques, and Presentation evaluated.

Extensions for Learning: Research projects on Pop Art, peer critiques, and a mock marketplace for showcasing student works.