Zoo Ceramics Animal Sculpture and Giftware
Pottery Class Work
A small ball of clay is gently pressed inwards to create a trough, or bowl shape. The bottom is flattened and the sides are stretched and smoothed to an even thickness and then flattened slightly to allow the addition of coils. Coils are tubes of clay that have been rolled on a surface to an even thickness and length. Several are placed evenly on the top smoothed edge of the pinch pot bowl. The coils are smoothed together and blended to form a seamless finish. The pot is now ready for adding handles or decoration.
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Urchin Pot by Ellen |
Lidded Flower Ball by Sara |
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Patterned Pot by Sue |
Pot by Shannon
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Plaques made from flattened clay can be created in many sizes and styles, from a small wall tile to a large house sign. Plaques and tile work involves the process of slab rolling, which is explained in more detail below in the slab building section.
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Wave Plate by Loraine |
Leaf Plaque by Sarah |
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Plaque by Rachel |
Tiles by Vikki |
A lump of clay is placed upon a piece of material on a table. Two flat guide sticks can be used to create an even thickness of between 7 - 12 cm and are placed either side of the clay. Using a wooden rolling pin the clay is rolled out to an even finish. The flat panel is now ready to cut into sections. To join the clay together the edges must be lightly scored and then glued using slip. Slip is made with clay and a small amount of water mixed to form a paste. All rough edges must be smoothed and then the piece is ready to decorate.
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Perfume Bottle by Julia |
House by Jean |
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Horse by Ellen |
Bird Box by Clare |
Modeling and sculpturing techniques can be applied to both coil and slab work. The main thing to remember is not to allow areas to get to thick. In the initial building stages the whole body of the piece can be pin pricked to allow any trapped air to escape during firing, the holes can be smoothed over during the modelling stage. It is also very important not to allow any air to be trapped inside the work, so adequate ventilation holes must be created through each chamber and especially on the base.
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Buddha by Lucy |
My Daughter by Lisa |
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Angel by Ian |
Lady with Hat by Maureen |
Themed Work
During the Spring and Autumn terms a theme is introduced to the group to inspire and challenge the students to create some thought provoking pieces. Participation is optional, but a prize for the best piece is given at the Winter Feast. The Summer term theme involves creating a piece for the raku firing.
2020 Animals |
2021 William Morris Quote |
2022 Landscape |
Using modelling and carving techniques create an animal design. |
'Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.' | Observing colour, texture and patterns in nature. |
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Horse Head by Graham |
Bird Feeder by Ann |
Plaque by Jeanne |
2017 Through a Window |
2018 Artifact |
2019 Fairy Tales and Folklore |
| Design a piece inspired by a view from a window. | Looking back through history examine the art work of different cultures. | Create a piece of work inspired by a fairy tale, folklore or a fabulous beast. |
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Plaque by Julie |
Mask by Den |
Imp by Jane |
2014 Angels and Demons |
2015 Home |
2016 Food for Thought |
| Choose your side, are you with the Angels or Demons? | Architecture or something for the home. | Incorporate your favourite in to a design. |
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Demon by Jeanne |
House by Lizzie |
Liquorice House by Julie |
2012 Words |
2013 Back to Nature |
2014 Form and Function |
| Incorporate a word or text in to your design. | Nature is a rich source of inspiration to use in your design. | Understanding the shape,design and function of your piece. |
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Plaque by Lisa |
Tapestry Frame by Julie |
Button Pot by Helen |
2011 Vessel of Dreams |
2011 Finned, Feathered and Furred |
2012 In the Round |
| Create a vessel or design that can hold within its' structure, your dreams, wishes or desires | An exploration of animal features, textures, patterns and characteristics, incorporated into a ceramic design. | Explore round and spherical forms. |
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Dream Vessel by Angie |
Eagle by Eric |
Spiral Pot by Bev |
2009 Face to Face |
2010 2D to 3D |
2010 Ethnic |
| Interpret your observations of facial expressions, communication and thought. | Create a three dimensional design from a two dimensional image. | Using a world world of resources represent a pattern, design, motif or cultural style into a ceramic form. |
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Funny Birds by Lucy |
Horse Tile by Elaine |
Box by Anu |
2007 Genealogy |
2008 What is Human? |
2009 Let There Be Light |
| Create a piece of work inspired by your family heritage, that may become a poignant heirloom for your family. | Explore in clay what is means to be a human being. | Exploring how light can be used to interact with the clay medium. |
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Family Tree by Sharon |
Egyptian by Kenny |
Dot Tile by Sharon |
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Little Elephant by Shaun |
Cat Letter Rack by Sharon |
Updated 15th March 2023