Clay for Change
Meet The Teacher: Racheal Bellemer
Hi! My name is Racheal Bellemer. I'm an artist and educator originally from Western NY. I moved to MA 20 years ago for my dream job teaching High School Ceramics! I teach at Wachusett Regional High School in Central MA. I am passionate about Ceramics and am always looking to innovate my teaching practices to embrace all my students voices.
Project Description
In the " Clay for Change" project, students create works of art in clay that take a stance on an issue that is important to them or to the community they live in. Students may choose a topic that is social, political, environmental, etc. This lesson is best suited towards high school, but could be tailored to work with middle school ages, too.
Grade Level
High School
Difficulty
Advanced
Student Hands-On Time
3 weeks of meeting daily
Teacher Prep Time
1 hour (if you are using all the shared materials here)
Project Cost / Cost Per Student
2.50
National Core Arts Standards - Visual Arts
- Creating - Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas.
- Creating - Organize and develop artistic work.
- Creating - Conceiving and developing new artistic ideas and work.
- Presenting - Select, analyze, and interpret works for presentation.
- Presenting - Develop skills for artistic presentation and exhibition.
- Responding - Perceive and analyze artistic work.
- Responding - Interpret intent and meaning in artwork.
- Responding - Evaluate and critique based on aesthetic and technical qualities.
- Connecting - Relate artistic ideas to historical, cultural, and social contexts.
- Connecting - Connect personal experiences with artmaking and meaning.
21st Century Skills
- Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
- Creativity & Innovation
- Communication
- Information Literacy
- Flexibility & Adaptability
- Initiative & Self-Direction
- Social & Cross-Cultural Skills
STEAM Education
- Arts
Learning Objectives: Knowledge
Students will create works of art that act as a vehicle for their voice. They will use a variety of clay handbuilding techniques to make their "vision" come to life through a three-dimensional work of art.
Learning Objectives: Skills
Skills aquired: -Reflect on the best ceramic techniques to achieve the desired outcome -Develop and refine sketches in order to create a finished work of art -Use art as a vehicle to share a strong message -Explore and familiarize themselves with contemporary artists working with political, social, and environmental themes -Reflect on their own views of their community and the greater world to consider what holds value for them and what they'd like to see changed in the world.
Learning Objectives: Attitudes/Values
-How do different artists approach political, social, and environmental works of art? -How does our background play a part in the artwork that we create? -Why is it important for artists to convey a message with their work? -How are symbols used to convey emotional or other ideas? -How do you as an individual "feel" about a certain topic? -What do you want to see changed in the world?
Formative Assessment
-Small groups will discuss the work of Roberto Lugo -Peer feedback and teacher feedback on sketches prior to beginning to handbuild. -One on one meetings with teacher -In-process critiques with class
Summative Assessment
-Self-Reflection (found below) -Project Assessment (found below)
Reflection and Discussion
After watching the Roberto Lugo video (shared below) the group will discuss...What is Roberto Lugo trying to convey through his artwork?How does his pottery and his sculptures convey this message?How does the work impact you? Do you like it? Not like it? Why or why not?After the video, break up the class into small groups to share answers. Then share out as a class. After this activity, move into the presentation, give out the topics worksheet and assignment sheet.These are questions from a Self-Reflection.1. Explain what issue you have chosen to explore in your artwork and the message you are trying to communicate:2. Describe how you used sculpted elements in your artwork to convey your message.3. Describe how you used color in your artwork. Does it help to further communicate your idea? Why or why not?4. How is your artwork meant to be displayed or viewed? Does it mostly have one side or is it best viewed from above? Would it be best viewed from all sides? Provide a detailed explanation.5. What is the most successful aspect of your work and why? Are there any improvements to be made?6. Did you enjoy this project? Why or why not? Any suggestions for this project for future Ceramics students?
Lesson Activities
Roberto Lugo Video and Questions
Watch Roberto Lugo Documentary and answer the questions individually. Have small group discussions about your responses to the video and questions and then share out as a group. See the questions shared below in the handout (I have also cut and pasted it here).Ceramics II: Social Change IntroductionWatch the video about Roberto Lugohttps://www.pbs.org/video/articulate-ghetto-potter/While watching the video jot down your responses to the following questions:What is Roverto Lugo trying to convey through his artwork?How does his pottery and his sculptures convey this message?How does the work impact you? Do you like it? Not like it? Why or why not?After the video, break up the class into small groups to share answers. Then share out as a class. After this activity, move into the presentation, give out the topics worksheet and assignment sheet.
Slide Show: Clay for Change
After discussing the Roberto Lugo video, the teacher will share the project slide show "Clay for Change." The slide show includes a variety of artists and media, ending with a focus on ceramic artists. The slide show also includes the project requirements and many student examples.
Topic Research and Selection
Students will complete the two "Topic Choice" forms I have shared below. One gives students websites and other resources to search for meaningful environmental, social, and political issues. Another sheet asks them to reflect on what is important to them, why, and what should be changed (see below for the documents) .
Sketching
Students will develop at least two or more sketches after viewing the slide show and completing the topic sheet. Students will share the sketches with the teacher and with peers for feedback prior to beginning to sculpt in clay.
Project Work and Glaze
Students will use the following techniques to construct their pieces. The teacher will review these techniques, share examples and guide students individually to make the sketches come to life: -Coiling -Slab -Pinch -Solid Sculpting (some hollowing may be necessary).Once the project is complete it will be fired. Students will decide weather to use glaze or underglaze. Students will add color to their sketches and explore how color can convey a meaning or emotion. Washes with oxides will also be explored.
Self- Reflection
Once the lesson is complete, students will complete a self-reflection (see below), expanding on their original topic sheet and discussing how they used symbols to convey their ideas.
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