Roses, roses!

Arts & Activities, June, 2004 by Darry Wukeson

My elementary artists bubble with excitement when they observe a large block of firing clay on my cart. There's something special about creating a unique three dimensional form from a chunk of clay.

I have experimented for many years with various clays, project themes and finishes. This is a "no fail" technique that I developed that gives me great satisfaction, the youngsters a sense of accomplishment, and evokes wonderful comments from parents.

Our lesson begins with a look at several famous artist prints of floral themes (any emphasizing roses will work well). Also, I have saved several rose catalogs and mounted individual rose photos on index cards for the children to view as they create. I include different types of roses such as tea, full-bloom, cabbage and old-fashioned--enough of a variety so that no two students will create the sane rose.

I also introduce the handmade porcelain floral creations from Italian designers such as Capodimonte, showing samples of this art form. It is also very beneficial to study a real rose if possible.

Once the general shape of the flower has been established, l demonstrate how to fashion the rose head from our firing clay. I use a clay that fires pure white and tends not to break.

Now, my anxious little artists try their skill. The lump of clay is briefly kneaded to force out air bubbles. Then a portion of the clay is rolled into a 10- to 12-inch snake (slightly larger than a hot dog in diameter). Between fingers and thumb, press the clay log until flattened out to a strip about 2 inches wide--thinner on one side-edge to form delicate petals (see illustration #1). Note: Do not press clay onto desktops--it will stick.

The flattened clay is then rolled slowly from one end, creating the center of the rose first. If the clay splits, it simply indicates a new petal and looks more natural (see illustration #2). The petals are formed by flaring outward the top thinned-out edge of the 2-inch strip. Continue until all the clay is used up from the 12-inch strip. Pinch the bottom firmly together to form the base of the rose.

For a more open (full-bloom) rose, I have the students add individual petals to the center portion by shaping leftover pieces of clay, as shorn1 in illustration #3, and then "press-welding" each one until desired fullness is achieved. Pinch excess off stem area if too bulky and scratch student initials on base of rose for identification. Allow the clay roses to dry completely.

Upon completion of firing, students discussed possible colors to paint the roses. We used simple acrylic paints (glazes could be used, but my best results were with acrylics). Many loved the idea of painting a solid base color and then "dry-brush edging" petals with a second color. For accent, green silk rose leaves were hot glued behind the rose head.

There are many creative ways to mount the roses for display. I found that 4-inch-square bath tiles work well. Because hot glue will not adhere to the tile, I found that clear Liquid Nails in a squeeze tube worked well. Be sure to dry at least 24 hours.

My young artists were elated with the result. They could even see their own fingerprints molded into the clay rose petals.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will ...

* become familiar with firing clay; its properties, techniques and finishing possibilities.

* be introduced to the use of nature (flowers) as a three dimensional theme in art.

* become aware of various master artists (selected from prints on hand) who used florals as an art theme.

* observe the way artists study the structural properties of materials in terms of technical requirements of the art form.

MATERIALS

* Firing Clay

* 4" x 4" glazed ceramic tiles

* Acrylic paints (red, pink, yellow, lavender, white, etc.)

* Silk rose leaves

* Hot glue gun

* Clear Liquid Nails adhesive in squeeze tube (or similar brand)

Darry Wukeson is an art specialist with the Bridgeport School System, Bridgeport, Ohio.