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Coil Basics

ESSENTIAL QUESTION: What do I need to know how to do, and why?

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Processing through these challenges will help you understand the characteristics and abilities of your medium. Completing these activities and skill builders enhances your knowledge and helps you develop the essential skills to create your own artwork.  Deliberate practice helps you master those skills and makes you aware of issues before they become bigger problems in your final artwork.

1. Coil Construction Techniques

Use the resources here to find answers to these questions & make notes in your sketchbook:

  • How do you roll a coil?

  • How thick should a coil be before using?

  • How do you connect coils effectively?

  • When must you score and slip between coils?

  • How do you change the direction of the form to go inward or outward?

  • Sketch the different kinds of decorative coils demonstrated.

Click here to view the slide deck in full screen

Evidence of Learning:

  • Notes

  • Photos of your Bisqued Practice Tile

  • Photos of your Finished Decorative Coil Piece

2. Extrusion

Use the resources here to find answers to these questions & make notes in your sketchbook:

  • How else can you make a coil?

  • How can using an extruder speed up the process of hand-building?

  • What is most important to remember when using the extruder?

  • What is the purpose of paddling a coil form?

Click here to view the slide deck in full screen

Evidence of Learning:

  • Notes

  • Photos of Extruded Coils

  • Finished Smooth Coil Cup

3. Oil Pastel & Watercolor Finish

Use the resources here to find answers to these questions & make notes in your sketchbook:

  • What kind of results does this technique produce?

  • What tool should you use to help you blend the oil pastel?

  • How many colors are recommended for blending in the oil pastels?

  • What kind of color should you choose for the watercolor?

  • Is this technique appropriate for items that will be used with food?

Evidence of Learning:

  • Notes

  • Photos of Finished Decorative Coil Tile

Coiling
Reflections

What skills/ strategies did you already know?​​ What was new?
What did you learn as a result of completing this work?
What did you expect?  What surprised you?  

What went well for you?

What could you have done better? 
What do you conclude about using these processes & techniques? Why?
How will you use these skills/ strategies in the future?

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