Essential Questions: How has pottery contributed to the development of civilizations? What qualities must a piece of ceramics have in order for it to be considered functional?
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Create a dinner set that includes a cup, cup with handle, bowl, and plate. All vessels must match and look like they belong together. You may use any building technique you have learned thus far.
Requirements:
Prep: Pottery Forms- 5 points Sketches of design- 5 points
Forming: Functional (no cracks)- 5 points Pots look like they belong together- 5 points Cup- 5 points Cup w/handle- 5 points Bowl- 5 points Plate- 5 points
Surface: Glazing makes pots look like they belong together- 5 points Glaze is the proper thickness- 5 points
10 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN DESIGNING POTTERY FOR USE
10 QUESTIONS
1. Are the top rims and the edges of the handles sharp to the touch for either lips or fingers? Any parts of the pot that come into contact with parts of the body should be smooth.
2. Is the curvature at the top of a drinking vessel suitable for drinking from? Does it curve in or out, or is it straight up? For optimum function, there should be a slight curve outward so that liquid flows easily from the vessel into the mouth and does not dribble.
3. Is the shape of the object suitable to be held or drunk from?
4. Does the handle have sufficient room for fingers? Handles should have room for average-sized fingers (granted, hands come in all shapes and sizes, but the thickness of the thickest part of the average fore finger is about 1 inch). If handles are too big, it will likely feel awkward and look awkward.
5. Does the handle fit the hand, or do the fingers have to conform to the handle?
6. Is the width of the mouth of a drinking vessel too large or too small? For comfortable drinking, the width of the mouth of a drinking vessel should be no more than the distance from the lips to the bridge of the nose (see image above).
7. Does the shape of the pot need handles to fulfill its intended use?
8. Does the sound or texture of the surface aggravate the user?
9. Does the object as designed get too hot to hold? If your piece is designed for hot liquid, you might want to adjust the thickness of the walls, or attach a handle so that hands don’t get burnt. 10. Could it work better and be more comfortable to use than it is?