1. Ceramics
Slab Method

2. There are 3 main hand building techniques for making 3D ceramic forms
There are 3 main hand building techniques for making 3D ceramic forms. These are the pinch, coil and slab techniques. For this project you will be using the slab method.
Since ancient times these techniques have been used to create large, imaginative and exciting vessels.
Until quite recently they have usually been functional but now they are made as decorative works of art.
Many of the potters and artists who make these works have become well known and their work is collected and displayed in galleries, much the same as paintings and sculpture.

3. Assignment
For this project you will design a birdhouse and construct it using the slab method.
To begin, you will use the internet to research various architectural styles - Greek temples, Swiss chalets, Mid-Century modern homes, medieval castles, Victorian summer houses, etc.
Once you have located an architectural style you like, download an image or 2 and print out. Secure this reference in your sketchbook.
Again in your sketchbook, design 2 possible structures suitable for a birdhouse, based on the essential design qualities of the references you’ve selected.
Make modifications to your design to accommodate the needs of a particular or average bird, and the endurance of the birdhouse. Some additional research may be needed here.
Remember this is an art class so unique, fanciful, imaginative aesthetic decisions will be what sets your well crafted birdhouse apart from one that is just technically well made.
Now make pattern pieces for the walls, floor and roof based on your final design. Before cutting slabs, assemble the pieces to make certain you are pleased with the proportion.

4. Slab Construction

5. Fiona Hannon. Slab built lamp. 2007

6. Ken Eastman. ‘Still Life With Seven Forms. ’ Slab built and painted
Ken Eastman. ‘Still Life With Seven Forms.’ Slab built and painted.. 19 x cm. 1997

7. Stoneware slab pots. 20th century

8. David Faithful. Lidded Pot. Slab built. 1970’s

9. Shoji Hamada. ‘Vase’ Japan 1938

10. Toini Muona. ‘Chamotte Vase’ Finland 20th century

11. Steve Irvine. ‘Ceramic Pinhole Camera.’ 2007

12. Kazuo Yaqi. ‘Walking’ Japan

13. Slab Vessels.

14. Building a slab vessel

15. New England architecture

16. Temples
Greek
Roman

17. Castles
English castles

18. French castle
French tower

19. Japanese castle

20. Cottages
Irish cottage
Scottish cottage

21. Cottages
Cotswold
Thatched roof

22. Cottages
Key West
Victorian

23. Huts
African
Thai

24. English Tudor Style

25. Chinese House

26. Chickadee birdhouse

27. Lisa Pritchard

28. Slab Houses

29. Chris Theiss. ‘On the Bridge.’ Slab and coil work with sgraffito. 1989