Seedpods

• These seedpods were made in a challenge program (4 sessions) working with potter Nicky Fraser and the
  art teacher.
• The techniques used included pinch pots, joining clay, adding coils and decoration – either manipulation
  of the clay surface, burnishing and the application of slips.
• In the first session, the students looked at seedpods – shape,colour and texture were studied.
• Students then drew them. Next they were taught how to make pinch pots.
• In the second session the students were shown how to make several different seedpods.
• Each student then made a seedpod. Though all started the same, they were finished differently.
• In weeks three and four, the students refined and developed seedpods.
• They were encouraged to try different techniques and forms.
• The final works were bisque fired. After that they were sawdust fired in a metal tin.
• Some copper was added to enhance the effects.
• Finally the seedpods were polished with cooking oil.

Clay Characters

•  These clay figures were complex to make.
• The students used three techniques to create each one:

1. The head was made by joining two pinch pots together.

2. A slab was made to form the body.

3. Coils were rolled to form a neck and to join the body and the head together.

•  Once made and fired the figures were painted and decorated.
• Some fabrics were dyed using shibori techniques. Shibori is the Japanese word for resist dying.
• Some of these fabrics were folded and clamped and some were wrapped around a piece of PVC pipe.

Brunswick SW Primary School