13. CURVED FORMS MADE OF SLABS-Slob Construction

Materials — gray or terra cotta pottery clay, about the size of half a loaf of bread; small amount of clay slip

Tools   — piece of cloth ½ yard square; 3 sticks, ¼x 1”x 8"; wood tools; wire tools; knife; brush; plaster bat about 6" x 8"

Curved or round forms can also be constructed with slabs, but it is advisable to make such forms of coils because it is a freer method and the result is apt to be less mechanical. If slab construction is used to make these forms, the process is similar to that used in making flat-sided objects. The only difference is that the bottom is circular or organic in shape and the slab for the side is made in one continuous piece and fitted to conform to the curve of the bottom (Figures 1 and 2). The sides may be vertical or made to flare or taper as desired. (See Project XI, and Project XII, for process.)

Figure 3—Pottery vase, by 15-year-old girl.

Figure 1—Cylindrical forms. Draw a circle of the desired size of the base on a slab of clay. Cut out, score edge, and paint with slip. Fit a slab of clay around edge and weld in place. Weld joint also.

Figure 2—Draw or trace organic shape of base on clay. Cut out and fit slab along edge after scoring and painting joining parts with slip.

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