Ceramic Layered Landscapes

Fifth grade recently created some amazing ceramic landscapes. We discussed landforms they learned about in Social Studies (mountains, hills, glaciated forms, valleys, etc.) and they created a landscape using those terms. We also talked about the concept of depth in artwork with the sky being at the top of a work of art, and as things get closer they move downward. We started with a brainstorming session, which turned into sketches, and then a paper model which has parts that can be used as templates.

Paper Model/Template

 We then used clay to create a ceramic landscape, using divided layers of clay to show the layers in a landscape. Care was taken to give small details and texture to the wet clay. The students were dedicated to making their landscapes unique and beautiful!

Clay landscape fired but not glazed.

 Once the landscapes were out of the kiln, the fifth graders glazed them. Some added marbles to indents to make tiny little ponds! The finished products are so interesting and every one has some individuality that we really love!

This landscape has lovely curved layers.

Great nighttime details with a bear.

Cityscape.

This landscape really shows the idea of distance.

See the water detail to the right...

Melted marbles make great water!