Storytelling Through Clay – Narrative Vessel Design

We will reflect on everything we have learn thus far to create a ceramic vessel of our own, by incorporating art history, aesthetics and ending with a class critique. 

Introduction to project 

Today we will start our coil vase project 

While goin through this presentation think of ideas for your sketches. 

Vocab 

 

  • Narrative: A story told visually or symbolically.

  • Symbolism: The use of images or patterns to represent ideas.

  • Motif: A recurring image or pattern in decorative arts.

  • Aesthetics: Visual qualities that impact beauty or meaning.

  • Form / Shape / Line / Color / Texture / Pattern (Elements of Design)

  • Balance / Contrast / Movement / Proportion / Emphasis / Rhythm (Principles of Design)


 

Historical References 

  • Greek black-figure and red-figure amphorae (mythological narratives)
  • Mimbres pottery (symbolic animal stories)
  • Chinese blue-and-white porcelain (folklore scenes & pattern flow)

More Historical References 

  • West African Yoruba vessels (ritual symbolism & pattern)
  • Japanese Jomon pottery (texture-driven storytelling)
  • Medieval European sgraffito ware (daily life scenes)

Grayson Perry 

Grayson Perry represents classical ceramic themes by using traditional forms, like pots, to create a juxtaposition between historical craft and modern content. He subverts this tradition by decorating the classical forms with detailed, narrative scenes and contemporary elements that explore identity, class, and social commentary, often incorporating autobiographical details and pop culture references

Coil techniques 

 

  • Create the Base

    • Start with a slab of clay about ¼ inch thick.

    • Cut it into a circle or desired shape—this becomes the bottom of your vessel.

    • Place it on a board or bat so it can be easily moved.

  • Roll Even Coils

    • Roll clay between your palms or on the table to form long “snake-like” coils.

    • Keep them even in thickness (about your finger’s width).

    • If a coil cracks, smooth it with a little water or slip.

  • Attach Coils to the Base

    • Score (scratch) and slip the edge of the base and the underside of your first coil.

    • Press the coil firmly onto the base, making sure it sticks securely.

    • Blend the coil into the inside wall using your fingers or a rib tool to strengthen the structure.

  • Build Up the Walls

    • Continue adding coils one layer at a time.

    • Score and slip between every coil to make strong bonds.

    • Smooth the inside of the walls to prevent weakness or cracking.

    • Leave the outside smooth or keep the coil texture visible—your choice!

  • Shape as You Build

    • Adjust the position of each coil to shape the vessel.

    • Move coils slightly inward to narrow the form or outward to widen it.

    • Take your time—shape grows gradually as you build.

  • Refine and Finish

    • Once the vessel reaches your desired height and shape, smooth the top edge.

    • Add decorative details, carve designs, or apply slip/underglaze when the clay reaches leather-hard stage.

    • Let your vessel dry slowly and evenly before firing.


 

Carving techniques with underglaze and slip. 

 

  • Sgraffito: Apply a layer of underglaze or colored slip to leather-hard clay, then carve through it to reveal the clay underneath, creating sharp lines and high contrast designs.

  • Incising: Use carving tools to cut shallow lines into the clay surface before brushing slip or underglaze into the grooves to emphasize the carved details.

  • Bas-relief carving: Carve away areas of clay to raise certain parts of the design, then enhance the raised or recessed areas with slip or underglaze for depth and dimension.

  • Slip trailing + carving: Apply slip in raised lines using a squeeze bottle, let it stiffen, and then carve around or into the raised areas to add texture and layered detail.


 

Where to start 

you will need the following materials, 

 

  • Clay (earthenware, stoneware, or local classroom type)

  • Slip and underglazes

  • Carving tools, texture tools, brushes

  • sketch book 

  • Reference handouts or digital slides of historical ceramic works

  • Water containers, sponges, ribs

 

What's next 

  • you will be making a coil vase, 
  • start this project by making 3 sketches 
  • next start using coil to build your vase
  • as the last step use historical practices to represent your story on your vessel 

 

Exit Reflection  

This project will last over the next few weeks, be sure to continue to think thoughtfully about your ceramic production.