clay wind chimes
objective: Students will create an abstract wind chime inspired by nature, using a mantle-piece and 3 tiers.
history:
Wind chimes are chimes constructed from suspended tubes, rods, bells or other objects and are often made of metal or wood. They are usually hung outside of a building or residence as a visual and aural garden ornament, and are played by the wind.
Roman wind chimes, usually made of bronze, were called tintinnabulum and were hung in gardens, courtyards, and porticoes where wind movement caused them to tinkle.
Bells were believed to ward off malevolent spirits and were often combined with a phallus, which was also a symbol of good fortune and a charm against the evil eye.
Today, wind chimes are common in the East and used to maximize the flow of chi, or life's energy.
Roman wind chimes, usually made of bronze, were called tintinnabulum and were hung in gardens, courtyards, and porticoes where wind movement caused them to tinkle.
Bells were believed to ward off malevolent spirits and were often combined with a phallus, which was also a symbol of good fortune and a charm against the evil eye.
Today, wind chimes are common in the East and used to maximize the flow of chi, or life's energy.
Please see Prezi presentation for more in class information including project themes:
http://prezi.com/pb1kyqn5z1te/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share
http://prezi.com/pb1kyqn5z1te/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share
steps:
First, create your mantle piece.
This does not have to be made out of clay, you can surely use a branch, driftwood, or other material as your mantle piece.
Remember, this will support the remainder of your wind chime, and will be the emphasis of the piece as well. Be sure it is substantial in size.
This does not have to be made out of clay, you can surely use a branch, driftwood, or other material as your mantle piece.
Remember, this will support the remainder of your wind chime, and will be the emphasis of the piece as well. Be sure it is substantial in size.
Next, create your tiers out of clay.
You are required to have at least 3 tiers. You can decide how many pieces you want per tier. Be sure to poke HOLES in your tier pieces! Leave room for the holes so your clay doesn't split. Additionally, don't forget to add an extra hole should you be suspending another tier from your pieces. Your clay will need to dry before it is able to be glazed. Take this into account as you make your pieces. Be sure you do not make them too small as the clay will shrink slightly. |
Add string to the top of your mantle piece and hang! Get ready for a critique as well.