Proportions and Profile of My Vessel

This activity expands on what you learned in the lesson and challenges you to apply what you learned to the ceramic artwork your selected in Lesson One.

Use graph paper to make a drawing of your vessel’s profile. Here is a sample profile drawing.

Begin by drawing a line down the center of the paper to represent the axis of your vessel. Make a mark on the axis to locate the top and bottom of the vessel. Compare the width of the mouth of your vessel with the height of the vessel. Mark off half the estimated width of the mouth on both sides of the axis. Compare the width of the foot or base with the width of the mouth. Mark off half the estimated width of the foot or base on both sides of the axis.

Next locate the widest part of the vessel. Estimate its location. Is it exactly in the middle? Higher? Lower? Compare the distance from the mouth to the widest part with the distance from the widest part to the foot. Locate this part and mark half the estimated width on both sides of the axis.

Next find the narrowest part of the vessel. Compare the distance above and below the narrowest part to locate it on your axis. Mark half the estimated width on either side of the axis. Depending on the complexity of your vessel you may want to locate and estimate other key parts of your vessel. Use traditional ceramic terms to label parts of your vessel (for example, lip, neck, shoulder, body, and foot).

Draw a line connecting marks along one side of your vessel. Observe carefully how gradually or how abruptly the profile bulges in and out. When you have drawn your profile as accurately as you can, fold your paper along the axis. Place your folded paper on a light table or against a window. Trace the other half of the vessel.

Checklist
Write a detailed description of the vessel’s profile and how it is expressive including the following items:
1. I listed the ceramist’s name, if possible
2. I included my drawing of my vessel’s profile.
3. I marked key parts of my vessel with traditional names (such as mouth, lip, neck, shoulder, belly, and foot).
4. I identified a feeling, mood, or idea that I think the piece expresses.
5. I explained how the proportions, and/or profile help reinforce that expression.

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