This activity challenges you to use what you learned in this lesson as you reflect on your own responses to ceramic artworks introduced in the lesson.

Take another look at these round vessels. All were made on a potter’s wheel.

Which has the most difference between its height and its width?
Which has the widest mouth in relation to its body?
Which has the greatest difference in size between its mouth and its foot or base?
Which has the smallest difference between its widest and narrowest parts?

Choose one of the vessels that you think is expressive. That is, one that suggests a feeling, mood, or idea. Pay particular attention to the vessel’s profile and proportions. When trying to describe its expressiveness, sometimes it helps to think of people, things, or words that the piece reminds you of and then try to figure out what about the piece makes you think of that person, thing, or word. For example a low, wide form might remind you of a bulldog and might express toughness. A tall, pointed form might suggest a rocket and express freedom.

Checklist
Your teacher will ask you either to write or talk together about the proportions and expressiveness of vessels. You should include in your writing or discussion all the items listed below:

1. I identified a vessel that I think is expressive.
2. I described the proportions of its profile.
3. I identified a feeling or idea that the vessel expresses.
4. I explained how the proportions of the vessel help the vessel express that feeling or idea.

Begin the track assigned by your teacher:

Inquiry Track  /  Celebration Track  /  Mathematics Track

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