Students are introduced to the "smoke firing" process by watching a
video about
Maria Martinez.
Using a variation of the Coil technique demonstrated by Mrs. Martinez, students are to make two pots small enough to fit into old coffee cans or large Fruit cans from the cafeteria. Each pot will be burnished with a spoon and a design carved or painted on.
Students discuss the Native American beliefs and how they do and/or do not tie in with Christianity. Spiritual Symbolism is also discussed as related to Native American culture and Christian belief.
To ensure that the firing process is "more successful" we lightly fire the pots in our kiln to about 600 degrees before packing them in the coffee cans. Sawdust, leaves, and paper are packed lightly around each pot inside the coffee cans. On a calm sunny day students meet before school to start the pots smoldering. By the end of the day they can gently clean off the pots to see the results of the firing.
The following evaluation is used for each pot, resulting in a 20 point assignment.
Evaluation:
2 points -- Simple elegant shape
2 points -- Complete area of burnishing
3 points -- Repetitive design or pattern
3 points -- Quality and workmanship
10 points for each pot = 20 points.
