Arlington Art
Lighthouse, Lofties and Sunroomers
By Claire Robertson
The Lighthouse, Lofties, and Sunroom have all been working with clay this term. Always a class favourite, it is not uncommon for Preshil children to respond with a very vocal “yesss”, accompanied by an expressive dance or fist pump, when I announce that we will be working with clay for the term.
Clay is a wonderful natural material which, due to its unique characteristics, has been used throughout history for a number of purposes, including art therapy. It has many therapeutic benefits; the hands-on nature of clay makes it a good stress-reliever and the process of making can be a positive way to express emotions. Working with clay has been proven to increase mood, self-development and self expression^.
Additionally, working with clay:
- Encourages sensory development
- Develops coordination and motor skills; improves eye/hand coordination and builds both gross and fine motor skills
- Builds imagination.
At Preshil, we do a unit on clay every year, always experimenting and approaching it in new ways. This year, tying into their classroom inquiry, the Lighthouse are creating characters and props for improvised storytelling. They have learnt lots of new techniques including pinch pots and making joins. Next week we will start to add colour to their creations with glaze.
The Lofties’ Art Central Idea is ‘Art can be a vessel that holds’. They have been learning different techniques for making ceramic vessels. They have discovered that Art can be functional and hold things like flowers or tea, but it can also hold meaning, stories, and memories. We went on an archaeological expedition and dug for ancient vessels and the children tried to figure out where they were from, when they were made, and what they might have been used for.
The Sunroom has been experimenting with different sources of inspiration. Each week they have learnt new approaches to working with clay and have allowed these to influence their creative outcomes. They have investigated the work of different artists and what inspires them, from Shinto gods to architecture, our world is filled with shapes, forms, and stories that can inspire new artworks.
If you are interested in having a play with some clay yourself, you don’t need much to get set up. There are lots of short courses but you can also have a play at home. It is a wonderful way to create and connect with your children. Most art stores will sell you hand-building stoneware or earthenware hand-building clay. Your children can teach you some pinching and joining techniques. Northcote Pottery in East Brunswick charge you per kg to fire your work (and I’m sure there are other places too). I am more than happy to give you any more advice, just send me an email. I work at Preshil on Mondays and Tuesdays.
^Hansen, Sara ‘Clay Qualities, Benefits, and Therapeutic Applications A Literature Review’ (2018). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 35.
Claire Robertson
Art Specialist for
Lighthouse, Lofties and Sunroom