On the last week before half-term, we were joined by the Year 5 boys from our Prep school for a Discovery Day. A chance for the boys to explore, try new things and get a feel for what life at the Senior School is like.
The boys rolled up their sleeves and got stuck into Clay-making models of a variety of animal heads.
Using clay slip, a liquid mixture of clay and water that acts as a glue to bond clay pieces together, they attached the ears and filled in any cracks. Next by using moulding tools they scratched the surface of the clay to imitate the direction of the animal’s hairs. Adding the eyes, carefully positioned with clay slip, their animal head was brought to life!
Under the guiding hand of the Art Department, the boys had a lot to consider while making their clay facsimiles. To develop the correct facial structure, they started with the eyes and snouts (and a few trunks, and noses).
The surveyed their models looking at the head from different angles for scaling and proportions closely taking into consideration the features of the animal. Starting with a lump of clay, as the hour-long session drew to a close, the boys finished adding the fine details of fur and scales.
The sculptures are being glazed and fired, and we cannot wait to get them back to the boys to see their animals in all their glory.
Thank you to the Art Department for helping run the sessions!
