Clay Gargoyle Sculptures

 

Fiona Black

Unit of Study: Art History

Subject: Art

Grade: 7th

 

The Big Idea: 

 

Students will build gargoyles out of clay after learning about their historical purpose and architectural significance.

​

Specific Essential Questions addressed in this lesson:

 

What was the original purpose of gargoyles? Where are they most often seen in architecture? What kinds of creatures are they?

 

Learning Outcomes/Expectations/Objectives:

 

As a result of this lesson, students will understand that gargoyles are not a specific kind of animal, and rather a creature created out of different parts of other animals, or out of the imagination of the artist. 

 

As a result of this lesson, students will know that the original purpose of gargoyles was both to drain water off of the roofs of buildings to prevent erosion and to ward off evil spirits.

 

As a result of this lesson, students will be able to design their own gargoyle creature and create it out of clay.

​

Learning Activities:

 

Introduction/Opening (5 minutes)

Begin by showing students images of gargoyles from gothic architecture and ask them prompting questions [Have you ever seen a gargoyle on a building before? Do you know anything about them and their purpose? What kinds of creatures are they? Human, animal?] Explain that they will be creating their own gargoyles out of clay, but will begin by sketching the creature first. 

 

Demonstration (5 minutes)

Ask that students get their sketch approved before beginning with clay, and remind them to draw their creature from multiple angles so they know what each part will look like (since this is a 3D project). For the demonstration remind students how to score and slip with clay and how to use the clay tools provided.

 

Transition: Send students to seats to begin working.

 

Activity (35 minutes)

Student will work independently on this project during this time frame. Hand out clay as students become ready.

 

Closure (5-10 minutes) *for when project is done [may take 2-3 classes]

Have students clean up and put their work away. Invite students to share their work and describe how they decided to make their creature (is it a combination of other animals?).

 

Materials needed for the lesson:

• clay (any kind will work for this project, as firing and painting is not necessary)

• pencils [1 per student]

• sketch paper [1 sheet per student]

• clay tools

• water cups and/or slip

• canvas sheets (either to cover the whole table, or a small one for each student to work on)

 

Teacher Materials needed for demonstration:

• a small bit of clay

• water cup and/or slip

• a few clay tools

• small canvas cloth

​