Math Games

Pattern block cards for designs.

No Shoes Blues Here!

Students are getting “hands-on” experience creating shoes, though these shoes won’t be worn on one’s feet.

At Webster City High School, students in Art Instructor Aaron Shirley’s Ceramics class, students are in the process of working on two different projects.

“The first project is building a ceramic shoe,” Shirley said. “This project helps the student learn the various tools and techniques of hand-building with clay.”

First, the students draw out of the pattern for their shoe. Then, they roll out slabs of clay and cut out the pattern pieces. After that, students attach the different pieces using the score and slip method. Once the overall shape is finished, students then add textures and details.

“The goal of the project is to create a realistic looking shoe out of clay,” he said.

The second project involves students working with the Potter’s Wheel.

“This takes more practice, and the students are required to get at least 15 working days on the wheel through the semester,” Shirley said. “The students first have to learn how to center the clay on the wheel, then be able to pull up the sides of the cylinder. Once they have the basic cylinder, they can then start the overall design of their piece.”

Below are photos from these two projects!