Form and function of pottery

In 4-5 studio class with art teacher Chloe Horie, the students have been talking about how form can match function in pottery: how the shape a pot takes mirrors the way the pot is used. This study happened in conjunction with the local food thematic study. Every student picked a food and created a pot specifically for serving that dish. During the study they looked at the work of local potters Kari Radasch and Ayumi Horie, both who grew up in Maine and have returned to make and sell their pots in Portland.

Among the 4-5 pieces one student created a pancake dish made in the shape of a turtle. When syrup is poured into the mouth of the turtle it travels down the neck and onto the pancake. Another student made a dish for strawberries in the shape of a strawberry. The berries sit in individual compartments at the bottom of the dish and there is a compartment for chocolate sauce or any other substance for dipping! Another student made a mug with a compartment underneath in which cookies can warm.

This art unit encouraged students to consider differently and more critically objects that they interact with every day. Like their local food unit taught them to consider closely the life of foods that they eat and enjoy every day, the pottery unit asked them to consider the artful way form supports function in dishes they use every day.  Chloe hopes that students have a new appreciation for the way in which the form and function interact with pots and that students will consider creating more works with specific functions in mind.