This activity is inspired by contemporary Australian artist Pete Cromer and his depiction of colourful and collaged characterisations of Australian wildlife.
Pete Cromer Inspired Pinch Pots
Step 1
Divide a block of Oz Clay into 30 pieces.
Step 2
Roll a piece of clay into a ball. Model a pinch pot from the piece of clay by pressing your thumb into the ball and pinching the walls to create a bowl.
TIP. Avoid pinching the walls too thin to ensure the pot has strength to decorate and hang.
Step 3
Alter the shape of the pot to turn it into a character. The design may involve using modelling tools, straws or a skewer to make holes for eyes, carving out a shape for a mouth or joining additional clay.
TIP. When joining clay score both pieces, push them together and then smooth the join.
Step 4
Use a skewer to pierce two holes through the pot, 1cm down from the rim on opposite sides, for a hanger.
Step 5
Allow the character to dry. (Drying time depends on room temperature and the thickness of the clay.)
Step 6
Once dry, the character can be painted with Poster Colours. Leave some of the areas plain if desired to show the natural clay. Set aside to dry.
Step 7
Alternative Options: Poster Colours Paint can be substituted with Pearlescent Watercolours or any other water-based paints, pan colours or disks. Posca Markers can also be used to add colour to the design.