When Griffins are Happy Potters

 We Are Happy Potters!

At Alternative Class Day 1, ten Griffins and two teachers, accompanied by our dependable BA Driver, Kuya Henry and Guard Glen trooped to Pottery Nuvali for a morning of pottery and ceramic workshop. Our goals were the following:

1. To introduce the art and science of ceramics and pottery by knowing clay, the process of creating ceramics and pottery; 

2. To learn the basic hand-building techniques and surface decoration;

3. To provide a venue and avenue for self-expression, imagination and creativity.

The Happy Potters had an enjoyable and relaxing morning with Ms. Bing Bernardo Gaw of Pottery Nuvali who taught the group the basics of handbuilt pottery. The calm and nurturing atmosphere in her studio were perfect ingredients for creativity to flow and stream out into pots, plates, mugs and clay toys. That is why, Day 2 of Alternative Class Days was equally productive as the Happy Potters wedged, mold, pinched, slabbed, slipped and scored.

Here are some insights and takeaways from our Happy Potters.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the pottery session. It definitely exceeded my expectations. We learned a lot of basic techniques and how to use the different equipment while applying it to our own products ( which we were given much freedom with). I had lots of fun!” ~ F, Grade 11.

“I learned the basics of pottery, and how to make use of these newly learned skills on future projects.” ~ B, Grade 9

“I was able to learn different techniques such as the pinching method and slab method. I found this experience very relaxing.” ~ M, Grade 11

This is the third time we had Pottery during the ACD. The positive feedback inspires us to continue learning about this art and industry. Who knows where this will take us? Our only limitation is imagination.

Alternative Class Days: Paper Art / Paper Sculptures Day 2

Ms. Liza Flores, guest facilitator

Our Alternative Class Days in school ended last Friday on a high note. What Liza Flores, our guest workshop facilitator, started with us on Day 1 we continued on the second day.

I set up the workshop space early that Friday morning. There was an area for materials and supplies, an area for reflection, a work area and a display area. There were fourteen students in the workshop and seven of them came in early. At 7.45 AM, they were all in their work table cutting, pasting, mounting and quietly creating to their hearts' desires. With the help of my co-teachers, we guided all fourteen of our students in finishing their paper art projects. Well, there was very little supervision from us. They seemed to have taken the input session of Liza like fish to water. 

Our Griffins produced paper art on interesting themes. Some picked their favorite games and leisure activities, a cartoon character, a few played around with colors. One of them did a 3D model of a train. There was a student who made a notebook and designed a paper art on the cover. One senior made paper flowers which he put in a paper cup. It's amazing how one student stepped up to challenge of making a pop-up paper art and a Beacon Academy inspired art work. Many chose to work individually, but there were a few who paired and worked together. 

Some works on display at the school lobby

Before ending the day with the exhibit of works, we asked the students to write their reflections. This will help us decide where to go further with paper art / paper sculptures. For one, I am thinking of setting aside 45 minutes of paper art sessions in the library. If there is one thing we discovered with the ACD on Paper Art, it is a good stress reliever! 

Since I played the role of mother hen on Day 1, I didn't get to do the art exercises which Liza conducted for the group. So, I made sure to do at least two paper art projects of my own. I couldn't decide what to do at first. Flowers and leaves are the easiest to do, but my love for books won over. I looked for patterns of the White Tree of Gondor, the lamp post in Narnia and images of my favorite characters in Spirited Away. After selecting images, I went to work.

The White Tree of Gondor

The tree of Gondor was so intricate, it took me two hours to finish the piece. But boy, oh boy! I felt so good afterwards. Then I moved on to make soot sprites. My homage to Hayao Miyazaki. The lamp post in Narnia was shelved for another time. I had to give instructions to students as they prepared for the exhibit of works at 2PM. Together, we set up the paper art exhibit.

At the end of the day, we all felt accomplished. All of us were simply happy creating art with friends and colleagues during the two days Alternative Class Days (ACD) in the academy.

Here is the link to my blog post on ACD Paper Art / Paper Sculptures Day 1.