This term in Art we are studying Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese artist known for her artwork with sculpture and bright colour.
We have been learning some key skills a clay sculptor must know. First, we were given the clay tools, a rolling pin and a word mat with different techniques to manipulate clay. For example, squish, slice, pinch and press, scratching, blending. Take a look at some of us below:
After that, we had some time to experiment with the techniques. Take a look at one of Yayoi Kusama’s amazing sculptures below:

Next, we had to apply some of the techniques we had been learning. We had to mould the clay into the correct pumpkin shape. Then, we had to attach the stalk of the pumpkin. We used the score, slip and blend technique to attach the stalk correctly. Finally, we could then add our very own design to the pumpkin by scratching lines into the clay or creating holes. Take a look at some of our results:
We are looking forward to painting them once they are dry!
As an extension to this learning, we used iPads, paint and stickers to create our very own dotty pieces of art work.
How to help at home:
- Moulding clay by pinching and pressing can be a tricky technique that requires well developed fine motor skills. Could you practise doing this with playdough at home?
- Visit an art gallery and observe the different sculptures you see. Discuss what you like and dislike, materials and colours used as well as techniques you think the artist might have used.
- Get some of your own moulding clay and make a different sculpture. Try joining pieces together using the score, slip and blend technique.