The word "Gargoyle" shares a common root with the word "Gargle"; which comes from "gargouille", an French

word for "Throat". A true gargoyle is a waterspout. The word gargoyle is also a derivative from the Latin word, gurgulio, which had a double meaning: throat, and the gurgling sound water makes as it passes through a gargoyle. A carved creature that does not serve the purpose of a drain pipe is frequently referred to as a "Grotesque".

Chimeras are merely carvings of faces (usually grotesque) or mixes of different types of animal body parts to create a new creature. Some of the more notable chimeras are griffins, centaurs, harpies, and mermaids. Chimeras often served as a warning to people who underestimated the devil.

Water channel

Notre Dame
Gargoyles were used as a representation of evil. It is thought that they were used to scare people into coming to church, reminding them that the end of days is near. It is also thought that their presence assured congregants that evil is kept outside of the churchs walls. However, some medieval clergy viewed gargoyles as a form of idolatry.

Grotesques

CLAY
Clay will be used to create your own gargoyles. You need to know several of these terms to proceed:

Slip: A mixture of clay and water; Works as glue to fuse two clay pieces together. Score: Making small marks into the surface of the clay before adding slip or water to help fuse clay. Pinch Pot: Creating a piece of pottery by pinching and molding a solid piece of clay with your fingers/hands. Coil: Rolling clay out into a long strips, to use for details or coiling. Leather Hard: The condition of a clay body that has dried somewhat but can still be carved or joined. Greenware: When the clay is dry and ready to be fired. Bisque Firing: The first firing of unglazed ware at a low temperature. Removes all moisture from the clay and makes it easier to handle. Glaze: A compound of minerals that is applied to the surface of greenware or bisqued ware that forms a glassy coating when fired. Glaze Firing: A kiln firing that reaches temperatures at which glaze will melt. A glaze firing typically brings the clay body to its maturation point.

Coil Technique

Pinch Pot Technique

3 2

Greenware

Bisque Fired

Glaze Fired

PROJECT GUIDELINES:
The Gargoyle should: be created from a basic, hollow forms (pinch pot method). If it is not hollow, it will blow up in the kiln! exhibit evidence of proper use of clay hand-building techniques (properly attaching clay parts, smoothing of rough edges, etc.) have features which are built up or developed into the clay (no drawing!!) have some texture somewhere (scales, resemble stone, have "hair") have some type of unusual feature (wings, horns, protruding tongue, teeth, etc.) and combines different animals. (Chimera) Most importantly: SURVIVE THE FIRING!

To start, you will create two or more preliminary sketches of gargoyle ideas. Look at images of animals and gargoyles for references. You can research through magazines here, or do your own at home this weekend. DO NOT COPY DIRECTLY. Copies = 0% credit. Sketch two or more DIFFERENT ideas. You will then select the best one to make with clay. Im not looking for absolute realism, just an idea of what youre making. Before I give you your clay next week, I must see your sketches and two or three resource images (magazines or print outs). You will not get clay until you do so.