This creative ceramics project invites children to explore and express their identity through the design and making of a slab-built clay pot, inspired by the work of celebrated British artist Grayson Perry. Perry is known for his vibrant, story-filled vessels that explore personal experiences, beliefs, and the world around him.

Children will begin by reflecting on what makes them unique – their family, background, interests, culture, memories, or aspirations – and will sketch out ideas that symbolise their personal stories.

They wil then use drawing to develop their designs before moving on to building their pots using the slab construction technique. Once formed, the pots will be decorated using coloured slips, sgraffito (scratching designs into the surface), texture tools, and patterns to reflect their story – developing their skills in colour, line, pattern, shape, texture, and form.

Once complete, the children’s work will be taken back to Ragtag and carefully fired in our kiln. After the first firing, each pot will be glazed and fired a second time to give it a strong colourful finish. Your beautiful, personal pots will then be ready to collect from Ragtag – a lasting piece of art that tells your story.