Introduction to F RM

FORM A three-dimensional object with dimensions of height, width, and depth. Just like shapes, forms are also divided into the same 2 categories: organic and geometric.

Types of Shape Geometric Made by man, precise and described using mathematical Organic Generally made by nature and are irregular and uneven When an artist works in three dimensions, he or she is working with form.

CLAY

CERAMIC vocab: CLAY: KILN: FIRE: SCORE: SLIP: Fine grain, sticky dirt that is pliable when wet, brittle when dry and hard when heated CLAY: KILN: WEDGING: MODELING: TOOLS SCORE: SLIP: A special oven that can reach very high temperatures, used to fire clay FIRE: Term used when turning on a kiln to get up to temperature to change clay particles into a ceramic form. A way of improving the workability of the clay by making it consistent and even in texture while eliminating the air bubbles. Scratching into a piece of clay to make 2 pieces join together A creamy liquid made with clay and water…used to bond together 2 pieces of clay Tools that are used to mold/push and manipulate the clay

KILNS WOOD FIRE KILN ELECTRIC KILN GETS UP TO 2000° GAS KILN

SCORE & SLIP

MODELING TOOLS

LEATHERHARD = STRONG/DAMP/COLD Clay Stages SLIP = LIQUID A creamy liquid made with clay and water used to join pieces of clay together. GREENWARE Clay that hasn’t been fired PLASTIC = MALLEABLE The stage of clay where it is still moldable. It can be shaped or manipulated without tearing or breaking. LEATHERHARD = STRONG/DAMP/COLD Clay had started to dry, but, it still has some moisture. Leatherhard clay can still be carved into or joined to other pieces. CAN’T MANIPULATE! BONE-DRY = FRAGILE Stage of drying when moisture in the clay has COMPLETELY evaporated. The clay is at room temperature.

BISQUE = STURDY/POROUS GLAZE FIRED = FINISHED/NON-POROUS Clay Stages...cont. BISQUE = STURDY/POROUS Ceramic ware that has gone through the first stage of firing at a relatively low temperature and still maintains its porous state. GLAZE FIRED = FINISHED/NON-POROUS The firing during which glaze materials melt and form a coating on the clay body surface.

1. SLIP 2. PLASTIC 3. LEATHERHARD 4. BONE DRY 5. BISQUE FIRED 6. GLAZE FIRED

Ten Golden Rules of Clay! Clay must be thoroughly covered up with a plastic bag to keep it from drying out. This applies to works in progress and moist clay. Clay dust can be harmful if you are exposed to it for long periods of time, so keep your area clean, clay scraps off the floor and clean with water and a rag. Clay can be NO THICKER than your thumb. RULE OF THUMB! In order for clay to stick together it MUST be scored and slipped together while the clay is moist or leatherhard. Wedge clay to remove air bubbles, to achieve uniform consistency and to line up the clay particles.

Ten Golden Rules of Clay! Trapped air can cause clay to explode during the firing process. So hollow out sculptural forms or thick areas and put needle holes from the bottom so air can escape. Exploding pieces in the kiln can damage other pieces near it. WRITE YOUR NAME OR INITIALS AND DATE YOUR PIECE ON THE BOTTOM OF IT. Always handle your project with two hands at all times. In other words, BE CAREFUL! Lift by the body of the piece and support the weight with your other hand. NEVER HANDLE ANOTHER STUDENT’S PIECE NO MATTER WHAT! DO NOT THROW CLAY EVER! This will result in removal from the clay project and an automatic F for the project!

3 Methods of Handbuilding

Pinch pots A pottery making technique where you make a pot by pressing your thumb in the center of a ball, rotating the ball while pinching up the sides.

PINCH POT CONSTRUCTION Create a ball of clay by rolling it in your hands, begin by pushing an indention in the center of the clay with your thumb. 1ST Turn the piece as you pinch up the side walls. Try to keep an even thickness as you rotate and pinch the clay. 2ND Continue to turn the piece as you pinch up the side walls. Try to keep an even thickness as you rotate and pinch the clay. Smooth the outside of the pot with water if necessary. 3RD

Coil building Long rope-like cords of clay used to create a form Using 2 hands applying even pressure, you will roll out the clay into long rope-like cords

Rolling a Slab: A method of making pottery in which a thin, flat piece of clay is cut into shapes which are joined to form an object Use a rolling pin to roll a thin flat piece of clay. Slabs can be good for hair, spikes, capes, etc.