Basics of clay use and building techniques for Art I Ceramics – Chia Heads Basics of clay use and building techniques for Art I

Basics of Clay – Types of Clay There are two types of clay available regularly, which is White Clay (most people have used this before, especially at middle and elementary level) For this class we will be using Red Clay, which is a lot closer to Terra Cotta.

Basics of Clay – Tools of the Trade Needle tool – cuts, makes holes, scores, used to incise or draw with Fettling Knife – primarily used for cutting slabs of clay Loop Tool – carving, trimming Rib Tool – evening out surface, scraping, smoothing Metal Rib Tool- evening out surface, scraping, smoothing Finishing Rubber – evening out surface, scraping, smoothing.

Clay Building Techniques For this project, the primary methods will be: Slab Construction – using a roller to flatten out clay into ‘slabs’ Slump Molds – using a mold or form to drape clay over in order to obtain a desired shape Modeling – using hand tools and techniques to sculpt out features

States of Clay Before the first firing, or ‘Greenware’ state After Bisque Fire Slip – liquid clay that is the consistency of thick cream. Used for joining pieces together Soft Clay- workable clay that is the ideal consistency for most building methods Leather Hard – condition where the raw clay has lost most of its moister to evaporation. Soft enough to be carved or joined to other pieces, but too firm to bend. Bone Dry – unfired clay that has no moisture other than natural humidity. Bisqueware – state of clay after it has been fired once in the kiln, but before it has been glazed. Glazeware- final state of ceramics after it has been glazed and fired again. Glazed pieces can be fired multiple times.

Score and Slip – Attaching Pieces This method is the primary way to attach pieces of clay together. Begin by scratching the surface of the clay where the two pieces will be connected. It is usually more effective if both surfaces are scored. Make sure the scores are deep enough they will not be wiped away during slipping. Take some of the slip from the container and slather it over the area it has been scored. Attach the pieces and smooth the seam. If done correctly, the pieces should remain attached during firing.

Building Process Step 1 – Building the Form/Mold Step 2 – Slab Rolling the Base

Building Process Continued… Step 3 – Roll out more slabs Step 4 – Building up the head

Building Process Continues… Step 5 – Slumping the Top Step 6 – Smooth Seams

Building Process Continues… Step 7 – Adding Basic Features Step 8 – Minor Surgery

Almost There! Step 9 – Smooth the Inside Step 10 – Re-attach and Smooth

The Fine Details Start putting in finishing details on those features Score the top for the chia seeds!

The Final Product