1. CERAMICS AND SCULPTURE COURSE

2.   Clay is formed by the decomposition of rock through the action of weathering.  Impurities, such as sticks and leaves are taken out and the clay is then packaged for our use. Clay

3. Wedging Kneading the clay with the heel of the hands in a rocking spiral motion, forces out trapped air pockets and helps to distribute moisture evenly throughout the clay. **NEVER BUILD WITH CLAY UNLESS YOU HAVE WEDGED IT. IF YOU DO NOT WEDGE YOUR CLAY YOUR PROJECT WILL EXPLODE.**

4.  Hand building Three Methods… All Ancient…

5. PINCH POTS PINCH POTS are formed by pinching and turning a wedged ball of clay. Must continuously turn and apply even amounts of pressure. Never construct with walls thinner than ¼” or thicker than ½”.

6.  COILING  COILING is an ancient hand building method in which the work is constructed from rolled, rope-like pieces of clay.  Must work slow and evenly.  Best for organic / spherical forms.

7.  SLAB ROLLLING Hand Rolled Here.  Slab construction is in when the clay is rolled out in to flat pieces. The slabs are usually a consistent thickness and are then cut, scored, slipped and joined together.  Best to work with at the LEATHERHARD stage and to make geometric forms.

8.  SCORING SCORING is scratching the surface of clay with a tool in multiple directions. Used to attach one piece of clay to another in conjunction with SLIP, which is watered down clay. If clay is not properly scored, it will fall apart either when drying or during the firing process.

9.  STAGES OF CLAY

10. SLIP SLIP is liquefied clay in mud form. Slip is applied to scored surfaces and acts as a sort of “glue” onto attach one piece of clay to another.

11.  Plastic  Workable wet stage; molding stage; can recycle. At this point, it can still be joined to other pieces.

12.   Stiff and will hold its shape; can still be joined to other pieces. May be carved into. Can still be recycled. Leather-Hard

13.   Bone-dry; can be carved into; VERY FRAGILE. Can still recycle. Kiln ready. Greenware

14.   Fired once in the kiln. CAN NOT BE RECYCLED. Glazing/Surface Treatment Stage.  CONE 04 = 1945 DEGREES / 16 HOURS Bisqueware

15.   Result of a second firing. Completed if item is glazed.  CONE 05 = 1888 DEGREES / 8 HOURS Glazeware

16.  KILN Furnace used for “firing” greenware/glazed bisqueware. In order to become permanent, clay must be fired at very high temperatures in a kiln. We fire anywhere from 1800-2400 degrees Fahrenheit.

17.   Wedge clay to remove air bubbles & achieve uniform consistency.  Trapped air will cause clay to explode so hollow out any parts that are thicker than your thumb and put needle holes so air can escape.  Clay must be covered up with plastic to keep it from drying out. This applies to works in progress and moist clay sitting out while you work.  Never spray the inside of your project with water! It will break apart.  In order for clay to stick together it MUST be scored and slipped together.  Clay dust can be harmful if you are exposed to it for long periods of time, so keep your area clean and always clean tools, tables and hands.  Wash bisqueware before glazing & don't glaze the bottom of a piece.  Always handle your projects with two hands at all times. Never lift by the rim or handle before firing.  NEVER HANDLE ANOTHER PERSONS WORK. TO REMEMBER…

18.  WEDGE

19.  PINCH POTS

20.   Choose board with plastic, label it with your name using masking tape and a sharpie.  Choose a shelf in the storage room and label it with your name using masking tape and a sharpie.  Gather 4 pounds of clay.  Wedge clay to remove air bubbles.  Cut clay into 4 even pieces (1 pound each).  Create 4 IDENTICAL pinch pots with walls between ¼” – ½” thick.  Store completed pinch pots on your board with rims down. Wrap in plastic and store on your shelf in storage room. To Accomplish Today…