Clay Basics

Welcome to Ceramics! Even though we are in a changing world, we will still make art! Here are the basics you need to know to get into the semester!

Materials You Use in Ceramics!

Sketchbook

Each student will need a sketchbook ($5) or a folder to hold blank paper for this class only. Students are expected to bring their sketchbook to class & take it home each week. We will be photographing & uploading sketched images along with submitting project reflections.

Whiteware Clay

Each student will receive approx. 25 lbs of clay to use this semester! This will allow you to create each assignment within the size perimeters given.

Pottery Tool Kit

You will also receive access to all our pottery tools in the classroom!

10 Basic Rules of Ceramics

Clay must be thoroughly covered up with a plastic bag to keep it from drying out. This applies to works in process 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 sponge.
Clay should be no thicker than your thumb.
In order for clay to stick together it must be scored and and slipped together while the clay is moist (plastic) or leather hard.
Wedge clay to remove air bubbles, achieve uniform consistency, and to line up the clay particles.
Trapped air can cause clay to explode. So hollow out sculptural forms and put needle holes through enclosed forms for air to escape.
Don't glaze the bottom of the piece.
Wash the piece before glazing.
Handle your project with two hands at all times. In other words - be careful! - it's your hard work.
NEVER handle another person's work even if it looks cool!

3 Hand Building Techniques

Pinching

Pinch pots are created by using your hands to shape the clay. Pinch pots are some of the oldest archaeological artifacts found on the planet.

Begin by forming a smooth ball that fits in your palm (fist size).
Press the thumb into the center half-way to the bottom.
Revolve the ball while pressing the walls out evenly with the other hand.

Coils

Coil pots are created by pressing coils of clay together.

Keeping the fingers flat, form clay into sausage shapes.
Roll them into ropes (coils)
1/4" to 1/2" thick
Coils are pressed together creating a design. Gaps are filled in with small balls of clay.
Inside of the wall can be smoothed.
Join the walls & the bottom.

Slabs

The slab building technique involves rolling out clay to an even thickness - usually 1 cm - then cutting shapes, folding, bending, manipulating and joining together to form a finished object.

LEATHER HARD SLABS: let them dry slightly so it's easier to build forms with flat sides & sharp edges.

SOFT SLABS: roll out clay & build almost immediately to create curved forms with soft edges.

Wedging- aka removing the air bubbles

Clay Brick

When clay arrives from the factory it comes in 25lb bricks which are "de-aired". No need to wedge for hand building if you're cutting right off the brick! **You DO need to wedge if you're wheel throwing**

Spiral Wedging

Use your body weight to press down into the clay & roll it back towards your stomach. This compression & rotation will help align the clay particles and push out any excess air that may be trapped inside.

Drying States of Clay

Wet

When clay has lots of moisture & is very messy (like mud). Slip is considered wet clay

Plastic

Flexible state of clay when it can be molded, bent and attached without cracking.

Leather Hard

When clay holds its shape & is easily carved into.

Bone Dry

No moisture remains. Clay is completely dry & ready to be bisque fired!

3 Stages of Firing Clay

Greenware

Unfired clay that has 0 moisture & is ready to go into the kiln.

Bisqueware

Clay that has been fired once at a low temperature. It is no longer recycle-able & is now permanent.

Glazeware

Glaze has been applied & pottery is ready to be fired a second time to give it color, make it waterproof & durable.

Give it COLOR!

Underglaze

Underglaze or "colored slips" are most often applied to leather hard or bone dry clay (before firing). These can be used to create detailed designs or utilize decorating techniques to the surface of your work!

Glaze

Glaze is a chalky-like mixture applied to bisqueware. Most glazes require a 3 coat application to make sure it is durable and even. Glaze makes your work waterproof, so dishwasher & microwave safe!

Take it home!

You're able to have each piece you create fired & glazed. Please know that if we are in a full remote setting there will be drop off & pick up dates available if possible.

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