an introduction to clay

An Introduction to ClayNovember 26

Learning Outcomes I will develop knowledge and skilled use

of clay bodies for ceramics in a single medium

I will demonstrate additive, subtractive, and modeling processes in clay

What is clay? A type of soil – soil is made up of sand,

silt and clay Naturally found in the earth Becomes ceramic when it is exposed to

extreme heat Before it is fired clay can be very

malleable Many different kinds of clay

How do you go from wet clay to dry ceramics?There is a distinct process: Preparing the clay Forming the clay Firing the clay Decorating the ceramic piece Firing the piece Enjoying your work!

Tools you will need

1. Preparing the clayKneading – mixes the clay Wedging – removes any air in the

clay Air bubbles can make your piece

explode in the kiln What is a kiln?

2. Forming the clay Pinching Coiling Slabbing Press Molding Throwing

Pinching

Coiling

1

2

3

Slabbing

Press molding

Throwing

Things you need to know about clay Slip

When do you use it? How do you use it? Scoring

Texture and PatternNovember 27

3. Texture and Pattern Incising Sgraffito Stamping Inlaying Sprigging Piercing Pressing

Incising

Sgraffito

Stamping

Inlaying

Sprigging

Piercing