An Introduction to Clay

1. An Introduction to Clay November 26

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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!

5. Tools you will need

6. 1. Preparing the clay • Kneading – mixes the clay • Wedging – removes any air in the clay • Air bubbles can make your piece explode in the kiln • What is a kiln?

7. 2. Forming the clay • Pinching • Coiling • Slabbing • Press Molding • Throwing

8. Pinching

9. 2 Coiling 3 1

10. Slabbing

11. Press molding

12. Throwing

13. Things you need to know about clay • Slip • When do you use it? • How do you use it? • Scoring

14. Texture and Pattern November 27

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

16. Incising

17. Sgraffito

18. Stamping

19. Inlaying

20. Sprigging

21. Piercing