CERAMICS – CHIA HEADSBasics of clay use and building techniques for Art I

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 – Types of Clay

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

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.

Before the first firing, or ‘Greenware’ state

After Bisque Fire

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