Art
Clay Vocabulary
Clay–A mixture of sand, dirt, water and
minerals. Ceramics
–Clay that has been firedto create products such as
pottery, bricks, tiles andsculpture.
Clay VocabularyTypes of clay
Terra Cotta (a choice, limited)– Low fire clay. Fires at 1800’, red in color
– White art clay, low fire, best for – sculpture
Clay VocabularyPrepare the Clay
Knead–Mix the clay by folding, pressing, and
stretching the clay. Air Bubbles
–Air that is trapped in the clay–Will explode in the kiln if not removed
through kneading
*Judy Chicago: female artist who creates
3-D plates to celebrate famous women
Judy Chicago
The Dinner Party
1974-79various media48 ft. each side
Greek: Pottery that illustrates
a storyCharacteristics:1. Remarkable achievements in the arts, philosophy, architecture
2. Refined narrative decoration
3. Human “life-like” figures are emphasized
Black-figure Amphora
Red-figure Krater
Olpe
Amphora
Lekythos
Tile : a flat surface with a design that can be raised or carved
Firing: process that heats clay to
1800 F for 5-6 hours
Slab: clay that has been rolled flat
Relief Sculpture: a carved design that is 3-D, has a raised surface
Clay Vocabulary Join /Weld - to attach two pieces of clay together
Slip– Clay + Water = Clay glue– Liquid Clay
Score– Roughing up (scraping) the clay– For attaching clay together
Plastic – clay that is flexible and wet
Easily molded and shaped
Clay VocabularyStages of Clay
Clay VocabularyStages of Clay
Leather Hard– 1st day of drying, easily carved– Clay is cold, stiff, and leathery
Greenware – Completely dry pottery (but not fired)– Most fragile!
Bisque – Clay that is fired once.
Greenware
Raised –
Making a design that comes up off the surface, 3-D with added clay
Foreground: Closest to viewer (highest level)
Middle ground : between front & back
Back ground: farthest from viewer
(lowest level)
Carved- Forming a design by using sharp tools
Levels
Clay VocabularyFiring
Smoothing - Remove all texture with sponge and water
Firing– Fire clay 1400 degrees 6-8 hours
Kiln– Furnace used to fire clay
Glaze– Waterproof, Glass-paint
Shapes and Feet of Bowls
ToolsWood Paddle Sticks: flat paddle that “smacks” lumps and helps to shape clay forms
Modeling Tools: wooden or plastic tools that shape, cut, attach, decorate clay
Loop Tools: wire edged tools that cut, carve, and get lumps out of the clay form
Slab roller/ rolling pin: tool used to flatten clay
Carving knives: sharp edged tools that can cut, score, carve and put details into clay
Kiln: oven used to fire the clay
Finishing the SurfacePatina: painting a surface to create a “faux” look, also creates an aged/antique appearance
Pigment Dust: shimmery powder applied with modge podge
Glaze: glass like paint that is water proof, protects clay surface, and is food friendly
Modge Podge: a varnish that protects a painted surface
Plate & cup:matching design
3-D Clay Tile
Sculpture…
Clay DesignsCarved: subtractive, made by taking away clay with a pointed object
Painted: can be applied after bisque firing, with glaze or acrylic paint
Texture: made on a slab with tools