This class is designed for students who have an interest in working with clay, and gives students experiences in making functional as well as sculptural pieces, using a variety of techniques. Well thought out forms, designs and functional uses along with good craftsmanship are emphasized.
Students will:
*Create works of art in clay utilizing the processes of hand building using coils, slabs and pinch as well as a short introduction to wheel throwing.
*Glaze their projects, and learn about the method used to fire their works.
Ceramic Terms
WEDGE
Used to mix the clay, make the clay more flexible, and eliminate air bubbles. Clay should be wedged each day before it is used.
GREENWARE
Clay that has not been fired. Includes leather hard and bone dry.
LEATHER HARD
Still slightly wet and can be formed and carved. Leather hard clay is stiff and holds its shape when handled.
SLIP
Clay mixed with water so that it is about the same consistency as cream. It is used to attach clay pieces together. Slip is sometimes called slurry.
SCRAFFITO
Carving designs into leather hard clay.
BONE DRY
Clay that has no moisture. Clay in this form is ready to fire.
KILN
An oven used to fire pottery.
BISQUE
Clay that has been fired once. This clay will not break down in water. We bisque fire at about 1700 degrees.
GLAZE
Glaze is a group of chemicals mixed in water that when fired to the proper temperature will form a waterproof surface on your pottery that is similar to glass.
SLIPGLAZE
Slipglaze is a clay that will form a glaze on your pottery. Albany slip is the most used slipglaze.
GLAZE FIRE
Second firing where gazes melt on to the pottery. We glaze fire at about 2400 degrees