Basics of Ceramics Clay Stages, Storage, Handbuilding Tools and Clean Up

Summary

This video from Clay Corner Syria offers an informative guide to hand-building ceramics, focusing on the different stages of clay and essential tools for beginners. It covers the properties of earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain clay, and how they transform as they dry—from soft plastic clay to bone dry. The video also introduces key tools like rolling pins, knives, and carving tools, and explains techniques for storing, wedging, and rehydrating clay. Additionally, it offers practical tips for working with and disposing of clay, making it ideal for beginners and experienced potters alike.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Clay comes in three main types: earthenware (low-fired), stoneware (mid-fired), and porcelain (high-fired).
• 🧱 Clay has multiple stages: plastic, leather, leather-hard, bone dry, greenware, bisque, and ceramic ware after glaze firing.
• 💧 Proper clay storage is essential: keep it in an airtight container, a damp box, or wrap it in a damp cloth.
• 🔄 Rehydrating bone dry clay is possible through slow moisture absorption using damp cloths or by converting it into slip.
• 🧰 Basic clay tools include rolling pins, paddles, knives, ribbon tools, scoring tools, and pin tools for cutting, shaping, and detailing.
• 🌀 Slip (liquid clay) acts like glue for joining pieces and is made using bone dry clay and water.
• 🔥 Bisque firing is the first stage of firing, turning greenware into ceramic. A second glaze firing makes it functional and food safe.
• 🧽 Clean-up requires specific steps: allow clay to settle in water, pour out clear water, and dispose of the remaining clay properly.
• 🔍 Working surfaces should be non-stick: unpolished wood or unprimed canvas works well for this.
• 📐 Proper wedging techniques are crucial to remove air pockets and ensure the durability of clay pieces during firing.

Q & A

What are the three main types of natural clay mentioned in the video?

The three main types of natural clay mentioned are earthenware (low-fired), stoneware (mid-fired), and porcelain (high-fired).

What is 'plastic clay' and what is it ideal for?

Plastic clay is soft, malleable clay that can be bent and worked with without breaking or cracking. It is ideal for coiling, pinching, and wedging, as well as taking on textures.

What is the 'leather stage' of clay and what can you do with it?

The leather stage occurs when clay is no longer sticky but still holds its shape. It can be shaped and bent slightly without cracking and is ideal for slab building, scoring, and slipping.

What happens to clay when it reaches the 'bone dry' stage?

In the bone dry stage, the clay is completely dry and can no longer be shaped or attached, but it can be buffed and sanded. Pieces at this stage are fragile and not functional until fired.

What is 'slip' and how is it made?

Slip is a liquid or paste form of clay made by mixing bone dry clay with water. It can be used as glue to attach pieces of clay or for slip casting in plaster molds.

What is the difference between 'greenware' and 'bisque' in ceramics?

Greenware refers to unfired clay pieces, while bisque is clay that has undergone a bisque firing, making it ceramic but not yet glazed or food safe.

How can you keep clay moist and workable over a long period?

To keep clay moist, store it in a damp, airtight container such as a ziplock bag, or use a damp box with a plaster base that creates a humid environment.

What is 'wedging' in ceramics, and why is it important?

Wedging is a process of kneading clay to release trapped air pockets. It is crucial because trapped air can cause pieces to shatter in the kiln or create weak points in the final product.

What are some of the basic tools needed for working with clay?

Basic tools include a rolling pin and guides, a wooden paddle, potter's knives, ribbon tools, scoring tools, pin tools, shaping tools, ribs, a slip jar, and brushes for applying slip or water.

What is the proper way to dispose of clay water?

Clay water should be allowed to settle overnight so the clay separates from the water. The clean water can be poured off, and the settled clay should be discarded separately to avoid clogging pipes.