La Ceramica per Principianti in meno di 10 MINUTI. Video Tutorial sulla Ceramica - SUPER FACILE!!!

CeramicaPerTutti

27 Apr 202108:02

Summary

TLDRThis educational video dives into the world of ceramics, exploring its fundamentals from clay types to firing techniques. The speaker explains how different clays are classified by firing temperatures, colors, and thermal shock resistance, detailing varieties like terracotta, porcelain, and stoneware. Various shaping methods like pinching, slab techniques, and using a potter's wheel are demonstrated. The process from shaping to the dual firings—biscuit and glaze—is outlined, showing how ceramics become durable and waterproof. Additional tips on decoration methods like engobes and overglazes are shared, encouraging viewers to explore the endless creative possibilities in ceramic arts.

Takeaways

😀 Ceramics production involves clay, fire, and glaze.
😊 Clay types can be classified based on temperature resistance and color.
😄 Terracotta is prevalent in Mediterranean culture.
😃 High-temperature clay includes porcelain, commonly associated with China.
🤓 Different techniques like hand-building, slab-building, and coil-building are used in ceramics.
😎 Pottery wheel (torno) is a traditional technique used for shaping ceramics.
🧐 Learning to use the pottery wheel may take a few months of practice.
😉 Two main firing processes: biscuit firing and glaze firing.
🙂 Firing kilns are required for baking ceramics, reaching temperatures up to 1,300°C.
🤗 Various decoration techniques include engobes, overglazes, and third-firing colors.

Q & A

What is the basic composition of ceramic material?
-The basic composition of ceramic material is clay and fire. When clay is fired, it becomes ceramic, which can be either glazed or vitrified depending on the firing process.
How can clays be classified based on their firing temperature?
-Clays can be classified into low temperature, medium temperature, and high temperature clays. Low temperature clays are fired around 900-980 degrees, medium temperature clays at 1000-1100 degrees, and high temperature clays at 1200-1300 degrees.
What are some common uses for terracotta?
-Terracotta is commonly used for creating plant pots, pots for cooking, dishes, tiles, and decorative elements like azulejos in Mediterranean regions.
What are the characteristics of porcelain?
-Porcelain is a type of ceramic made from high-temperature clay that is very delicate, often finely decorated, and has a translucent quality.
How can clays be classified based on their color after firing?
-Clays can be classified by their color after firing, which can range from terracotta, orange, white, red, black, to almost transparent white.
What is the difference between refractory and pyrophyllite clays?
-Refractory clays are highly resistant to high temperatures and can be used for constructing large vases or sculptures. Pyrophyllite clays have a chamotte content and are also suitable for items that come into contact with fire, like refractory pastes for raku firing.
What are some techniques for shaping clay into objects?
-Techniques for shaping clay include pinching (pinging), slab construction, coiling (using coils or 'narghile' in Italian), and the ancient Japanese technique of 'kuri nooki' which means 'to hollow out'.
What is the wheel throwing technique used for in ceramics?
-The wheel throwing technique, also known as working on the potter's wheel, is used to shape clay into symmetrical objects like pots, bowls, and vases by spinning the clay on a wheel and using the hands and simple tools to form the desired shape.
How many firings are typically required to complete a ceramic piece?
-Typically, two firings are required to complete a ceramic piece. The first is called the bisque firing, which hardens the clay, and the second is the glaze firing, which makes the piece impermeable and enhances its appearance.
What are the main components of glaze and crystalline glaze?
-Glaze and crystalline glaze are composed of minerals that are usually sold in powder form. When applied to the ceramic piece and fired again, they create a glassy coating on the object. The difference is that glaze is an opaque coating, while crystalline is semi-transparent, allowing underlying designs to show through.
What are the different types of kilns used for firing ceramics?
-Different types of kilns used for firing ceramics include gas kilns, electric kilns, wood or charcoal kilns, and smaller ones like the 'magic kiln' which can be used in a home microwave oven for firing.
How can ceramic pieces be decorated before they are fired?
-Ceramic pieces can be decorated before firing using engobes (colored clay slips), oxides, or underglaze colors. These can be applied with a brush, a stamp, or other techniques to create various designs and effects on the clay surface.
What are the additional topics that will be covered in future videos on the channel?
-Future videos on the channel will cover a range of topics including stamping in plaster, slip trailing, paper clay, raku firing, saggar firing, lustrous metallic glazes, 3D printing, handmade bricks, and more.

Outlines

00:00

🏺 Introduction to Ceramics and Clay

The first paragraph introduces the basics of ceramics, explaining that it's made from clay and fire. It discusses different types of clay based on their firing temperatures, such as low, medium, and high-temperature clays, and their applications, including terracotta, terraiole, terraglie forti, and porcelain. The paragraph also touches on the history and cultural significance of ceramics, mentioning Mediterranean basin, Spanish and Portuguese azulejos, and Chinese porcelain. It then delves into the various ways to shape clay, including pinching, slab technique, coiling, and the traditional Japanese technique of 'kuri nooki.' The paragraph concludes with a brief mention of the wheel throwing technique and the importance of practice.

05:01

🎨 Ceramic Firing and Decoration Techniques

The second paragraph focuses on the process of firing ceramics and the various decoration techniques. It explains that ceramics undergo two firings: the first, called 'biscotto,' turns the soft clay into a hard and resistant material, and the second, 'smalto,' makes the creations waterproof and more beautiful. The paragraph details the use of glaze and crystalline, which create a vitreous coating on the ceramic object but differ in opacity. It also mentions the necessity of specific kilns for ceramics that can reach high temperatures and the availability of different types of kilns, including gas, electric, wood, and even a 'magic oven' that allows for microwave firing. The paragraph concludes with a discussion on decorating ceramics, including the use of engobes, oxides, and underglaze colors, and hints at future videos on additional decoration methods like third-fire colors, metallics, and decals.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Ceramics

Ceramics refer to the art of making objects from clay hardened by heat. In the context of the video, ceramics are the central theme, encompassing various types of clay, firing processes, and end products like terracotta, porcelain, and decorative items. The script discusses the transformation of clay into ceramic through firing, highlighting the importance of temperature and the use of glazes.

💡Clay

Clay is a natural material primarily composed of fine mineral particles and is the fundamental substance used in ceramics. The video mentions different types of clay based on their firing temperature, such as low, medium, and high-temperature clays, which are used to create various ceramic items like terracotta, terraiole, and porcelain.

💡Firing

Firing is the process of heating clay to high temperatures to harden it into a durable material. The video script explains that there are typically two firings: the first, known as 'biscotto' or bisque, turns the clay from soft to hard, and the second, the glaze firing, makes the ceramic waterproof and more aesthetically appealing.

💡Glaze

A glaze is a glass-like substance that is applied to ceramics before the final firing to create a shiny, often colored, and waterproof surface. The script discusses the use of glazes to enhance the appearance and functionality of ceramic items, distinguishing between opaque and semi-transparent glazes.

💡Terracotta

Terracotta is a type of ceramic made from clay that is fired at a relatively low temperature. It is mentioned in the script as a material that evokes the Mediterranean region and is used for creating plant pots, cooking pots, dishes, and decorative tiles like azulejos.

💡Porcelain

Porcelain is a high-temperature ceramic that is characterized by its whiteness, strength, and translucency. The video references porcelain as a material that brings to mind China, and it is used for creating delicate and highly decorated items like teacups, teapots, and vases.

💡Throwing on the Wheel

Throwing on the wheel, or simply 'throwing,' is a technique used in ceramics where clay is shaped on a rotating wheel using the hands and simple tools. The script mentions the use of a wheel for creating symmetrical and round ceramic forms, noting that it's a skill that takes time to learn.

💡Pottery Techniques

The video script describes various pottery techniques such as pinching, slab building, and coiling, which are methods for shaping clay into different forms. These techniques are integral to creating a wide range of ceramic objects, from simple vases to complex sculptures.

💡Refractory Clay

Refractory clay is a type of clay that can withstand very high temperatures without breaking down. The script discusses the use of refractory clay for creating large vases, sculptures, and cookware that are designed to come into contact with fire.

💡Decorating Ceramics

The process of decorating ceramics involves adding color and design to the clay before or after firing. The script mentions the use of underglaze colors, known as engobes, and overglaze colors, or enamels, to create a variety of visual effects on ceramic pieces.

💡Kiln

A kiln is a type of oven used for the firing of ceramics. The video script talks about different types of kilns, such as gas, electric, wood, or coal-fired kilns, and even a microwave kiln, which are essential for reaching the high temperatures necessary to transform clay into ceramic.

Highlights

Ceramics is made from clay and fire, resulting in either glazed or vitrified final products.

Clay is a sedimentary rock, part of the phyllosilicate family, and can be classified in various ways.

Clay can be categorized by firing temperature into low (900-980 degrees), medium (1000-1100 degrees), and high (1200-1300 degrees) temperature types.

Low temperature clay is used for terracotta, medium for terraiole and terraglie forti, and high for porcelain.

Terracotta is commonly used in the Mediterranean for plant pots, pots, dishes, and tiles.

Glazed and decorated ceramics like Vietri and Faenza can be made from high temperature clay.

Porcelain is associated with China, used for delicate teacups, pots, and vases.

Clay can also be classified by firing color, thermal shock resistance, and whether it is refractory or pyrophyllite.

Various shaping techniques exist, including pinching, slab building, coiling, and the ancient Japanese technique of jolting.

The potter's wheel, both manual and electric, has been used for over 5000 years to shape clay.

Learning to work on the wheel takes time and practice, but affordable wheels are available for beginners.

Clay needs to be fired twice - first in a bisque firing to harden it, then in a glost firing to make it waterproof and beautiful.

Glaze and crystal are made of minerals that, when applied and fired, create a vitreous coating on the pottery.

Glaze is an opaque coating, while crystal is semi-transparent to reveal underlying designs.

Specialized kilns that can reach 800-1300 degrees are required to fire ceramics.

Glazes can be applied to greenware (unfired bisque) using engobes, oxides, or dry glaze powders.

Glazes, engobes, and underglaze colors can be mixed to create new shades and tones.

Third fire colors like metallics and decals can also be used to decorate ceramics.

The Magic Steamer allows you to fire ceramics in a household microwave.

Ceramics is a vast field with many techniques like slip casting, raku, saggar, lustre, and 3D printing to explore.