Clay
What: Clay, or other raw materials, is molded into various objects through multiple techniques. The materials are hardened by exposure to heat in various forms. Objects include bowls, tiles, figures, etc.
Materials: Stoneware (dense & hard), earthenware (porous & delicate), porcelain (strong & translucent), terracotta (type of earthenware, practical uses)
History: Clay crafts can be traced back to as early as 3,000BC and have served ancient communities all over the world. The empires of India used the material to create decorative tiles, bowls and vases, while Native Americans used it to store food and water. Uses of clay ranged from purely decorative to structural importance. Terracotta has been used to create pipes, and other forms of clay can often be found in kitchens. Throughout its life, clay has aided many cultures in everyday tasks, as well as innovative decorations.
Techniques:
1. Pinch Pots – A lump of clay is pinched into a palm-sized pot and then molded into a figurine, or other product.
2. Coil – Common method used to create bowls and vases. Coils are created, stacked and then joined and smoothed into a product.
3. Slab – Using textures, slabs of clay are molded into products. They can be placed over mats, rocks, or other materials to create unique imprints.
4. Wheelthrown – Clay is placed on a rotating wheel, and then molded into a product.
5. Slip-cast– liquid clay (slip) is poured into molds to create shapes.
Above: Nesting Set by John Sellberg
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