how to Manipulating Clay

Manipulating Clay the Right Way

by Jimmycox on Apr 28, 2009

Pottery is a wonderful hobby, and below are details to construct two objects: a hand sculpture and a pinch bowl.

1. Hand sculpture
Material - gray stoneware, gray or terra cotta sculpture clay, one handful, Tools - use your hands only.

This exercise will help you get the feel of the clay, but you also will produce a piece of ceramic sculpture. Take a mass of clay as large as you can conveniently hold in one hand, wedge it thoroughly and shape it into a ball or egg shape. Each time clay is used - before beginning any project, or when resuming work if a piece is put away before completion - it must be wedged.

The purpose of wedging is to remove all air pockets and holes which would cause a piece to explode in the firing; to eliminate foreign matter such as nails, cloth, and leaves; and to secure an even consistency. Never use unwedged clay.

The clay is patted or rolled into a flat rectangular mass, cut in two with a...Read More >>