Sculpture in ceramic clay

Sculpture in ceramic clay

Here is an explanation of natural ceramic clay, the composition and properties of clay, an emotional dimension and personal expression that allows ceramic clay, how to use it, tips and sculpting techniques with natural ceramic clay.

Ceramic clay sculpture is common in the world and is used for sculpture as well as pottery.

"First place among the sculptural materials I would give to clay. There are, of course, different plastic polymer materials, plasticines of different types, but there is nothing more pleasant and convenient for sculpture than natural ceramic clay" -  Cherkov

Natural ceramic clay

Facts and properties of ceramic clay

  • Natural ceramic clay may consist of a metal oxide consisting of a single crystal (e.g. a silicon wafer), or a multi-crystal (e.g. alumina), or may consist of a compound of non-metallic elements (e.g. graphite).
  • Natural ceramic clay mixes with water easily and can be sculpted with it in various ways. It can come as a liquid ointment, used mainly for gluing clay sculpture parts and clay casting, or as massive lumps. Natural clay has a different texture relative to the size of the drop in it, and can come in different colors; Brown, terracotta, white, gray and black.
  • Ceramic clay dries within a week, depending on the thickness of the layer. When the clay sculpture dries it loses some of its color, shrinks, hardens and becomes brittle. Dry clay can be wetted and reused. Dry clay is very fragile, if you want to preserve the statue, prepare it for burning and burn in a ceramic oven at 1000 degrees or more (according to the manufacturer's instructions).

Emotional dimension and personal expression that allows sculpting in ceramic clay

Kneading the clay, touching, sculpting, testing the clay - are sensual actions, which return the creator to his initial experiences. The material allows for control and loss of control, invites concentration, meditation and a sense of inner peace.

The wide range of possibilities that the clay contains, from vigorous work to delicate work, has long been a wide range of emotions that may arise in the process of working with it.

There is something in clay that is reminiscent of a human body and contact with it can have a therapeutic effect. For example, the process of dehydration of the clay is reminiscent of the aging process of the body - wrinkles, cracks and external marks that can not be hidden. In addition, the clay can be wetted and played with, and thus the creator can deal with the aging process of the body.

Sculpting in ceramic clay - equipment and related materials

  • Work surface - It is recommended to work with ceramic clay on a stable work surface made of Plexiglas or Formica. A wood surface is less recommended as the moisture encourages mold formation.
  • Sculpture wheel - A wheel that rotates 360 degrees is convenient for circumferential work, especially for sculptures of large size and heavy weight that are very difficult to rotate without the wheel.
  • Cutting thread - For easy cutting of the clay into pieces of the desired size.
  • rolling pin - For flattening the clay to a flat surface.
  • Skewers and styrofoam - To support the statue in areas that may break, such as hands that are not close to the body and the like.
  • Design tools - For designing small details, different textures and smoothing the sculpture.
  • Water spray - To wet the sculpture in the work process.
  • Emptying tool - To empty the sculpture to the desired thickness before burning in the oven.
  • construction - For a sculpture designed to create patterns or for a sculpture in large dimensions.

In addition, a ceramic kiln or plastic glue is required to strengthen and preserve the statue.

How to use and process the work in ceramic clay sculpture

Obedient ceramic clay and pleasant to the touch. Can be kneaded, flattened, sculpted and washed. It can be shaped from a massive block of clay or under construction from parts. Clay can be used for gypsum molds for casting and even as liquid clay in mold casting. During work with clay it should be wetted with water as needed to prevent dehydration and cracks.

At the end of the work the sculpture should be allowed to dry completely, then it can be burned in a ceramic oven or coated with plastic glue.

Watch a video demonstrating a sculptural method with ceramic clay 3:41

Tips and recommendations for sculpting in ceramic clay:

  • In initial acquaintance with ceramic clay, it is desirable to create simple shapes. For example, the shape of a snake by rolling a block of clay on a work surface back and forth. Ball shape by holding a lump of clay between the two palms and rotating them in circles. The ball can be crushed to form a flat disc shape. Cube shape through the clay block partition with your finger and thumb from top to bottom with one hand, and on both sides with the other hand, then drum on the table on all sides of the cube.
  • At the end of the work on the sculpture, in order to continue working on it later, it must be covered with a wet cloth and covered with opaque plastic wrap. For slow drying of a finished sculpture it is recommended to cover with plastic partially.
  • Since natural ceramic clay is fragile and of low strength, in order to preserve a statue made of ceramic clay it is necessary to prepare the statue for burning in a special ceramic oven. Another option is to cover the statue with a layer of plastic glue.
  • After burning, it is advisable to give the sculpture a finish and paint to increase expressiveness. Can be painted with acrylic paints or with special coloring techniques Looking at a bronze, wood, etc. sculpture.

Additional ideas and explanations for ceramic clay sculpture:

 

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