Modern Art | Visual Arts Education
Clays category is focused on the different types of clay used in ceramics, such as earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. It also includes information on the properties of different clays, tips on selecting the right clay for a project, and reviews of different brands and products.
Grog in pottery refers to crushed, fired clay that is added to raw clay to improve its strength and reduce cracking. The grog particles help to distribute stress evenly throughout the piece, making it less likely to break during the firing process. This technique has been used for centuries and is particularly useful for larger … Read more
Earthenware is a type of ceramic material made from a mixture of clay, sand, & water that is fired at low temperatures (typically around 1000-1200°C). It is porous, has a reddish-brown color, & is often used for making decorative objects, such as pottery & terracotta figurines. Earthenware is less durable than other ceramics such as … Read more
Leatherhard clay is a stage in the ceramic making process. Where the clay has hardened enough to retain its shape, but is still pliable enough to be carved, trimmed or otherwise manipulated. It typically occurs after the clay has been shaped and has been air-dried for several hours or overnight, but before it has been … Read more
A slab in ceramics is a flat piece of clay that has been rolled out to a uniform thickness. It is used as a building block in the slab building technique to create three-dimensional objects such as bowls, plates, and vases. Slabs are molded into different shapes, joined together, and decorated with glazes and textures … Read more
Construction involves using slabs of clay rolled out to a uniform thickness and then cut and joined together to form the desired shape. Using a consistent thickness of clay, scoring and slipping the edges to ensure a strong bond, and allowing sufficient drying time to prevent cracking are all essential for successful hard slab pottery … Read more
Silica dust can stay in the air for varying lengths of time depending on factors such as air flow and humidity. In still air, silica dust can remain suspended for several hours. However, in an area with good ventilation, the dust will dissipate more quickly. Humidity can also impact the duration, with higher humidity causing … Read more
Stoneware is oven safe and can be used in the oven for baking and cooking. This is due to its high firing temperature and dense, non-porous structure which make it resistant to heat and temperature changes. It is important to note that stoneware may become hot to the touch while in use, so oven mitts … Read more
For beginners, a plastic clay with high plasticity is best. It is easy to work with, has low shrinkage, and can be shaped into a wide variety of forms. Examples include: Kentucky OM4 and Tennessee B3. These clays are widely used and are readily available in many pottery supply stores. The Essential Guide to Finding … Read more
The stages of clay include dry clay, slip, plastic clay, leather-hard clay, bone-dry clay, bisqueware, & glazeware. Dry clay is mined and ground into powder. Next, slip is clay mixed with water, plastic clay can be molded. Leather-hard clay is firm but still pliable. Bone-dry is completely dry and hard, bisqueware is fired but not … Read more
Stoneware is a type of ceramic made from a mixture of clay, feldspar, and other minerals. It is fired at a higher temperature than earthenware but lower than porcelain. Earthenware is typically between 900-1000 degrees Celsius. Stoneware is harder, more durable, & more resistant to water & staining. It is often used for making tableware, … Read more