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
Slipware is a type of pottery characterized by the use of a liquid clay mixture. It is applied to the surface of pottery before it is decorated with intricate designs using a slip trailer. This technique was popular in the 17th & 18th centuries in England. The slip creates a smooth surface for decoration, and … 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
Hard slab pottery construction involves using slabs of clay rolled out to a uniform thickness and then cut and joined together to form the desired shape. Successful hard slab pottery construction includes using a consistent thickness of clay, scoring & slipping the edges to ensure a strong bond, & allowing sufficient drying time to prevent … 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
Stoneware is a type of ceramics that is made from a mixture of clay and other natural minerals, fired at high temperatures (between 1200-1300°C). Stoneware is a dense, durable material that is resistant to chipping, cracking, and breaking, and can be used for a variety of purposes, including making pottery, cookware, and tableware. Stoneware Versus … 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