Modern Art | Visual Arts Education
Ceramic Art covers covers different styles of ceramics, including functional pottery, sculpture, and installation art. It includes information on design, composition, and aesthetics, as well as the history and cultural significance of ceramics. Visitors can learn about artists, their techniques, styles, and backgrounds through interviews, reviews, and features on emerging talent.
Ceramic Tools and Equipment: This practical and informative category provides visitors with information on the different tools and equipment needed to work with ceramics, such as kilns, pottery wheels, and clay extruders. It also includes tutorials on how to use different tools, reviews of brands and products, and tips on maintenance and repair.
Firing Techniques: This essential category covers different techniques used to fire ceramics, such as oxidation, reduction, raku, and pit firing. It provides information on the science behind firing, tips on achieving different effects, and troubleshooting common issues.
Ceramic Glazes: This important category is focused on creating unique colors and finishes for ceramic pieces. It covers different types of glazes, such as underglazes, overglazes, and engobes, and includes tutorials on how to apply glazes, tips on achieving different effects, and reviews of different brands and products.
Clays: This category focuses on the different types of clay used in ceramics, such as earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. It includes information on the properties of different clays, tips on selecting the right clay for a project, and reviews of different brands and products.
Glaze should dry completely before firing to avoid cracks and bubbles in the glaze surface. The drying time depends on the thickness of the glaze, humidity, and temperature conditions, but generally it takes anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. It’s best to wait until the glaze is completely dry to the touch before firing to … Read more
Terracotta is a type of clay-based ceramic material that is used for making various decorative & functional objects such as sculptures, pots, tiles, & roofing. It is known for its reddish-brown color, porous texture, & relatively low firing temperature. Terracotta has been used for thousands of years in many cultures, including ancient civilizations in China, … Read more
Salt glazed pottery is a type of ceramics that is made by applying a layer of salt to the surface of the clay before firing. The salt reacts with the silica in the clay and creates a glaze that gives the pottery a hard, glossy surface. The glaze provides a barrier against water. The unique … Read more
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
You can use an extension cord with a kiln. It is important to make sure the extension cord has the right gauge wire to handle the current the kiln requires. A kiln draws a lot of power, and using an extension cord with too small of a gauge wire can lead to overheating, fire, or … Read more
A kiln sitter is a device used in pottery and ceramics to control the firing process in a kiln. It operates by monitoring the temperature inside the kiln and cutting off the heat when the proper temperature has been reached. This helps ensure consistent & accurate firing results, & prevents over-firing or under-firing, which can … Read more
Kilns are oven-like structures that use heat to bake or dry a variety of materials such as ceramics, bricks, and wood. They work by heating a chamber to a high temperature and controlling the amount of air flow inside. This process allows for controlled and efficient heating, making it possible to produce consistent results. Kilns … Read more
Kiln elements last anywhere from 1 to 5 years, depending on the usage and frequency of firing. Regular use, high firing temperatures, and extended firing periods can reduce the lifespan of kiln elements. To prolong the life of kiln elements, it is important to fire at the proper temperature and duration and to avoid overloading … Read more