F RMIntroduction to

A three-dimensional object with dimensions of height,

width, and depth.

Just like shapes, forms are also divided into the same 2

categories: organic and geometric.

FORM

GeometricMade by man, precise and described using mathematical

OrganicGenerally made by nature

and are irregular and uneven

Types of Shape

When an artist works in three

dimensions, he or she is working

with form.

CLAY

CERAMIC vocab:

Fine grain, sticky dirt that is pliable when wet, brittle

when dry and hard when heated

A special oven that can reach very high temperatures,

used to fire clay

CLAY:

KILN:

WEDGING:

MODELING:

TOOLS

SCORE:

SLIP:

FIRE:

A way of improving the workability of the clay by making it

consistent and even in texture while eliminating the air

bubbles.

Term used when turning on a kiln to get up to

temperature to change clay particles into a ceramic form.

Scratching into a piece of clay to make 2 pieces join

together

A creamy liquid made with clay and water…used to bond

together 2 pieces of clay

Tools that are used to mold/push and manipulate the clay

KILNS

ELECTRIC

KILN

GETS UP TO

1800°

GAS KILN

GETS UP TO

2800°

WOOD FIRE

KILN

GETS UP TO

2000°

SCORE & SLIP

MODELING TOOLS

Clay Stages

SLIP = LIQUID

A creamy liquid made with clay and water

used to join pieces of clay together.

PLASTIC = MALLEABLE

The stage of clay where it is still moldable. It

can be shaped or manipulated without

tearing or breaking.

LEATHERHARD = STRONG/DAMP/COLD

Clay had started to dry, but, it still has some

moisture. Leatherhard clay can still be carved

into or joined to other pieces. CAN’T

MANIPULATE!

BONE-DRY = FRAGILE

Stage of drying when moisture in the clay has

COMPLETELY evaporated. The clay is at room

temperature.

Clay

that

hasn’t

been

fired

Clay Stages...cont.

BISQUE = STURDY/POROUS

Ceramic ware that has gone through the

first stage of firing at a relatively low

temperature and still maintains its porous

state.

GLAZE FIRED = FINISHED/NON-

POROUS

The firing during which glaze materials

melt and form a coating on the clay

body surface.

1. SLIP 2. PLASTIC 3. LEATHERHARD

4. BONE DRY 5. BISQUE FIRED 6. GLAZE FIRED

Ten Golden Rules of Clay!

1. Clay must be thoroughly covered up with a plastic bag to

keep it from drying out. This applies to works in progress

and moist clay.

2. Clay dust can be harmful if you are exposed to it for long

periods of time, so keep your area clean, clay scraps off

the floor and clean with water and a rag.

3. Clay can be NO THICKER than your thumb. RULE OF

THUMB!

4. In order for clay to stick together it MUST be scored and

slipped together while the clay is moist or leatherhard.

5. Wedge clay to remove air bubbles, to achieve uniform

consistency and to line up the clay particles.

Ten Golden Rules of Clay!

6. Trapped air can cause clay to explode during the firing process. So hollow out sculptural forms or thick areas and put needle holes from the bottom so air can escape. Exploding pieces in the kiln can damage other pieces near it.

7. WRITE YOUR NAME OR INITIALS AND DATEYOUR PIECE ON THE BOTTOM OF IT.

8. Always handle your project with two hands at all times. In other words, BE CAREFUL! Lift by the body of the piece and support the weight with your other hand.

9. NEVER HANDLE ANOTHER STUDENT’S PIECE NO MATTER WHAT!

10.DO NOT THROW CLAY EVER! This will result in removal from the clay project and an automatic F for the project!

3 Methods of Handbuilding

• A pottery making technique where you make a

pot by pressing your thumb in the center of a

ball, rotating the ball while pinching up the sides.

Pinch pots

PINCH POT CONSTRUCTION

1ST

2ND

3RD

Create a ball of clay by rolling it in

your hands, begin by pushing an

indention in the center of the clay with

your thumb.

Turn the piece as you pinch up the side

walls. Try to keep an even thickness as

you rotate and pinch the clay.

Continue to turn the piece as you pinch

up the side walls. Try to keep an even

thickness as you rotate and pinch the

clay. Smooth the outside of the pot with

water if necessary.

• Long rope-like cords of clay used to create a

form

– Using 2 hands applying even pressure, you

will roll out the clay into long rope-like cords

Coil building

Rolling a Slab:

• A method of making

pottery in which a thin, flat

piece of clay is cut into

shapes which are joined

to form an object

– Use a rolling pin to roll

a thin flat piece of clay.

– Slabs can be good for

hair, spikes, capes, etc.