Buzz
Sculpture involves shaping clay into artistic or functional forms, like figurines, busts, bowls, or jars. To start, select your clay type, prepare your workspace, and decide on a design. Then, dive in, sculpt, and fire your creation.
Steps
Choosing the Right Materials
Opt for oven-bake, air-dry, or polymer clay if you lack access to a kiln. These alternatives offer convenience and are suitable for smaller projects like ornaments and figurines. Despite not needing a kiln, they maintain similar quality to traditional ceramics.
Opt for standard clay when shaping your sculpture by hand. Hand-building involves forming clay coils, slabs, and balls by hand to create your design. These basic shapes are then assembled and refined using your fingers and tools to add intricate details.
Explore wheel throwing in a classroom environment. While it's possible to learn wheel throwing independently, it's best experienced in a classroom with access to a pottery wheel and kiln. Look for classes at community centers, colleges, or universities to get started.
Choose between low-, mid-, or high-fire clay for kiln firing. Firing temperature significantly affects the appearance and durability of your sculpture. Consider the firing range for desired effects, such as bright colors with low-fire or strength with mid- to high-fire clays.
Dress appropriately and protect your workspace. Sculpting with clay can be messy, so wear clothes you don't mind staining. Cover your work surface with a tarp or newspaper to prevent stains and contamination. Tie back long hair to avoid discomfort from clay dust.
Select your sculpture design thoughtfully. Beginners may start with simple designs like animals, basic shapes, or small decorative pots. Intermediate sculptors can challenge themselves with mystical creatures like gargoyles or dragons. Choose a design that suits your skill level and interests.
Sculpture Techniques
Eliminate air bubbles by kneading the clay.
Air bubbles can cause clay to crack or explode during kiln firing. Knead the clay thoroughly by pressing and folding until all bubbles are removed. Check for bubbles by cutting the clay in half with a wire.
Form a hollow sphere by creating an indentation. Roll clay into a sphere, then press your thumb into the top to create a hollow. Spheres are versatile shapes in sculpture, representing heads or forming textured 3D shapes.
Shape a pinch pot by expanding the sphere's walls. Pinch the walls of the sphere outward to create a hollow pot shape. Pinch pots can be modified to resemble various objects, like a wishing well with added detailing.
Construct shapes and vessels using coils. Rub clay between your hands to elongate and thin it into coils. Use these coils to add detailed features or create larger structures. Coils should be a consistent thickness for successful firing.
Stack coils of clay in a circular shape to form a pot. This method allows for the creation of unique and functional pottery. Blend the coils together using your fingers or a tool to create a smooth surface.
Use scoring and clay water to attach separate clay pieces. Proper scoring and moistening are essential for securely joining clay sections. Follow a hashtag pattern when scoring and moisten the areas with clay water before connecting.
Thin out walls and hollow shapes before firing. Clay thickness affects firing results, with extremes risking cracking or explosions. Hollow shapes by creating a hole and removing excess clay with appropriate tools.
Prevent clay from drying out during the sculpting process. Keep works in progress covered with plastic to maintain moisture. Regularly dampen with water to prevent drying, but avoid oversaturation.
Firing and Applying Glaze
Begin the bisque firing process for your sculpture. This initial firing sets the shape of the sculpture before the final firing. Refer to the clay label for firing temperature and instructions. If unavailable, search online for the clay's details.
Review glaze label warnings thoroughly. Glazes may contain hazardous particles, so protective gear like gloves and masks are necessary. Purchase glaze from art stores and seek advice for beginners.
Opt for liquid glaze for easy application. Liquid glazes provide hassle-free application, though some may require an underglaze first. Follow label instructions, and apply layers as needed for desired results.
Ensure even coverage with dry glaze. Mix dry glaze with water as instructed, then dip or brush it onto your sculpture. Wear protective gear to avoid inhalation of particles.
Experiment with sponge application for varied effects. Sponges offer versatility in applying glaze, allowing for even coats or unique patterns. Explore different sponge shapes for creative designs.
Complete the firing process to finalize your sculpture. Refer to the glaze label for firing temperature. Place the sculpture in the kiln and wait for firing to finish. Once safe, remove the sculpture to admire your work.
Helpful Tips
Important Warnings
- Consider weight and balance when attaching clay pieces to avoid damage.
- Follow kiln instructions carefully to prevent accidents.
Materials You'll Need
- Breathing mask
- Bucket
- Ceramic trimming tools
- Glaze (liquid or dry)
- Kiln (optional)
- Latex gloves (or non-latex equivalent; optional)
- Oven-bake clay (or air dry or polymer clay; no kiln required)
- Paintbrush
- Popsicle sticks
- Rolling pin
- Sponge (optional)
- Standard sculpting clay (requires the use of a kiln)
- Tarp (or newspaper)
- Tongs (for dipping sculpture into glaze)
