Introduction to Modelling III - Ceramic tools and equipment - Methods of moulding: coiling, slabbing, pinching

Introduction to Modelling III: Ceramics

Ceramics is the art and science of making objects from clay which are then hardened by heat. In modelling, we use various tools and hand-building techniques to transform raw clay into functional items like pots or decorative sculptures.

Key Points

1. Essential Ceramic Tools and Equipment

To work effectively with clay, the following tools are necessary:

• Modelling Tools: Small wooden or plastic sticks used for shaping and adding details.
• Wire Cutter: A wire with handles used to cut large blocks of clay.
• Rolling Pin: Used to flatten clay into uniform sheets (slabs).
• Sponge: Used for smoothing the surface of the clay and keeping it moist.
• Callipers: Tools used to measure the thickness or diameter of pots.
• Kiln: A specialized high-temperature oven used for firing (baking) the clay to make it permanent.

2. Hand-Building Methods of Moulding

There are three primary manual methods used to create ceramic forms:

A. Pinching

• The most basic method of shaping clay.
• Process: Start with a ball of clay, insert the thumb into the center, and "pinch" the walls between the thumb and fingers while rotating the clay to create a bowl or vessel.
• Result: Usually small, organic-shaped pots.

B. Coiling

• Building forms by stacking rope-like strands of clay.
• Process: Roll clay into long, even "snakes" or coils. These coils are laid one on top of another and joined by pressing or smoothing them together.
• Result: Allows for the creation of large, tall, and complex shapes.

C. Slabbing

• Building forms using flat sheets of clay.
• Process: Clay is rolled out into flat "slabs" of uniform thickness. These slabs are then cut into shapes and joined at the edges using "slip" (liquid clay) to act as glue.
• Result: Ideal for making square, rectangular, or geometric functional pieces like boxes or tiles.

Brief Summary

Ceramic modelling involves using specific tools like wire cutters and sponges to manipulate clay. The three fundamental hand-building techniques are pinching (squeezing with fingers), coiling (stacking clay ropes), and slabbing (joining flat clay sheets). These methods form the foundation of traditional and modern pottery.