Ofysmith Pottery

  WORKING WITH THE CLAY Clay Shaping and Forming: Once the clay is prepared, it can be shaped and formed into the desired objects. The specific techniques for shaping clay depend on the intended use and can include: a. Hand Molding: Clay can be shaped by hand using various techniques like pinching, coiling, and slab-building. b. Pottery Wheel: A pottery wheel can be used to spin the clay while shaping it into symmetrical forms such as bowls, cups, and vases. c. Extrusion: Clay can be forced through a die or a nozzle to create continuous shapes like tubes or coils using an extruder. d. Mold Casting: Clay can be pressed into molds to create specific shapes and patterns. e. Drying: After shaping, the clay objects need to be dried to remove excess moisture. Slow and controlled drying is essential to prevent cracking and warping. Depending on the size and thickness of the clay objects, they can be air-dried or placed in a kiln for faster and more controlled drying. f....

  Procedures for Processing Clay                                                                                       Fig:   Processed clay      Processing clay involves several steps to transform the raw clay material into a usable form. The specific procedures may vary depending on the intended use of the clay, but here is a general outline of the clay processing process: Clay Collection: Clay is typically obtained from natural deposits, such as clay pits, mines, or riverbanks. It is important to choose a clay source that is free from contaminants and suitable for the desired purpose. Clay Preparation: The collected clay is usually in a raw or impure form, containing rocks, organic matter, a...

  CERAMIC COILING TECHNIQUE Basics when working with Coiling method in Ceramics           The ceramic coiling technique is one of the oldest and most versatile methods of                 constructing pottery using hand-building techniques. It involves creating ceramic                 forms by rolling and layering coils of clay on top of each other. These coils can                     be shaped and molded to create various vessel shapes, sculptures, or functional                           objects.             Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use the coiling technique in ceramics: Preparation: Begin by preparing your clay. Ensure that it's properly wedged and at the desired ...