Coiling Technique

 

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:

1. Preparation: Begin by preparing your clay. Ensure that it's properly wedged and at the desired consistency for hand-building. Wedging helps remove air pockets and ensures the clay is uniform.
2.  Coil Preparation: Take a small piece of clay and roll it into a long, even coil. You can do this by rolling the clay on a clean surface using your hands, or you can use a rolling pin or slab roller to create consistent coils.
3.  Base Coil: Start with a base coil by rolling a thicker coil and forming it into a               circle or any other desired shape. Flatten the coil slightly to create a stable                       foundation for your piece. Make sure the edges of the coil are securely joined.
4.  Coiling: Place the next coil on top of the base coil, slightly overlapping the edges.          Score (rough up the surface) and apply slip (a mixture of clay and water) to the                 edges of the coils to create a strong bond. Use your fingers or a clay tool to blend             and smooth the coils together.
5.    Layering and Building: Continue adding coils on top of each other, working your             way upward. Each new coil should slightly overlap the previous one. Keep the                 coils even and consistent in thickness to maintain the structural integrity of the                 piece.
6.                                     
7.   Shaping and Smoothing: As you build your form, you can shape and refine it by             gently pressing and manipulating the clay. Use your hands, wooden tools, or                    smoothing tools to blend the coils together and create a smooth surface. Ensure                 that the coils are firmly joined to avoid cracking or collapsing.
8. Layering and Building: Continue adding coils on top of each other, working your             way upward. Each new coil should slightly overlap the previous one. Keep the                  coils even and consistent in thickness to maintain the structural integrity of the piece.
9. Shaping and Smoothing: As you build your form, you can shape and refine it by               gently pressing and manipulating the clay. Use your hands, wooden tools, or                   smoothing tools to blend the coils together and create a smooth surface. Ensure that        the coils are firmly joined to avoid cracking or collapsing.
10.         Drying and Finishing: Allow your coiled piece to dry slowly and evenly. Cover it          with plastic or place it in a damp box to prevent excessive drying and cracking. Once      the piece is leather-hard, you can refine the surface further by scraping, carving, or           adding decorative elements.
11.     Firing: Once fully dry, your coiled piece is ready for the bisque firing. Follow the            appropriate firing schedule for the type of clay you are using. After the bisque              firing, you can glaze your piece and fire it again to achieve the desired surface finish.

         The coiling technique offers great versatility for creating a wide range of forms                  and allows for intricate details and textures. It's important to practice and                         experiment with the technique to develop your own style and master the                             construction of  coiled pottery.