Research: Ceramic Techniques

Handbuilding

The natural reflex of the hands when in contact with the ceramic mass is to want to shape it (Corral, 2016). I think this is due to the consistency of the ceramic mass, more specifically, it is very similar to plasticine. This means that it is quite a thin material and the resistance when pressed manually is low. Products made from this ceramic technique are not for everyone, because it is manual work, which generally means that the work will not be perfect. For people with a high sense of need for features such as perfect smoothness or evenness, this may be unacceptable. However, it can be used well for products such as sculpting figures or specific shapes. However, this requires experience in this type of manual work. I am considering using this technique for the details of my next project.

Pinching

Betty Woodman, "Autumn Pillow Pitcher", 1998

This technique involves forming a ball of clay, usually the size of a hand. Holding the ball in our hand, we press our thumb inside it. Then gently turn the mass in your hands and at the same time press your thumb into its center. It is formed by pushing the walls apart to achieve the thinnest possible thickness. Then, using a damp sponge or a tool called ribs, smooth both the outside and the inside of the obtained vessel (Corral, 2016). To better understand and visualize this technique, I decided to find videos. While watching an instructional video on YouTube (KaransPotsAndGlass, 2013), I consider this technique to be more advanced. For people who feel confident working with their hands or have already had experience with clay. Currently, I am not considering using this technique in my projects. First of all, it seems to be intended for more advanced creators. Another reason is that it does not fit the context of my designs.

Slab Construction 

John Mason, Spear, Mint Sky Blue, 2016

I used this technique during preparation for my first project. It involves rolling out the wet mass, using a rolling pin and wooden pads (to ensure that the mass is rolled out evenly). Then, using a small knife, the selected pieces and shapes are cut and joined together. So far I have been working with wet pieces of clay. It turns out that this technique has a second option called: Hard Slab Construction. It involves using hard, leather-like pieces of mass and only at this stage cutting out shapes to connect them together (Corral, 2016). I will use this knowledge to connect larger parts together. A hard mass will be more stable, which will help avoid the collapse or deformation of the design.

Reference List: 

Corral, A. (2016). 5 Ceramic Techniques You Need to Know. [online] Artsy. Available at:
https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-5-ceramic-techniques-you-need-to-know [Accessed 13 Feb. 2024].

Gibson-Stoodley, S. (2023). Betty Woodman: Queen of American postwar ceramics. [online] Auction Central News. Available at: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/news/bid-smart/betty-woodman-american-queen-of-postwar-ceramics/ [Accessed 13 Feb. 2024].

KaransPotsAndGlass (2013). Pinch Pot Cup Forms Ceramics I - First day Pinching (Older version). [online] www.youtube.com. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CQAdMxjBik [Accessed 13 Feb. 2024].

Gagosian, L. (2019). John Mason: Geometric Force, Park & 75, New York, January 10–February 15, 2020. [online] Gagosian. Available at: https://gagosian.com/exhibitions/2020/john-mason-geometric-force/ [Accessed 13 Feb. 2024].