Creating ceramic pieces is no simple task. I quickly learned that there is much research and practice required in order to master the techniques of being a ceramicist.
The first thing that I remember learning is how to knead and wedge my clay. Professor Rochford taught that you must "get into a rhythm" when wedging. The perfectly-wedged piece of clay has a striking resemblance to a Ram's head (shown above).
“Place one foot back and get into a rhythm; a continuous motion. Do not fold the clay as this will create air bubbles.”
It took me a while to actually "master" this process. This was my first introduction into the level of preparation and skill required in order to mould clay pieces.
What I have picked up along the way:
1. Prepare a Good Workstation - Working with clay from home required me to buy some tools and supplies to create the perfect miniature workspace. First I bought some brown cotton (canvas) from a Radica Trading, which I stabled to a piece of wooden ply and clamped to a table at home. I also picked up some tools at Fair & Square, such as a rolling pin and a plastic turn table used for decorating cakes (so that I can easily turn my clay pieces without damaging them). I already possessed some of the other basic tools, such as a pin tool, ribs, wooden moulding tools, sponges etc.
2. Making Slip - Ceramic Artist, Raven Hill (2014) outlines the perfect recipe for making slip. She says that she keeps a small container close by to place clay scraps, and lets these scraps dissolve in water before mixing. She also recommends straining the slip to get a smooth texture and adding a little bit of vinegar, as this makes the slip more sticky. According to Hill, a sticky slip is perfect for adding handles to mugs. I still have yet to try adding vinegar to my slip, but once I do, I will update you with my results!
3. Scrap Bag - Always keep a ziplock bag handy for placing scraps. This is important so that scraps will not get too hard and can be saved and re-wedged for another project. Karan from KaransPotsAndGlass always recommends spraying the clay with some water (to add some moisture) before placing it the scrap bag.
4. DIY Slab Sticks - I didn't have my own wooden slab sticks, nor could I find any at a store in time, so I decided to make my own. I found a piece of foam board at home that was a little less than 1/4 inch thick. I cut the board down into some makeshift slab sticks so that I would be able to roll out my clay evenly.
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