•In the wedging process, clay is repeatedly kneaded on a porous surface to draw some of the water out while distributing the moisture evenly, eliminating hard spots in the clay.• In the process, air bubbles are forced out of the clay, ensuring that these bubbles will not heat and cause the clay to explode in the kiln. •Properly wedged clay is very smooth, with an even texture which is easy and pleasant to work with. •People can also set clay up for specific tasks while they wedge, as for instance in the case of a conical wedge of clay which is ideally suited to working on the wheel. Wedging can also be used to blend multiple types of clay, ensuring that the clay is thoroughly and evenly worked so that there are no patches and pockets of a particular type of clay. •Potters who work with recycled and reclaimed clay often take special care over their wedging to confirm that the clay has been properly prepared.

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CLAY TECHNIQUES

Reason behind wedging!!!! (WHY?)

Wedging…http://www.wisegeek.com/in-ceramics-what-is-wedging.htm

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CLAY TECHNIQUES

wedging!!!! (WHERE?)

Setting up a good space for wedging is critical. ....A counter or block is needed to work the clay on, and it should be positioned at a comfortable height for kneading the clay. Tables often work very well for this, although unusually tall or short people may need to find a more adjustable surface so that they can wedge without straining their arms, shoulders, and backs. In a pottery studio, a wedging table may have a slab of basalt, concrete, or similarly porous material so that clay can be worked directly on the surface, but a canvas sheet can also be used for wedging

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CLAY TECHNIQUES

wedging!!!! (HOW?????)

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Everyone wedges slightly differently, but the goal is to knead and work the clay into a smooth mass. Some people slam the clay during the wedging process, while others prefer to create a churning motion with their hands which keeps the clay in constant rotation to press the air bubbles out. People who bake bread often wedge clay just like they knead.

Some people utilize a technique known as wire wedging, in which the clay is cut, stacked, and slammed against the table several times, with this process being repeated several times to thoroughly blend the clay.

People who have just started to wedge clay may want to begin with two different colored pieces of clay and wedge them together. This will allow for frequent checks on the wedging process, as the mixture of colors will be a visual indicator of their progress. Once people get familiar with the texture and feel of wedged clay, they can work with a single color of clay.

Note the rocking motion and lack of air bubbles after the clay has been cut with a nylon string…

Modeling tolls

Modeling tools are used for sculpting, carving, blending, texturing, cutting and poking. Clay can also be rolled(rolling pin) and molded. The modeling tools are what help create the piece of art work.

Some examples of modeling tools

Rolling pin- used to roll out thin layers of clay.

Clay extruding gun- used for pushing out certain shapes or making strings of clay.

Clay knives- used to cut and clean.

Rubber stamps- used for texture.

Here are some modeling tools

Texture and

imprinting

Texture is the feel of the surface related to your sense of touch. You get many different types of textures and we get these textures by imprinting things into the clay.

For clay you even get special stamps that you press into the clay. You can also get texture by carving the clay.

Some special ways to create texture in clay are:Slip trailingStampingSgraffito

Some examples of texture

Above are some textures that have either been pressed in or carved out. The different textures create an interesting piece of work.

Joining clay “scratch and slip”

Method: make scratches in the surfaces that you will be stickingtogether. Then add slip to these “scratched” surfaces (like a glue) the final

step is to press the two pieces of clay together.

Modeling tools

Tools are used to define and print patterns into your clay for a design effect. They can also be

used for carving out shapes or for modeling and molding.