Before the creative process of pottery making begins, the clay must be carefully prepared. This preparation is crucial to ensure that the clay is uniform and free of impurities, which significantly affects the quality of the final product. In this blog post, we explain the key steps and techniques for preparing clay to work with.
1. Selection and storage of the clay
Before starting the actual preparation, the right clay must be selected. Different types of clay have different properties and are suitable for different projects (e.g. earthenware, stoneware, porcelain).
- Storage : Clay should be stored in a cool, dry place. It is important to cover it well to prevent drying out.
2. Sound conditioning
Conditioning the clay is a crucial first step. This involves kneading and softening the clay to make it pliable and moldable.
- Cutting and stacking : Larger blocks of clay can be cut into smaller pieces and then stacked on top of each other. The repeated cutting and stacking homogenizes the clay.
3. Kneading and rolling
Kneading and rolling the clay, also known as “wedging,” is used to remove air bubbles and improve the consistency of the clay.
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Techniques :
- Spiral wedging : The clay is kneaded in a spiral shape, which is particularly effective in removing air bubbles.
- Ram's Head Wedging : The clay is kneaded in a ram's head-like motion to achieve an even texture.
4. Tone relaxation
After kneading, the clay should rest for a while. This helps to relieve the internal tension and distribute the moisture evenly.
- Packaging : The clay can be wrapped in damp cloth or plastic wrap to protect it from drying out and to retain moisture.
5. Check for air bubbles
Even after careful kneading, there may still be air bubbles in the clay. These must be removed as they can cause problems during firing.
- Cutting and Checking : The clay is cut into thin slices using a wire cutter to check for air bubbles. If bubbles are found, the clay is kneaded again.
6. Humidity control
The right moisture level is crucial for handling the clay. The clay should not be too dry or too wet.
- Humidity adjustment : If the clay is too dry, it can be covered with a damp cloth or lightly sprayed with water. If it is too wet, it can be rolled out on an absorbent surface such as plasterboard to remove excess moisture.
7. Form clay lumps
The prepared clay is formed into manageable lumps or blocks that are easy to handle.
- Portioning : Depending on the size of the project, appropriate lumps of clay are portioned to make the work easier and ensure even processing.
Conclusion
Preparing clay is an essential step in pottery making that is often overlooked. Careful kneading, de-airing, and adjusting moisture levels will ensure that the clay is optimal for creative work. Not only does well-prepared clay make shaping and throwing easier, but it also results in better, sturdier final products. By using these clay preparation techniques, you can start your pottery projects with a solid base and achieve the best possible results.
