Notes: Introduction to Ceramics

Notes: Introduction to Ceramics

3-D Art 1 with Mrs. Graves

I. Vocabulary• Ceramics = A nonmetallic,

inorganic material that is exposed to extreme heat. The most common ceramic material is clay, but glass, plaster, and cement are ceramic materials, too.

I. Vocabulary• Pottery = Ware, such as

vases, pots, bowls, or plates, shaped from moist clay and hardened by heat.

I. Vocabulary

Pottery

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I. VocabularyClay

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I. Vocabulary• Clay

oWhat is it? Clay is the most universal material on earth. About 75% of the earth’s surface is clay or will eventually become clay…

I. Vocabulary…Clay is used to make more than just pottery. It can be found in many common items such as bricks, roof tiles, curling irons, spark plugs, and even...

…toothpaste!

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I. VocabularyoWhere does it come from? Clay comes from a rock called feldspar.

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I. Vocabulary…It takes centuries of geological weathering (being rained on, smashed by glaciers, having plants decay on it, etc.) to turn this rock into dust.

#6 Geological

weathering

I. Vocabulary After lying around

in the bottom of swamps and lakes, the dust picks up water and forms clay.

I. Vocabularyo The chemistry of clay:

Al2O3 ● 2SiO2 ● 2H2O

I. Vocabulary Al2O3 = Alumina

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I. Vocabulary SiO2 = Silica

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I. Vocabulary H2O = Water

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II. Properties of Clay• Plastic = Plastic is defined

as a material that can be molded. Clay is able to hold its form but is also able to be molded by hand. Water is necessary to make clay plastic.

#10Plastic

II. Properties of Clay• Porous = Porous means clay

is full of small holes so that water can escape as the clay dries. This keeps the clay from cracking as is dries.

#11 Porous

II. Properties of Clay• Able to Vitrify = Vitrification

is the conversion of clay into a hard glasslike substance when it is fired at a high temperature…

#12 Vitrify

II. Properties of Clay…Clay will never become completely glasslike no matter how hot it is fired, but is essential that is does become hard after firing.

III. Working with Clay• Preparing clay

o Wedging= a large piece of clay is first cut into pieces with a cutting wire, then the pieces are rearranged and slammed together to make it easier for kneading.

#13 Wedging

III. Working with Clayo Kneading = similar to

kneading bread. The clay is rolled over on itself and pressed down several times. After kneading, cut the clay with a wire to check that there are no air pockets or lumps.

#14Kneading

III. Working with Clay• Forming Greenware

o Hand building methods = pinch, coil, slab, and modeling. Clay can also be thrown on a pottery wheel.

Pinch method

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#16Coil method

#17Slab method

#18Modeling

III. Working with Clayo Score and slip = used to

join two pieces of clay together. A fork or needle tool can be used to score (or rough up) the surface and then slip (watered down clay) is applied at the joint like glue.

#19Score

#20Slip

III. Working with Clayo Leather hard = when the

clay has dried enough to be tough (like leather) but still workable. Used when building large forms.

#21Leather hard

III. Working with Clayo Bone dry = when clay has

dried out and is ready to be fired.

#22Bone dry

#23Inside a kiln

III. Working with Clay• Firing and Glazing

oBisque firing = the first firing a ceramic piece goes through. This is a low fire. After being bisque fired the ceramic piece is called bisqueware.

III. Working with Clayo Glazing = Glaze is applied to

bisqueware. It can be applied by dipping, spraying, or brushed on. We will be using brushes to apply glaze. Glaze should be applied in 2 coats.

#24Glaze

III. Working with Clayo Glaze Firing = this is the

second firing a ceramic piece goes through. This is a high fire. Once the piece has cooled it is finished!

#25-30Draw the tools in your bin!

#31Draw the wedging table in the back of the room

Electric Potter’s Wheel

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#33Kiln

#34Extruder

#35 Slab roller

Upcoming Projects…

Pinch Method:

Nose Teapots

Upcoming Projects…

Slab Method:

Artist Plates

Upcoming Projects…

Clay Modeling: Self-Portrait

Masks

Upcoming Projects…

Coil Method:Crazy Vases

Upcoming Projects…

Slab Method:License Plates