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CERAMIC TERMS
Clay has been available as a creative material for thousands of years. It was formed as a result
of volcanic activity, which created igneous rocks. When these rocks decomposed over
thousands of years, various types of clay were formed. Clay varies in color due to the minerals
that are found in each type. The minerals change the color and strength of the clay, making it a
very versatile media – it is used for bricks, fine china, pottery, toilets, and floor tiles to give just
a few examples. The clay we will be using is called “earthenware” and it is white grey in color.
Another type of clay you may have used or seen in the past is called terra-cotta and it is reddish
in color. Remember as you work with clay that you are working with a natural part of the earth.
BASIC Terms
Clay: Earth substance that is plastic or moldable
Ceramics: The art of working with clay
Kiln: Large oven-like structure used to FIRE clay (like cooking, but MUCH hotter!)
Firing: Finishes the clay by heating it at high temperatures to make all the moisture evaporate; the clay
can be heated in a kiln or fire pit
Form: Three dimensional artwork
Stages of Clay
Slip: Watery clay, often used as glue
Plastic: Moldable, workable clay
Leatherhard: Clay that has been allowed to dry partially; clay that has stiffened, but is still somewhat
moldable
Bonedry: Clay that is completely dry and ready to be fired
Greenware: Any ceramic artwork that is completely dry but has not been fired
Bisqueware: Clay artwork that has been fired once
Ceramic Processes
Slipping: Adding water to the clay, blending the water into the clay until it isn't shiny; water applied to
the surface of the clay in preparation for joining two pieces of clay
Scoring: Scratching the surface of the clay; hatching the clay, before slipping, used to join two pieces of
clay
Kneading: Folding and working the clay to remove air bubbles and unify the moisture level of the clay
Pinch: Handbuilding technique that begins with a large ball of clay, which is rotated and pressed
between the thumb and the fingers to create a clay form
Slab: Handbuilding technique that begins with large, flat pieces of clay, which are joined when
leatherhard
Coil: Handbuilding technique that begins with long, thin rolls of clay, which are stacked on top of each
other and blended
 Reinforcing Coil: Coil added in the seam between two slabs to hold the slabs together
 Exposed Coil: Coil design which can be seen on the exterior of a form
Decorative Techniques
Incising: Scratching thin lines into the surface of the clay
Piercing: Cutting completely through the wall of the clay to remove shapes
Carving: Removing large areas of clay around a design, to create a raised design
Impressing: Pressing textured surfaces into the clay
Applique: Creating separate forms and attaching them to the surface of the form