How to Use Natural Clay

Natural clay is a versatile and widely used material with significant applications in pottery, sculpture, and construction. Understanding the different types of clay, such as earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain, is crucial, as each type possesses unique properties that affect the final outcome of the artwork or structure. Earthenware is widely used for its ease of handling, making it perfect for beginners exploring how to use natural clay.

Stoneware, known for its strength and durability, is often the choice for functional pottery. Porcelain, valued for its fine texture and high aesthetic appeal, demands more expertise but offers a refined finish. The importance of comprehending these clays lies in their inherent characteristics, which influence the creative process substantially. Besides being eco-friendly, natural clay is also celebrated for its adaptability, enabling both novice and skilled artists to craft meaningful and diverse creations.

Types of Natural Clay

1. Earthenware

Characteristics: Earthenware requires a low firing temperature and is typically porous, often appearing in shades of red or brown. 

Uses: Its manageable nature makes it ideal for hand-building projects, decorative pieces, and outdoor pottery. Its porous quality allows it to absorb water; an attribute artists can creatively employ in various applications.

2. Stoneware

Characteristics: Stoneware is fired at medium to high temperatures. It is known for its durability, making it a strong, lasting material often found in gray or brown hues. 

Uses: This type of clay is well-suited for functional pottery such as mugs and bowls, dinnerware, and sculptural work, thanks to its resilience and strength, which can withstand everyday use.

3. Porcelain

Characteristics: Porcelain requires a high firing temperature, resulting in a smooth texture and a pristine, white or translucent appearance. 

Uses: Due to its delicate and refined nature, porcelain is perfect for creating fine china, intricate sculptures, and high-quality dinnerware, where aesthetic appeal and precision are paramount.

Preparing Natural Clay

Step 1: Sourcing the Clay

Finding the right natural clay is an essential first step in ensuring the quality of your project. You can source clay from local art supply stores, which often provide a variety of clays suited for different techniques and skill levels. Online suppliers also offer a vast selection, allowing you to choose based on specific properties and firing temperatures. For the more adventurous, digging for your own clay from natural deposits in your area can be rewarding, though it requires an understanding of geology and local soil types. Regardless of where you obtain your clay, assessing its purity and composition is crucial. Ensure the clay is free from contaminants such as sand, rocks, or organic materials, as these can affect the clay’s workability and the finished piece’s integrity.

Step 2: Wedging the Clay

Before you can start creating, properly wedging the clay is necessary. Wedging involves kneading the clay to eliminate air bubbles and achieve a consistent texture, which is essential for preventing cracks during drying and firing. To start, place the clay on a sturdy, flat surface. Employ the spiral wedging technique by pushing the clay away from you with the heel of your hand while simultaneously turning it and folding it back onto itself. Repeat this motion until the clay looks homogenous and feels pliable. Alternatively, use the ram’s head wedging method, which involves rocking the clay back and forth while maintaining pressure to create a uniform body. Proper wedging is critical as it prepares the clay for any creative process, ensuring consistency and workability.

Step 3: Conditioning the Clay

Conditioning the clay means achieving the right moisture balance for the intended use, whether throwing on a wheel, hand-building, or sculpting. If the clay feels too dry, gradually add water; a spray bottle can help you control the amount. Gently knead the clay to distribute moisture evenly. Conversely, if the clay is too wet, spread it thinly on a plaster slab or porous surface and allow it to air dry until you reach the desired consistency. It is crucial to regularly monitor moisture levels, especially during extended projects, to prevent the clay from drying out and becoming unworkable. Consistent conditioning ensures the clay remains pliable, making the creative process smoother and more effective.

How to Use Natural Clay: Basic Hand-Building Techniques

Step 1: Pinching

The pinching technique is a fundamental hand-building method that involves shaping a ball of clay into a desired form using just your fingers. Start by rolling a piece of clay into a smooth sphere. Then, insert your thumb into the center of the ball while supporting it with your other fingers. Gently begin pinching the clay by pressing your thumb and fingers towards each other while rotating the ball to maintain even pressure all around. This technique allows you to create various shapes, such as bowls or cups. To achieve even thickness, maintain consistent pressure as you pinch and rotate the clay. For a smooth surface, periodically dip your fingers in water and gently run them over the clay, smoothing any rough areas or cracks as you work.

Step 2: Coiling

Coiling is a versatile hand-building technique where long, snake-like rolls of clay, called coils, are stacked and joined to form structures. To start, roll out a piece of clay into a coil of uniform thickness. Begin forming the base by spiraling the first coil into a flat circle. Continue adding coils on top, stacking them either directly on one another or slightly outward to create curved shapes. For strength and aesthetics, it’s important to blend or smooth the joints where coils meet. This process involves using your fingers or a small tool to gently join the edges, ensuring a seamless connection. Shaping the vessel as you build helps achieve the desired form and maintain balance.

Step 3: Slabbing

Slab-building is a method that involves cutting flat pieces of clay from rolled-out sheets to construct various shapes and structures. Start by rolling the clay into a flat, even thickness using a rolling pin, and use a ruler or thickness guide to ensure uniformity. Once flattened, cut the desired shapes with a knife, ensuring clean, straight edges. To assemble the pieces, score the edges that will join by scratching them with a tool, then apply slip, a mixture of clay and water, as an adhesive. Press the scored edges together firmly to create a strong bond. This technique allows for precise geometric forms and is ideal for creating boxes or architectural shapes.

How to Use Natural Clay: Throwing on the Pottery Wheel

Step 1: Setting Up the Wheel

To begin throwing on the pottery wheel, it is essential to ensure your wheel is set up correctly and securely. Place the wheel on a stable, flat surface to prevent any wobbling during use. Confirm that it is correctly connected to a power source for electric wheels, or ensure a sturdy pedal mechanism if using a manual wheel. Arrange all necessary tools within easy reach, including trimming tools, a rib for smoothing, and a sponge for maintaining moisture. Accessing these tools will help maintain a smooth workflow and prevent interruptions as you form your pottery.

Step 2: Centering the Clay

Centering the clay is a crucial skill in wheel throwing that requires practice and patience. Begin by shaping your clay into a ball and tapping it slightly onto the center of the wheel head. With the wheel spinning at a moderate speed, apply even pressure with your hands. Use one hand to secure the clay from the side while the other hand presses down from the top. Your arms should work in unison to guide the clay into the center of the wheel. Keep your elbows anchored to your body for stability. A common mistake is applying inconsistent pressure or not maintaining steady speeds, which can lead to off-center clay. Patience and consistent practice will aid in mastering this foundational technique.

Step 3: Shaping the Clay

Once the clay is centered, it’s time to open and shape it into the desired form. Begin by gently pressing your thumbs into the center of the clay to create an opening, ensuring the base remains thick enough to support the structure. Gradually pull the walls upward by applying steady, even pressure with your fingers both inside and outside the clay. Use both hands to guide and shape the cylinder, pulling steadily upwards to achieve height. As you work, utilize tools like ribs to smooth surfaces or sponges to maintain moisture, preventing the clay from drying out and cracking. Remember, shaping pottery on the wheel takes time and patience, so give yourself the freedom to experiment and learn through each piece created.

Drying and Firing

Step 1: Drying the Clay

Evenly drying clay pieces is essential to prevent cracks and warping, which can compromise the structural integrity of your pottery. Uneven drying typically happens when one part of the clay dries faster than another, causing tension within the material. To control the drying process, it is advisable to cover smaller pieces loosely with plastic to slow evaporation or use a damp cloth for larger items to maintain surface moisture. If working on sizable or intricate projects, consider using a plastic tent or placing the piece on a wooden board to allow moisture to escape evenly over time. Monitoring the drying conditions and environment, such as temperature and humidity, also helps ensure an even drying process.

Step 2: Bisque Firing

Bisque firing is a vital step in transforming raw clay into a more durable form, preparing it for glazing. This process involves heating the clay pieces in a kiln to a temperature typically between 1730°F (943°C) and 1940°F (1060°C). The objective is to harden the clay while keeping it porous enough to absorb glaze. Preparing the kiln properly and arranging pieces with gaps for air circulation promote even firing. Proper ventilation is crucial during this stage to avoid harmful fumes. Adopting safety precautions, such as using protective gear and ensuring adequate space around the kiln, further ensures a safe working environment.

Step 3: Glazing and Final Firing

Once bisque-fired, the pottery is ready for glazing, which adds color, texture, and waterproofing. Glazes can be applied using several techniques: dipping, where pieces are submerged in glaze; brushing, where the glaze is painted on; or spraying, which allows for even coating on larger surfaces. After glazing, the final firing, or glaze firing, is executed at higher temperatures, typically ranging from 1800°F (982°C) to 2380°F (1304°C), depending on the type of glaze. This firing melts the glaze to form a glass-like surface, enhancing both appearance and functionality. Carefully controlling the temperature and firing schedule during this stage is crucial, as it dictates the final outcome of the glaze and surface finish.

Conclusion

Natural clay is a remarkably versatile medium, embraced in both art and construction for its adaptability and sustainability. From intricate sculptures and pottery to robust structures, clay’s applications are boundless, showcasing its inherent value. Learning how to use natural clay effectively involves experimenting with various techniques—be it slab building, wheel throwing, or hand modeling.

Engaging in these practices can elevate one’s skill, as perseverance and practice continually lead to mastery. Beyond its creative potential, using natural clay offers significant environmental benefits. It is a sustainable resource that minimizes ecological impact, aligning with the principles of eco-friendly art practices. We encourage you to delve into the world of clay, share your journeys and creations, and contribute to the vibrant community of clay enthusiasts. Embrace the opportunities this natural medium presents, and allow your creativity to flourish in harmony with nature.

Check you out: How to Make a Ceramic Coil Pot