How
I choose a clay based on its fired colour and prefer it to have a slightly course texture. My work is mostly handbuilt with slabs that are rolled out by hand and a rolling pin. I want my work to have visual clues that suggest how they’ve been made; I like leaving evidence of joins and steps in edges.
I generally work on a group of pieces at the same time, revolving them one at a time when they have reached the right dryness for the next process. Most of the marks and colour is applied when the clay is leatherhard but further colour can be added after the first firing if needed.
I have made several YouTube videos that demonstrates and explains the making process as well as some of my creative thinking. Please take a look at my channel and subscribe if you are interested to learn more.
An Alternative Slab Building Technique
The Process
I prefer the softer surface that is achieved by using my hands to make a slab, as opposed to the harder and flatter finish achieved with a slab roller.
Texture added to the soft slab of clay.
Simple wooden tools are used to draw lines into the leatherhard surface.
Coloured engobe is used like paint to create the surface imagery.
Pressure is applied with my fingers to make the joins secure.
The vessel form is built up using sections of clay.
A slab of clay is made bigger by throwing and stretching.
Cutting shapes from a slab ready to assemble into vessel forms.
I generally work on a group of 4 or 5 pieces at the same time.
Finished work emerging from the studio clutter.
A studio still life.