Most types of mold growth in moist clay can increase plasticity because it augments the binding action and attraction of clay platelets. Enhancing the film of water between clay platelets with mold will increase the clay-to-clay attraction. One recipe to encourage...
STATES OF CLAY Clay is a liquid solid: It acts as a liquid when hydrated and in motion but as a solid when it is still. This is why it is easily formed and can hold its shape. In its raw state (before it has been fired), clay can be powder, liquid (slip), plastic,...
TYPES OF CLAY There are thousands of clay body formulations used throughout the world, each specific to an application such as bricks, industrial plumbing wares, scientific instruments, and dinnerware. For the studio potter, however, the three most common types of...
THE KILN In pottery, the most important tool of all is the kiln. A kiln uses heat to transform soft, malleable clay into a permanent rock-like state. There are many types of kilns; some use combustion for heat – such as gas, oil, or wood – and others use...
THE INTIMACY OF POTTERY Everyone has a favorite cup, though most people don’t really give it a second thought. Whether you drink coffee, tea, hot cocoa, or milk , when you reach into the cabinet full of assorted cups and mugs, you make a choice. The choice might...
