I had been given advice to change my test tiles to ones which would better resemble my final pieces. I have now moved on to tombstones: they are more carefully measured(10x5cm); much thicker in order to reflect my final pieces and carved out rather than slashed. Initially I did these test tiles 'wet roughened' as this was the treatment I had given to the forms. Micaela's comment in the semester one assessment, questioning whether this was necessary or desirable started a process of reflection about the surface of the clay. By carving with wooden tools on softer clay I had found that the protruding areas were vulnerable to damage. When the clay was firmer the shape was more secure but the process hurt my joints. Moving to metal turning tools there was a contrast in texture between the original surface and the carved walls, and it was difficult to achieve the flowing rounded edges I was aiming for. The action of wiping down with a damp sponge evened out the texture over the form, took off remaining 'burrs' and smoothed the curves. The downside was that I had to dry the piece even more slowly and I was uncertain the the very grogged texture would be an advantage in holding the glaze, and how attractive it would be. I did test tiles to match. Dave then suggested that instead of a damp sponge, I use fine grade steel wool on a very dry form (under extraction of course). I tried this and found it worked on the shape though not as well as the damp sponge, but did leave a smoother surface. I used a lot of steel wool for the two pieces I tried it on, and also found that the steel wool was too heavy to be easily sucked up even when using a brush to loosen the detritus. I dont know how any remaining bits of steel wool will affect glaze. My sponged test tiles were dried, fired and glazed, but meanwhile I have been working on progressively firmer clay (when I can control the impatience) and on developing my technique so that I am required to do less smoothing off. A new surface needs new test tiles! When Halima Cassell came to give her excellent talk to the MA design students in the spring, she answered further questions when she came back to the Ceramics department. Not only had she recommended that we "use just one tool and learn to use it well" but also said that she carved "tiny bits at a time" off clay that had dried "beyond leather hard". Sometimes we have to learn the hard way.
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AuthorI am indulging my passion for ceramics by undertaking studies for an MA at UCLAN Archives
August 2021
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