Ceramics

What happens when air bubbles are trapped inside clay during bisque firing?

They can cause the piece to blow up or crack.

What is wedging in ceramics?

The process of kneading and mixing clay to achieve consistent moisture and remove air bubbles.

What is 'score and slip'?

A technique used to attach two pieces of clay; scoring creates scratches on the surface, and slip acts as glue.

What are the five stages of clay?

Slip, plastic, leather hard, bone dry, and bisque.

What is the purpose of scoring clay?

To create a rough surface that helps bond two pieces of clay together.

What is slip in ceramics?

A paste made of clay mixed with water, often used as 'potters glue' to join pieces.

Describe the leather hard stage of clay.

Clay that has enough firmness to be carved or constructed without deformation.

What is greenware?

Any clay body that has not yet been fired.

What does bisqueware refer to?

Clay that has been fired once but has not yet been glazed.

What are the three handbuilding techniques in ceramics?

Pinch, slab, and coil.

What is the purpose of burnishing?

To smooth and compress the surface of leather hard clay, giving it a shine.

What is a kiln?

An insulated chamber used to fire ceramics at high temperatures.

What is the purpose of glaze?

To add color, texture, and a protective finish to ceramic pieces.

What is chemical change in ceramics?

A transformation that occurs during firing when clay changes its composition and structure.

What is dry footing in ceramics?

The technique of leaving the bottom of a pottery piece unglazed to prevent it from fusing to the kiln shelf.

What is the function of flux in glaze?

A material that promotes lower melting temperatures in the glaze.

Describe the process of sgraffito.

Painting underglaze on greenware and carving into it to reveal the clay body underneath.

What is the function of a rib tool?

Used for shaping and smoothing clay both in wheel throwing and handbuilding.

What are crystal glazes?

Specialty glazes that contain bits of ground glass, creating bursts of color when fired.

What is slip trailing?

A decorative technique that applies slip or underglaze through a squeeze bottle to create designs.

What is the difference between functional and non-functional work in ceramics?

Functional work serves a practical purpose (e.g., mugs), while non-functional work is purely decorative (e.g., sculptures).