Visual Art I-Clay Test

When does clay become hard?

Firing

Step 1:

Clay is dug up from the earth and chemicals are added to make it more workable

Step 2:

The clay is wedged to eliminate all air bubbles

Wedging:

Kneading moist clay to eliminate air bubbles and producing uniform texture

What could happen if bubbles are left?

Clay could explode during bisque firing process

Step 3:

Clay is formed into an object

Forming clay with a slab does what?

Adheres slabs of clay together to form an object

Step 4:

Clay sits and becomes bone dry for 5-7 days

If a piece dries out too fast, ______ will appear

Cracks

Bone dry:

Unfired clay that is free of water and ready to fire

Step 5:

After piece is bone dry, is put into the kiln and bisque fired. Makes clay hard but not water tight

Bisque firing temp:

Cone 04; 2008 F

Kiln:

Furnace (oven) used for firing clay

Cone:

Mixture of clay and glazes with a predetermined melting point used in firing

Step 6:

The object is covered in glaze by painting, spraying or dipping. Then placed back into kiln to create a watertight barrier

Glaze:

Provides a watertight and colorful coating

Glaze firing temp:

Cone 05; 1944 F

Mantra:

An expression or idea that is repeated often without thinking about it

Green ware:

Clay in an unfired state

Leather hard:

Unfired clay that isnt quite dry, yet firm enough to carve

Bisque ware:

A first firing of clay without glaze