Forming
Glossary · Family 03 of 5
8 terms
Forming
03 · Forming
Hand-building
A manual construction technique in which the ceramicist shapes the clay directly with hands and simple tools. It allows unique, sculptural pieces with great formal freedom and control over volume.
03 · Forming
Wheel-throwing
Forming on a rotating potter's wheel. The combined action of the hands and the rotation of the piece produces symmetrical forms such as bowls, cups, plates and vases.
03 · Forming
Slab building
A construction technique based on sheets of clay of even thickness. The slabs are cut, folded or joined to create geometric forms and structures with great freedom of design.
03 · Forming
Coiling
A construction method using long cylinders of clay, or coils. The coils are stacked and joined progressively to raise walls and build vessels or complex sculptural forms.
03 · Forming
Slip casting
A technique in which liquid casting slip is poured into absorbent moulds, usually plaster. It reproduces complex forms with precision and consistency and is common in both craft and industrial production.
03 · Forming
Plaster mould
A tool used to reproduce ceramic forms by pressing or casting. Its ability to absorb water helps the piece form and allows multiple faithful copies.
03 · Forming
Joining
The process of attaching the different parts of a ceramic piece during construction. Scoring and slip are used to secure the bond and prevent separation during drying or firing.
03 · Forming
Texturing
Applying reliefs, impressions or patterns to the clay surface before firing, using tools, objects or natural materials, to enrich the visual and tactile quality of the piece.
Previous
02 · States of clayNext
04 · Firing