MetamorphosisA Studio Tour: From Mud to Mug

Mud 2

Mix 4

Wedge 6

Throw 8

Glaze 10

Mug 12Metamorphosis

A Studio Tour: From Mud to Mug

A

Clay can be thought of as very clean mud. Refined clay and minerals are mixed to create a wide variety of clay colors and textures which fire at different temperatures, and are used for different techniques. When working with wet clay, you have a chance to take advantage of its mailability and let your style come through. Once the clay dries, you are left with every mark and ding on the surface of a dried pot. Depending on how you fire your ware, it could be months before a piece is finished and functional. If it does not come out of the kiln the way you had hoped, or if it did not survive the firing, you start over at the beginning of the process, with a ball of wet clay.

Slop Bucket

Mud

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Any used clay that has not been fired is put back into the slop bucket and melted back into mud. Fresh clay mixes in a large industrial machine. 100 pounds of powdered clay, various minerals and a few gallons of water will make a new batch. The new clay is mixed with older clay, which is more plastic and therefore easier to work with.

Mix

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Bags of Clay

Clay ScrapsB

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WedgeOnce mixed, new the clay needs to age to gain plasticity. Some clay is aged for years before it is used. Wedging the clay is an important step in preparation. Wedging ensures a consistent texture and removes any air pockets which cause problems during throwing.

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E

Clay Ball

Clay MixerE

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Throwing clay on the wheel takes practice. The first step is to throw strong cylinders that can stand straight, with an even thickness throughout the walls and floor.

Throw

Throwing Bats

Thrown Cylinders

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G Throwing Bats

Thrown Cylinders

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GlazeOnce the pots are completely dry, they are loaded into kilns and fired into bisque ware. Once bisqued, they are ready to glaze. Glaze is used both to decorate the pots, and to seal the porous surface for use. Minerals andmetals are mixed with water. When fired at very high temperatures, the glaze fuses to the clay to create unique textures and colors.

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Glaze Ingredients

Glazing Area

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MugOnce glaze is applied, the pots go back in to the kiln a second time to fire at a much higher temperature. The glaze ingredients melt into a glass which covers and protects the pots. Once the process is finished, you’ve learned from your mistakes or your success, and are ready to repeat the process.

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Breakfast Table

Finished Pots

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Photographs and design byBridget Walsh

Photos and design by Bridget Walsh