Brief 8: Ceramic Processes - Primary Research: Slab Forms.

Explaining the context of my research brief to workshop technicians they suggested the next process I explore is slab forming as it is still a very traditional technique however requires less of a skillset to produce really nice hand made ceramics. This process they had a set of printed instructions to follow which lead me to developing the outputs totally independently which was a good feeling. 

Choosing a cardboard tube to reflect the size of the pot I wanted to make I then measured this to  identify the width of the slab of clay need, I chose to make 3 different heights of pot to explore how scale effects the process and end result. Estimating the amount of Clay required I used wooden guides to ensure an even thickness throughout the slab. Cuting into a rectangle of clay slightly larger than the required dimensions allows for better handing and any shrinkage which is then set aside to firm. To ensure the cardboard tube can be removed I prepared  this by wrapping in two sheets of newspaper and securing with masking tape. When the clay slab was at a state of stiffness, I rolled around this the tube and carefully cut the excess at a 45˚ angle. This was initially more difficult that I anticipated and took several goes to perfect. 

To join the two halves of the slab I needed to score each side with a small knife to create a rough texture within the clay to help it bind and used liquid clay (slip) to going the two together, this is then pushed together to create a secure joint, I found this is easier to achieve when the tube is upright. The next stage of the process is to add a base. I used offcut material to create a base of the same thickness as the pots walls. Similarly to joining the tow sides together I scored and slipped the base of the tube and firmly pushed the cylinder into the base. Finally I cut around the excess of the base slab to leave a clean finish. I had to leave this overnight to firm up and ensure the pot wouldn’t cave in when I removed the cardboard inner tube. Using excess newsprint as leverage I removed the tube and placed the pot onto the wheel to tidy up any imperfections before it went into the kiln for its initial bisque firing. 

Unfired 

Bisque Fired 

I really enjoyed the independent nature of this process, the step by step guide really helped me to follow the full process, working by myself allowed me to take my time and enjoy the process however this was very time consuming and is limited to spherical forms, so as a process is not that diverse. I am really happy with the outputs they are clean and professional an I'm really impressed with myself being the first time I have engaged with the process.