Wild Clay: Creating Ceramics and Glazes from Natural and Found Resources

The ultimate illustrated guide for sourcing, processing, and using wild clay. It provides tips, drawn from long experience in the US and Japan, on how to test and trial different clays to find their best use. Beautiful illustrations and technical descriptions explain the formation of various clays, how to locate, collect, and assess them, and how to test their properties.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Discover the world of wild clay, a versatile and fascinating material that has captured the hearts of potters around the globe. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the art of sourcing, processing, and utilizing this natural resource to create stunning ceramic masterpieces. Whether you're a novice, an intermediate artist, or an experienced potter, this guide is designed to empower you to forge a deeper connection between your art and the surrounding environment.

Testing and experimentation are the cornerstones of unlocking a materials true potential. With years of experience in the United States and Japan, the authors offer invaluable tips and techniques that can be applied to clays from any part of the world. From sculpture and tile bodies to handbuilding and slab bodies, and even as glazes or slips, wild clay offers endless possibilities for artistic expression.

Understanding the unique properties of found materials is crucial in achieving the desired effects and surfaces. The authors provide detailed illustrations and technical descriptions to explain the formation of various clays, their characteristics, and how to test and assess them. From shrinkage and water absorption to texture and plasticity, you'll gain a deep understanding of the factors that influence a clays behavior and how to manipulate it to your advantage.

Test-firing is a crucial step in the wild clay journey, and the authors offer comprehensive guidance on the best methods and techniques. From firing schedules and temperatures to kiln types and firing environments, you'll learn how to achieve the desired results and optimize your firing process. Whether you're firing in a traditional kiln or using alternative methods such as pit firing or wood firing, this guide will help you master the art of test-firing wild clay.

In addition to technical knowledge, this guide also emphasizes the creative possibilities that arise from blending appropriate materials with wild clay. By experimenting with different clay bodies, glazes, and additives, you can create unique and personalized effects that reflect your artistic vision. The gallery of work by international potters showcases the stunning results that can be achieved by embracing the clays found in their local landscapes.

From prospecting in the field to holding your finished product, this guide provides helpful advice and guidance at every stage of the process. Whether you're working on a small-scale project or a large-scale installation, this guide will empower you to unlock the full potential of wild clay and create stunning ceramic masterpieces that stand the test of time.

So, whether you're a seasoned potter or a newcomer to the world of ceramics, this ultimate illustrated guide for sourcing, processing, and using wild clay is your ticket to a world of artistic possibilities. Embrace the beauty of nature, experiment with different techniques, and let your creativity soar as you forge a closer bond between your art and the surrounding environment.

Weight: 986g
Dimension: 224 x 283 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789940923