Ceramics – KM Art Studio

Key Concepts

Together we will learn about these fundamental building blocks of ceramics

Basics: For thousands of years, people have dug clay from the ground and sculpted it to create three dimensional forms. Today, artists create ceramic art and fire the items in a kiln. Then they paint the objects with glaze to create colorful pottery, jewelry, sculpture and other creations.
Tools: Artists use various tools to cut, carve and shape clay. They use specific tools with needles, loops and different edges to create texture and add details in their artwork.
Hand Building: Artists use additive methods like pinching, coiling and slab building to create 3D forms. They also use subtractive methods to remove parts of clay to create holes and openings.
Glazing: Once ceramics have been fired in a kiln, artists add colors by painting glaze onto the dried clay. Afterwards, the final step in the process is to fire the ceramics again in the kiln. The high temperature in the kiln melts the glaze and leaves leaves the ceramic art with bright colors with a strong glass finish.

Here are the studio habits we practice

Here are the materials you will need:

Clay and slip

Apron

Ceramics Kit

Before you begin your project, you must practice these skills:

Basics: Practice setting up, preparing your station, and cleaning your area.
Tools: Use modeling tools, needle tools, ribs and wire loop tools to manipulate clay.
Hand Building: Practice making slabs, coils and pinch pots with clay. Experiment with using tools to remove parts of clay.
Techniques: Experiment with glazes to create desired color effects.