INTRO TO POTTERY EOC REVIEW

BASIC TERMINOLOGY

Wedging: kneading clay to remove air bubbles and to develop a uniform texture.

Foot: the base of any ceramic item Body: the inner or essential part of the ware Appendage: an added part, ie. Spout, handle Slip: clay to which enough water has been added

to make a creamy liquid. Used as glue, decoration and slip casting.

Score: to carve crosshatch lines into clay to aid in joining pieces together.

Plasticity: the characteristic of clay that allows it to be stretched, attributed to its flat, plate shaped molecules.

Grog: hard fired clay that is crushed or ground and added back into clay for rigidity, texture, stability, decrease shrinkage, and fortify against harsh temperatures.

FIRING TERMINOLOGY

Kiln: a furnace or oven used for firing ware (many types)

Stilts: a three-pronged support for glazed ware in the kiln

Cones: unit of measure to identify kiln temperature. Cone shaped devices used inside kilns to ensure that temperature is reached.

Kiln Wash: a solution that is used to cover shelves to prevent the sticking of the ware to the surface supporting it

Oxidation: Usually takes place in an electric kiln. An abundance of oxygen present in the kiln atmosphere

Reduction: More fuel than oxygen present in kiln environment. Causes flames to seek-out oxygen

Classroom Fuel Source: ElectricityPrimitive Fuel Source: Wood

GLAZING TERMINOLOGY

Wax Resist: applied to the base of wares to prevent glaze from adhering to the bottom and melting to the kiln shelf during firing

Transparent (glaze): a clear glaze that shows underglazes or clay color through

Opaque: not transparent or translucent. Does not allow light to shine through

Gloss: high shine finish Matt: dull finish. Matt glazes are opaque.

GLAZING TECHNIQUES

Dipping: submerging the ware in a bucket of glaze.

Pouring: Pouring the glaze over the wares.

Brushing: Painting the glaze on, three layers thick, each coat applied in a different direction.

Spraying: Using a booth and a special glazing spray gun

BUILDING TECHNIQUES

Pinch: rolling and pinching a ball of clay i.e. pinch pots

Coil: snake-like ropes, scored and slipped together

Slab: rolled out flat sheets of clay Wheel

STAGES OF CLAY

Plastic/Wet: the stage in which you build with your clay

Leatherhard: no longer very pliable, cold to the touch, fingers no longer leave imprints

Bone Dry/Greenware: The driest it will be without firing. Most fragile stage.

Bisque Fired: ware that has been fired once. Glaze Fired: Finished glazed work

HEALTH & SAFETY Dermatitis:

Inflammation of the skin due to exposure to an irritant.

Like an allergy, there is no cure (gloves will not work!)

Only solution is to stop using clay

Silicosis:A lung diseaseAcquired through prolonged

inhalation of silica dust (clay, glaze)An irreversible condition with no

cure