Scoring & Slipping

So maybe this topic is a little basic, but worth covering as it is the key to successful ceramic joinery and will be crucial to making a coffee mug with a handle that doesnt pop off mid sip.

Currently I've been doing some sprigging work, adding on little embellishments to my mugs and bowls. My most recent project is a kissing doves plate for a wedding present. After throwing and trimming my plate I rolled a slab and used a cookie cutter to cut out a pair of doves.

Once I determined the layout, I used my needle tool to outline where each dove would eventually be perched.

Within each outline, and on the backsides of each dove I again used my needle tool to create a many score marks.... After scoring comes slipping. I prefer slip that is the consitensy of yogurt. I like to use some scrap clay, throw it in an old pickle jar, add water, and use a kitchen hand blender to mix until its nice and creamy. Sometimes I use my hands to apply, but I find using a paint brush keeps my hands clean and ready for the next steps. I personally, like to apply slip over the score marks of both the sides of the parties being joined.

Once both sides of the joint-to-be are slipped, I line up my dove with the outline I traced and carefully, but firmly press down on the dove. I press firmly so as to ensure good bonding, but not so hard to squish and distort my doves. If the dove is not well attached at this time, I risk the some cracking andthe edges of the dove popping up as the piece dries to a bone dry state.

Next I like to use a paintbrush or damp sponge to wipe away any slip that squeezed out the sides.

Once the excess slip has been removed, I take a wooden modeling tool and smooth out the edges and seems around each dove...

And Voila, cross your fingers it doesnt explode in the kiln!

A little about me

A little about me:

My earliest masterpiece was created during the fourth grade when I made a pinch pot in art class. My mom still proudly displays this piece in the depths of the basement on a shelf behind the washer and dryer.

During my high school years I took a ceramic arts course primarily focused on handbuilding. The classroom was equipped with a few electric wheels and I was given free reign to tinker. With no formal instruction, I managed some half decent and a few hideously ugly doorstops. These overly thick and heavy works keep the pinch pot company.

I entered college mostly forgetting about my short lived adventures with clay. Having no idea what to major in, I somehow gravitated towards the math and sciences, eventually deciding to pursue engineering, and finally deciding to specialize in ceramics and materials. In 2002 I graduated from Rutgers University with a B.S. in Ceramics and Materials Science and Engineering. After taking up a career dealing mostly with metallurgical issues, I got an itch to start throwing again.

During the fall of 2003 I began taking wheel throwing classes at The Center for Clay Art now located in Lake Hiawatha, NJ. It proved to be frustrating, challenging, and extremely rewarding. Since then I have been developing my skills and techniques, primarily focusing on pieces that I like to think of as functional art.

In July 2006 I finally decided on a name for myself and mustered the courage to post a few items for sale on Etsy. I have only sold a handful of items, but the pure joy I experience every time I get the transactional email from etsy is unlike any other.

To this day I continue to to take classes but now I also instruct one night a week at the studio where I first learned.

So what shall I blog about?

I dont believe I can teach anyone to throw by writing about it. Learning to throw is much like learning how to ride a bike or ski. It has a lot to do with developing muscle memory, not only in your hands, but in your posture from your wrists to your elbows to your shoulders. Before anything becomes second nature, a lot of patience and concentration must be exercised.

This blog is intended for those who have a little experience with throwing. My intent here is to pass along a little creative inspiration, some project ideas, and few tips and pointers. Heck, maybe I will learn a few things myself along the way.