Assignment Week 6: Sculpting

MEDIA STUDIES 

materials choices need to be carefully considered in order to maximize the desired visual effect of my project. Thus, I researched the characteristics of some commonly used clay for art purposes.

• • • Terracotta: easy to work with and fires to a reddish-brown color. It’s suitable for both hand-building and wheel-throwing.
    • Sculpture Clay:  oil-based or plasteline clay remain pliable and do not dry out, making them ideal for extended working times.
    • Stoneware Clay: a versatile option for both functional pottery and sculpture. It fires to a durable, stone-like finish and is suitable for various sculpting techniques.
    • Porcelain Clay: fine texture and translucent quality when fired. It’s a challenging clay to work with due to its high shrinkage rate.

Pottery Clay (Ceramic Clay):

• Description: Pottery clay is versatile and commonly used for sculpting. It comes in various types, such as earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain, each with different firing temperatures and finishes.
• Properties: Pottery clay is smooth, easy to shape, and can be fired at different temperatures for varied results. It’s ideal for both beginners and advanced sculptors.
• Best for: General sculpting, hand-building techniques, and wheel-throwing.

Polymer Clay:

• Description: Polymer clay is synthetic and oven-baked. It remains pliable until baked, making it suitable for intricate details and small sculptures.
• Properties: Polymer clay is available in a wide range of colors, remains flexible, and can be cured in a regular home oven.
• Best for: Small sculptures, jewelry, and detailed work.

Oil-Based Clay (Plastilina or Plasticine):

• Description: Oil-based clays never dry out, allowing for extended work periods. They are commonly used for prototyping and are excellent for refining details.
• Properties: Oil-based clays are soft, smooth, and can be reused. They are not suitable for firing and are primarily for sculpting practice or creating molds.
• Best for: Prototyping, refining details, and mold-making.

1. Drying and Cracking: I started with really thin pieces, which stays fine while moist but cracks immediately after dry. It’s important to keep my work covered with plastic or damp cloth when not in use and to control the drying process to avoid cracks.
2. Weight and Support: I find myself constantly dealing with improper weight design several times through the semester. Large clay sculptures are heavy and may require strong armatures or support structures to prevent collapsing or warping during the drying and firing process.
3. Overworking: I am easily trapped by details and spend tons of time on them. However, clay can become overworked and lose its plasticity. It’s essential to strike a balance between refining details and not manipulating the clay too much.
4. Limited Color Options: Although I did not aim for coloring the whole figure , natural clay typically comes in earthy tones, so achieving specific colors often requires glazing or painting after firing. Polymer clay offers a wider color range but lacks the natural clay appearance.
5. Environmental Factors: Clay can be affected by humidity and temperature, which can influence drying times and the workability of the material. Extreme environmental conditions can be challenging.
6. Storage Space: Clay sculptures take up space, especially during the drying and firing stages. Adequate storage space and equipment are necessary for larger projects.

Limitations:

1. Fragility: Finished clay sculptures can be fragile, especially with thin or have delicate parts. I already afraid of transporting with the crowded train while making it.
2. Non-Permanent: Clay is not a permanent material like stone or metal. It can deteriorate over time if not properly maintained or if exposed to environmental factors.
3. Cost and Equipment: Setting up a clay sculpting workspace with access to a kiln and purchasing materials can be costly. I find the tools essential for making so I kept purchase more tools as I proceed.

Final Presentation

CONCEPT DESIGN