With one of the largest sources of clay in the world right here on the mouth of the Amazon, I would love to begin to experiment and teach children to work with clay, both as creative art, but also as a means of making money to help them get out of poverty. The problem is that I don't have a kiln, and I am not aware of one here that we could use. Is there a way to sun dry clay? Would it be possible to make a small kiln that uses charcoal, kind of like a modified barbecue pit? Any other ideas?
2007-03-12 15:30:27 · 4 answers · asked by HolyLamb 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Sculpture
it depends on the clay how well it is suited to be used. There are many different kinds of clay, and also the temperatures required to vitrify (make it really hard) it varies depending on clay type. But you can have fun experiementing. Generally you can air-dry all kinds of clay, you can paint the result sealing it a bit from moisture, but it will stay very fragile.
But look into pit firing, I put one link down, but I am sure you can find many others. Just try it out if it is suitable for your clay. People have done that for centuries, and some of the pottery still can be found. It just doesn't get that hot, but depending on your clay that may be good.
2007-03-13 08:19:18 · answer #1 · answered by convictedidiot 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess it would depend on the type of clay it is. Some clays are meant for air drying and don't even require sun to dry, but if it is the type that needs a kiln it will dry too brittle. it will then become easily breakable.
I'd say try drying it yourself and see how it is. Dry it in the sun, and see how it holds up. Keep in mind no matter whether you used a kiln drying clay or air dry it will always have some brittleness . how ever you want to make sure that it doens't crumble and fall apart on the kids. LOL
2007-03-13 12:50:56 · answer #2 · answered by Babu 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've sent an e-mail to a friend of mine that works with clay figurines....I'll get back to you when he gets back to me.-- 3/13/07.....sorry...he said that isn't the kind of clay he works with and suggested a craft store, but I realize that isn't an option for you in Brazil.
2007-03-13 00:54:31 · answer #3 · answered by Jan P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
air dry it.
2007-03-13 17:03:01 · answer #4 · answered by pinkyaditi110 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋