Slip and fabric?

Question

Hi all, I recently discovered an artist who uses clay slip soaked fabric to create sculptures. I was wondering if any of you have ever tried this technique and how it works exactly. Also, what type of fabric and what type of clay would work best?

Answer 1

The cloth would have to be something very light to burn away in the firing. The kiln, even at a very low setting, would get to be a temperature of around 1700 degrees F. Perhaps a silk or a light cotton fabric. Lace would also probably work if you would want that type of a texture. It would be a trial and error situation. I would say go for it and try out different fabrics.

I deal with ceramics, but I do molds and not freehand. ;-) I use slip, but cast my pieces with molds. I have done some things by putting them together, but I have only made some pieces freehand by using the collars of the pieces I have taken out of the molds. When you take pieces out of molds, they have a collar where you have poured them. You usually discard the collars. Sometimes, I have used these collars and played with them, sculpting them into other objects just for my own fun.

I have never tried the technique you're talking about, but now that you have mentioned it, I might just have to give it a try. ;-)

Using your regular slip for casting your regular ceramics, you could probably do this technique you are describing. I would soak the strips of cloth in the slip, then, squeeze the excess slip off of the strips, then form the object(s) you want to make around some sort of form. You would have to let them dry completely before firing the objects. When you fire the object(s), the fabric would burn away and leave just the slip, which would, of course, stay as ceramic. Then, you could stain it, or glaze it, or whatever you want to do with it.

Answer 2

I have been successful with cheesecloth soaked with slip and dried over a form such as a ball or balloon very slowly, when the sculpture is bisqued, thecloth cinters away and you are left with your form . you may also apply more slip as the form dries to make it thicker or add details.

Answer 3

I would guess that natural fibers would work best for the clothing. I would say coat it in paperclay slip because of its strength.

When I was in college, I think someone in my class dipped lace in paperclay slip--and I think it worked pretty well. You can also check the clayart archives for more info (just google clayart and paperclay--or something like that)

Answer 4

thats probably just some form of paper mache. I think red clay would be interesting.