Friday, March 12, 2010

Playing with clay - In the Studio



I love working in clay. It's soft and cool, so it's very soothing. It's flexible. If I don't like what I've done, I just spray on some water, smooth it out and start over. Above is a picture of the one I started today.

First, I cut off a slab and knead it(called wedging)to remove any bubbles, then I roll it out until it's about 1/4 inch thick. I add newspapers to the back of the slab to support the facial structure. Then I start sculpting. I push, pinch and add to the clay to form the eyes, lips, nose and the rest of the features. I've used this technique to make many of the faces in my mixed media pieces in the past.

Today, I'm starting a new series. I'll be sculpting clay faces, bisque firing them and finishing them with paints. Here's a picture of one with paint.


6 comments:

Susan J Tweit said...

I love the photo of you at work, Susan, and the masks. What a wonderful new blog! I'll look forward to keeping track of what you're up to!

Susan Gallacher-Turner said...

Thanks, Susan!
I'm so glad you found me here. I'm excited about all the new possibilities this new blog opens up for me and I hope inspires new possibilities in others, too.

Susan

Lavender and Vanilla Friends of the Gardens said...

I like the face with its serene smile with underlying currents of dreams.
It is wonderful to use hands and mind to create. Clay is one of he oldest mediums to forge creativity. Great blog.

Susan Gallacher-Turner said...

Titania,
I agree, clay is a wonderful medium...so soft and soothing. It just feels good, doesn't it?

With this new mask/face, I want to be more peaceful, free and fun...I'm glad you found it serene. Now I know I'm on the right track!

Thanks so much..so glad you're here!
Susan

Andy Sewina said...

Yeah, dead good! I wish I could do something like that!!

Susan Gallacher-Turner said...

Andy,
Wow. Thanks for the compliment on my clay face/mask in 'progress'.

About wishing you could...why not get some clay for yourself and see what develops? It's just playing with mud 'pies' afterall, isn't it?

Have some fun! And let me know how it goes...
Susan