Marek & Pauline Drzazga-Donaldson on thu 28 apr 05
Dear Cathy,
just received your email today (dated 22 April) regarding slabs. I have
posted to Clayart before about this subject. You do not need any fancy
sticks or batons, just batons of the thickness you require. There are two
basic methods ;-
1. If you are making regular sized slabs - up to a max (for handling) of say
16" x 24" - then I would have a large block of well prepared clay knocked
out to a bigger size than your slabs. Place the block (with a smoth bottom)
onto newspaper and tap it down into place, gauge sticks either side and pull
your harp (a tool that keeps the wire taught) through, lift off the top
block of clay, and place down onto more newspaper to repeat the process. The
first cut slab "strike" across with the sharp clean edge of a baton, start
part of the way into the slab not at the top, as this tends to try to roll
the whole slab into a Swiss Roll, and pull the baton across the surface.
This "tightens" the clay surface and also repairs any defects in the clay
surface.
2. For slabs bigger, say about 36" x 36", then I would start with your block
of clay pounded out to the size and thickness (I normally would make about
4 - 5 slabs using this method, economy of scale comes into the frame) you
need and then get a bunch of gauge sticks either side. Using a large harp
slice off the top, you should now strike the surface to get a good taught
surface. Take a gauge stick away from either side and cut through with the
harp. Spread thin plastis sheeting (bin liner) smothly over the top, and
wrap it under your cut - so your are parcelling up the top slab to
facilitate moving a very large sheet of clay from the block over and onto
your mould, do this by placing your arm under and wrap the sheet of clay so
you are supporting from below and the sheet (slab) is folded over your arm -
pizza style. This method is brilliant for making very large slabs of clay of
all thicknesses in a small area, it is also very efficient in time and
quality of slab.
I have video footage of the first method on CD if you let me have your
address I will post it to you. Only requirement is that you make a donation
( amount of your choice) to a Children's Charity, also of your choice.
Happy potting from Marek www.no9uk.com and www.moley.uk.com
Kate Johnson on thu 28 apr 05
Marek wrote, after a wonderful description of his method:
>
> I have video footage of the first method on CD if you let me have your
> address I will post it to you. Only requirement is that you make a
> donation
> ( amount of your choice) to a Children's Charity, also of your choice.
I'd be delighted! I'm a very visual person, like most artists, and a
picture really IS worth a thousand words. I served on the board of the Good
Samaritan Center here in Excelsior Springs for many years and they have a
marvelous program for children, so they'll benefit from your generosity.
My address is PO Box 321, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024...
Best--
Kate Johnson
http://www.cathyjohnson.info/
Art, History, Nature and More at Cathy Johnson's Cafepress--
http://www.cafepress.com/cathy_johnson/
Graphics/Fine Arts Press--
http://www.epsi.net/graphic/
| |
|
