Wild Clay Slip.

Properties & Qualities

Application

Art

Qualities

3D, Colourful, Textured / tactile

Colour

Earth-colour

Sample Information

Date of creation

01/09/2023

Culture & Context

I have uploaded a selection of photos for this one. This shows the expressive use of wild clay that I have collected from Scotland. As I don’t collect enough to throw with, I process the clay into a slip and use it in an expressive form. Adding layers of slip (the two I’m working with at the moment, one from Ayrshire and the other from Glasgow) I am able top create depth of colour, texture and finishes. I have found the expressive mark making of the slip an interested and relaxing process, each one is different and allows me to be more creative with the work. By adding a layer of porcelain slip too, creative ‘highlights’ In the work which brightens up the work. I want the work to relate to the land, tell a story and allow the user to be more connected.

Process & Production

By collecting wild clay, firstly what I do is soak it in water for a week. Allow the clay to hydrate and break down the clay particles. By doing so, it allows me to sieve the clay through a fine mesh sieve more easily. Sieve for me gives the best result as it will allow an easier application. This process also helps remove any unwanted roots or leaves that might of been in the clay. Once sieves, I allow to settle and I remove the top layers of water. leaving me a thick paste (almost like a double cream consistency). I use a thick Japanese brush, I apply layers of slip, leaving the porcelain to last. To finish, I glaze the work in a opaque white glaze to allow the colours of the slip to come through.