4.2: Coil Construction- Pottery and Sculpture
- Page ID
- 299289
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Preparing Coils for Construction: Tips for Consistency
- Even Thickness: Roll coils on a flat, smooth surface using consistent hand pressure to achieve uniform thickness. Uneven coils can lead to structural instability.
- Moisture Control: Keep your clay moist but not sticky to avoid cracks during rolling. Wrap coils in plastic while working to prevent drying.
- Coil Size: Tailor the thickness of the coils to the size of your project. For small pieces, use thin coils, while larger works require thicker coils for support.
- Tools: Use a wooden dowel or extruder to roll perfectly even coils if hand-rolling proves challenging.
Building Techniques for Functional Ware and Sculptural Forms
- Functional Ware: Start with a circular base and attach coils layer by layer, smoothing the interior and exterior seams for strength. Create shapes such as bowls, mugs, or jars.
- Sculptural Forms: Experiment with freeform construction, using coils to build asymmetrical or abstract shapes. Focus on the creative possibilities of layering and curving coils.
- Joining Coils: Score and slip each coil before attaching to ensure strong adhesion. Smooth the coils together for a seamless look or leave them visible for a decorative effect.
- Structure: Build gradually, allowing the lower layers to stiffen slightly before adding more coils to avoid collapse.
Strategies for Smoothing and Joining Coils
- Seam Blending: Use your fingers or a rib tool to blend seams between coils for a smooth, continuous surface.
- Slip Application: Apply slip to reinforce joints and fill small gaps between coils.
- Layer Stability: Work in sections, smoothing one layer before adding the next to maintain control over the form.
- Textural Effects: Leave seams partially visible or add intentional textures to highlight the coil technique.
Design Considerations for Coil-Built Pieces
- Shape and Form: Decide on the function or aesthetic of your piece before starting. For example, create a tall, narrow vase or a wide, open bowl.
- Pattern Play: Experiment with overlapping, spiraling, or weaving coils for decorative effects.
- Balance: Ensure the base is wide enough to support the height or weight of the piece. Test stability frequently during construction.
- Scaling Up: For larger works, build in stages and use a supporting armature if necessary to prevent sagging.
Finishing and Decorating Coil-Constructed Ceramics
- Surface Smoothing: Use a damp sponge or rib tool to refine the exterior surface after construction.
- Texturing: Add texture by pressing tools or objects into the coils before they stiffen.
- Color: Apply slips, underglazes, or oxides to highlight the natural coil patterns or create contrasting designs.
- Glazing: Use transparent glazes to preserve the visibility of decorative coils or opaque glazes for a smoother finish.