13.2: Using Soft Armatures in Ceramic Sculpture
- Page ID
- 299349
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Defining Soft Armatures and Their Applications in Ceramics
- What They Are: Soft armatures are temporary frameworks made from pliable materials like foam, fabric, or newspaper.
- Purpose: They support clay structures during the building process, especially for hollow or overhanging forms.
- Flexibility: These armatures adapt to the clay’s shape and are easy to remove or integrate into the final piece.
- Tip: Soft armatures are ideal for experimental forms where rigidity would hinder creativity.
Materials and Methods for Creating Effective Soft Armatures
- Common Materials: Use materials like sponges, chicken wire, or biodegradable paper for flexible yet supportive structures.
- Assembly: Shape the armature to match your design, ensuring it can support the weight of wet clay.
- Compatibility: Consider how the armature interacts with clay moisture—some materials may require sealing to prevent water absorption.
- Tip: Test your armature design with small-scale projects before applying it to larger sculptures.
Building Larger, Complex Forms with the Support of Soft Armatures
- Step-by-Step: Start with a sturdy base, layer clay over the armature in stages, and allow partial drying for stability.
- Techniques: Incorporate coils or slabs to build large volumes while maintaining structural integrity.
- Scaling: Use modular armature components for easy removal in multi-part sculptures.
- Tip: Support the base adequately to prevent collapse under the weight of upper sections.
Considerations for Removing Armatures or Leaving Them in Place
- Temporary Use: Remove soft armatures before firing to avoid contamination or damage from non-ceramic materials.
- Integrated Armatures: In some cases, soft armatures can remain part of the finished sculpture, adding mixed-media elements.
- Timing: Remove armatures when the clay is leather-hard but not fully dry to avoid structural stress.
- Tip: Design armatures with removal in mind, ensuring they can slide out without damaging the sculpture.
Creative and Practical Examples of Soft Armatures in Action
- Applications: Artists use soft armatures for organic forms, large installations, or experimental textures.
- Inspirations: Sculptures with dynamic shapes or intricate openings often rely on soft armatures for support.
- Versatility: These examples show how armatures enable creativity while maintaining practical feasibility.
- Tip: Study examples to inspire your projects, tailoring armature designs to your artistic goals.