13.3: Incorporating Hard Armatures
- Page ID
- 299350
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)The Use of Hard Armatures in Supporting and Shaping Ceramic Sculptures
- Definition: Hard armatures are rigid frameworks made from materials like metal rods, wood, or plastic.
- Purpose: They provide structural support for heavy or large sculptures, especially during construction and firing.
- Durability: These armatures handle weight and complex forms better than soft alternatives.
- Tip: Hard armatures are essential for monumental or outdoor sculptures.
Selecting Materials for Hard Armatures Based on Firing Temperatures and Sculpture Size
- Material Choices: Use stainless steel or nichrome wire for high-temperature firings, and aluminum or wood for room-temperature applications.
- Size Considerations: Match the armature’s strength to the scale of your sculpture to ensure stability.
- Compatibility: Avoid materials that might expand excessively during firing, causing cracks.
- Tip: Test material behavior at your firing temperature before committing to large projects.
Techniques for Assembling and Dismantling Hard Armatures
- Assembly: Secure armature components with welds, screws, or clamps to ensure stability during the construction phase.
- Integration: Build clay forms directly onto the armature, ensuring even coverage and accounting for shrinkage during drying and firing.
- Dismantling: If the armature is temporary, ensure there are release points or modular sections that allow for easy removal without damaging the sculpture.
- Tip: Design armatures with disassembly in mind, especially for large-scale or multi-part works.
Safety and Practical Tips for Working with Hard Armatures in Ceramics
- Safety First: Wear protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, when cutting, welding, or assembling metal components.
- Weight Management: Ensure your workspace can support the combined weight of the armature and clay.
- Testing: Test the armature’s strength by applying pressure or weight increments to simulate the clay load.
- Tip: Use padded supports or rubber feet on the armature base to prevent damage to your studio surfaces.
Case Studies Showcasing the Innovative Use of Hard Armatures
- Large-Scale Installations: Artists like Stephen De Staebler have used metal armatures to create towering sculptures that remain stable and structurally sound.
- Mixed Media: Incorporating visible armatures as part of the final design adds an industrial or architectural aesthetic.
- Dynamic Forms: Hard armatures allow for dramatic angles, overhangs, or suspended elements that push the boundaries of ceramic sculpture.
- Tip: Study these works for inspiration on how armatures can enable creative freedom and structural innovation.