13.4: Tar Paper Form Templates
- Page ID
- 299351
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Introduction to Using Tar Paper as a Form-Making Tool in Ceramics
- What It Is: Tar paper is a flexible, durable material that can be shaped into templates or molds for building clay forms.
- Advantages: It’s lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to cut, making it an ideal material for sculptural ceramics.
- Applications: Use tar paper for creating symmetrical forms, precise curves, or unique structures.
- Tip: Test the tar paper on small projects first to get a feel for its flexibility and strength.
Designing and Cutting Tar Paper Templates for Complex Ceramic Forms
- Planning: Sketch your design on paper before transferring it to the tar paper. Ensure the template dimensions account for clay shrinkage.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or a craft knife for clean, precise edges. Reinforce weak points with tape or additional layers of tar paper.
- Adjustments: Tar paper can be folded or layered to create complex shapes and textures.
- Tip: Label each piece of your template to avoid confusion during assembly.
Assembling and Using Tar Paper Templates in the Construction Process
- Assembly: Use tape, clips, or binder clips to hold the tar paper together while forming the clay around it.
- Application: Press clay slabs onto the template or use the template as a guide for coiling and building.
- Stability: Ensure the template is stable during construction by weighting it down or attaching it to a solid base.
- Tip: Remove the template once the clay reaches leather-hard stage to prevent deformation.
Benefits and Limitations of Tar Paper Templates in Sculptural Ceramics
- Benefits: They are reusable, easy to customize, and allow for precise construction of complex forms.
- Limitations: Tar paper is not ideal for very large or heavy forms, as it may lose stability under significant weight.
- Alternative Uses: Tar paper can also be used to create textures by pressing it into the clay surface.
- Tip: Combine tar paper templates with other armature techniques for enhanced versatility.
Creative Applications and Examples of Tar Paper Templates in Contemporary Work
- Applications: Artists use tar paper to create precise geometric sculptures, symmetrical vessels, and unique modular designs.
- Inspiration: The work of ceramists like Matt Wedel demonstrates how templates can enhance the precision and repeatability of complex forms.
- Experimentation: Use tar paper templates for experimental designs that challenge traditional ceramic techniques.
- Tip: Document your process to refine your template-making skills and improve future projects.