Event

I had the opportunity to work with children at our ‘Hands On’ event for the Imagination Celebration on Sat. afternoon. The Orange County Fine Art Association holds this event every year in the Artists Studio connected to the Showcase Gallery in Santa Ana, CA.

We have ages 12 and under to participate. There were 5 artists participating this year. We had rock painting, mixed media, block printing, watercolor and clay. I of course, did the clay. It was special for me this year because my grandsons, ages 4 & 5, were able to attend.

The kids made what ever they wanted. It is usually a little slow at first as they look at the lump of clay. Then one starts and the others get into it. I don’t think some of them had ever played with clay before. They asked if the could squeeze it. One of them started to make a cup, and then others followed. The boy not only made a cup but a teapot too. Fortunately as the afternoon wore on there were animals, figures, etc. Since this was terra cotta clay I needed to tell them to let it dry and then paint them, making sure I told the mothers that they couldn’t play with them, as they would break.

A good time was enjoyed by all.

Preparing Clay

This the third of the Clay series.

PREPARING THE CLAY

KNEADING

Kneading clay is important to squeeze the air out of it. The clay will not have a chance to have air bubbles when fired and will not break during the firing.

The process of kneading is the same as kneading bread. Cut a chunk of clay and roll into a ball. Using a board to place the clay on, roll the clay back and forth. Use the palm of your hand to push and fold the clay over and toward you. Then repeat the process several times.

SUPPLIES FOR KEEPING THE CLAY MOIST

While working with the clay you will want to keep it moist at all times. You will want to work with your sculpture and be able to leave it for another day. When you return you will want it ready to work on again without it drying. A clay sculpture in progress can be kept pliable for as long as a year if you make sure it is moist at all times.

Supplies you need for this are: 1. a cotton cloth to cover the piece

2. plastic bag

3. spray bottle

In order to keep the piece moist, you need to first spray it with water all over. Then wet the cloth and drape it over the piece, then put the plastic bag over this and make sure it is all covered so no air can get into the piece.