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Place: Vernon, Alabama.
Story: Potter's friend sends a picture of an outcrop of white clay in the ditch near his driveway.
Result: A DIY claybody is born.
This planet is full of accessible clay deposits. Many can be used as-is for stoneware, earthenware and even porcelain. Characterizing this clay is the first step. How plastic is it? What does it look like when fired at different temperatures? Does it contain impurities that need to be sieved out? Does it dry without cracking? Does it work with glazes? Etc.
A journey of clay discovery to a finished piece is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a potter. And be more self-reliant. You don’t need special gear, just curiosity, eyes that notice, a few simple tools, and a willingness to experiment and learn to characterize clays. And one more thing: An organized way to keep records of your testing. Think of an insight-live account as a commitment to building experience; it is your memory of everything that worked. And didn't.
| Articles |
How to Find and Test Your Own Native Clays
Some of the key tests needed to really understand what a clay is and what it can be used for can be done with inexpensive equipment and simple procedures. These practical tests can give you a better picture than a data sheet full of numbers. |
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