Slab construction is a popular technique used in
ceramics to create functional and decorative objects such as plates, bowls, and vases. This technique involves creating flat sheets of clay, called slabs, and then cutting and shaping them into the desired form.
To begin, the clay is first wedged to remove any air bubbles that may cause the finished piece to crack. Then, the clay is rolled out into a flat sheet using a rolling pin or a slab roller. The thickness of the slab can vary depending on the desired thickness of the final piece.
Once the slab has been rolled out, it can be cut into the desired shape using a clay knife or a template. The edges of the slab can be smoothed using a rib, which is a flat tool used to compress and smooth the clay surface. This helps to ensure that the edges of the piece are clean and uniform.
The slab can then be shaped using a variety of techniques, such as draping it over a form, wrapping it around a cylinder, or pressing it into a mold. The edges can be joined together using slip, which is a liquid clay that acts as a glue to hold the pieces together. The piece is then left to dry until it reaches a leather-hard state, at which point it can be trimmed and refined using carving tools.
After the piece has been trimmed and refined, it is then fired in a kiln to harden the clay and create a durable, permanent piece. During
firing, the clay undergoes a chemical transformation and becomes denser, stronger, and more resistant to water and other environmental factors. Once the piece has been fired, it can be glazed, decorated, or left unadorned depending on the aesthetic desired.
Slab construction is a versatile and popular technique in
ceramics due to its flexibility and ease of use. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced artists, and can be used to create a wide range of shapes and forms. Additionally, slab construction allows for precise control over the thickness of the clay, which is particularly important in creating functional objects like plates and bowls.
Ceramics