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sculpture: the shape of things to come

Sculpture is one of man’s most enduring artistic expressions. Getting your hands on a lump of clay can release your hidden talents for creating 3-dimentional imagery – as well as release your tensions and emotions. Explore an art supply or crafts store to discover the wide range of clays available and experiment with different brands and types. Soon you’ll find one that “just feels right” and awakens your inner artist.

There are two basic kinds of sculpting clay to choose from: water-based and oil-based.

  • Water-based clay is usually very inexpensive, but will dry out if not kept covered. Easy to manipulate and work with, water-based clay can also sag, separate and become difficult to work with if a project extends over many days.
    • Earthenware, stoneware and porcelain are all water-based clays. They require a high heat for hardening.
  • Oil-based clay will not dry out, but will oxidize and become difficult to work with over time.
    • Polymer clay, made of a thermo-setting plastic, hardens with heat and most brands can be baked in a home oven.
    • Plastacine clay, on the other hand, cannot be hardened by heat and remains soft for long periods of time. For centuries, artists have used Plastacine to sculpt the molds for bronze castings.

Fine tooling
Your primary sculpting tools are your hands, fingers and mind. There’s no need to purchase expensive fine-tuning instruments; just fill your toolbox with:

  • an old straight-edge utility or paring knife
  • toothpicks
  • nails
  • old screwdrivers
  • knitting and crochet needles
  • paint brushes
  • rolling pins
  • textured cloth, ornate metalwork and objects from nature for texture

NOTE: If you “borrow” kitchen tools for your clay projects, do not return them to the kitchen for food use.

Helpful hints

  • Use it, don’t store it! Raw clay will remain viable indefinitely, but will stiffen up over time.
    • Buy only what you’ll use in a year.
    • Store unbaked clays in plastic bags in a cool place, avoiding exposure to heat and light.
    • Avoid storing clay in Styrofoam or hard plastic containers because the raw clay will eat through it. Eventually.
  • Some sculptures may require internal support, called armature, either to support the weight of the clay or to join sections together.
    • Use wire, wood or tightly pressed aluminum foil, then cover the supporting structure with clay.

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