8:12
Slab Building: The Cylinder
Panther's Palette
Overview
This video demonstrates the process of creating a cylindrical ceramic form using the slab building technique. It covers preparing the clay slab, cutting out the circular base, and forming the cylindrical wall. The tutorial emphasizes techniques for achieving even slabs, precise cutting, and securely joining the base and wall. It also touches upon smoothing seams, finishing the rim, and proper storage of the piece to maintain its shape.
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Chapters
- Begin by flattening a lump of clay with your palm, rather than slamming it, to create an even starting surface.
- Use a rolling pin with guide tracks to achieve a uniform slab thickness, aiming for about the thickness of a finger.
- Apply even pressure with your body weight when rolling to ensure the slab is consistent throughout, adjusting pressure in thicker areas.
Creating an even and consistent slab is crucial for the structural integrity and final appearance of the cylindrical form.
The instructor demonstrates pressing down a lump of clay with their palm and then using a roller resting on guide tracks to achieve a slab as thin as a finger, evenly rolled.
- Select a template (like a lid or pre-made circle) for the desired base shape.
- Trace the template onto the clay slab using a pin tool or by pressing the template directly.
- Carefully cut out the base shape using a pin tool, cutting in sections and turning the canvas as you go for better control.
A precisely cut base ensures that the cylinder will sit flat and stable, preventing wobbling or unevenness in the finished piece.
The instructor uses a lid as a template, traces its outline with a pin tool, and then cuts along the line with the pin tool, cleaning excess clay into a slip container.
- Roll out a separate slab for the cylinder's wall, ensuring it is tall enough to wrap around the base.
- Use a template or ruler to cut a straight edge for the wall, considering whether to place the template on its side (wider cylinder) or flat (skinnier cylinder).
- Cut the wall piece slightly longer than needed to ensure a complete wrap around the base, allowing for overlap.
The wall must be the correct height and length to form a seamless, stable cylinder that fits snugly onto the base.
The instructor uses a shelf support as a height guide and a long slab to cut a wall piece, deciding to cut it from the longer side of the slab to achieve a skinnier cylinder suitable for a mug.
- Score both the top edge of the base and the bottom edge of the wall slab to create a rough surface for adhesion.
- Apply slip (clay and water mixture) to the scored areas to act as a bonding agent.
- Carefully press the wall onto the base, ensuring a good fit and trimming any excess base material if necessary.
- Blend the seam where the wall meets the base using a flexible metal tool or by gently scraping and smoothing the clay.
Proper scoring, slipping, and blending are essential for creating a strong, watertight bond between the base and the wall, preventing separation during drying or firing.
The instructor scores the rim of the base and the edge of the wall, applies slip, attaches the wall, and then uses a flexible metal tool to smooth the interior and exterior seam.
- Smooth all interior and exterior seams, especially around the rim where one drinks from, to ensure a comfortable and safe finish.
- Use small amounts of wet clay like putty to patch any gaps or uneven areas, then smooth them flush.
- Support the inside of the cylinder with crumpled newspaper to prevent collapse, and loosely wrap the exterior with damp cloths or wipes before placing it in a bag for slow drying.
Attention to finishing details like smooth rims and seams ensures the piece is functional and aesthetically pleasing, while proper storage prevents cracking or distortion as it dries.
The instructor patches an interior seam with clay putty, smooths the rim, places crumpled newspaper inside the mug, and then loosely wraps it with damp wipes before bagging.
Key takeaways
- Achieving an even slab thickness is fundamental for successful slab construction.
- Precise cutting of the base and wall ensures a stable and well-fitting cylindrical form.
- Scoring and slipping are critical steps for creating a strong bond between clay pieces.
- Thorough blending of seams, both inside and out, enhances the durability and appearance of the ceramic piece.
- Proper support and controlled drying are necessary to prevent cracking and maintain the shape of slab-built pottery.
- The choice of template placement for the wall affects the final diameter of the cylinder.
Key terms
Slab buildingCylinderClay slabRolling pinGuide tracksPin toolFettling knifeSlipScoringSeam blending
Test your understanding
- What is the purpose of scoring and slipping clay before joining pieces?
- How does the placement of the wall template affect the final shape of the cylinder?
- Why is it important to smooth out seams on both the inside and outside of the cylinder?
- What methods can be used to ensure a clay slab is rolled to an even thickness?
- How should a slab-built cylinder be stored to ensure it dries properly and without damage?