Definition of modeling

Shaping by modeling: the oldest ceramic technique

Practiced since prehistoric times, clay modeling is the oldest ceramic technique. Three processes exist:

• Mass modeling consists of using a block of clay that is modeled, deformed or hollowed out by hand.
• Coil modeling involves rolling and stacking clay cylinders to create an object. To solidify the coil bond, the contacting surfaces must be grooved and coated with slip.
• Slab-forming clay is a fast and preferred technique for creating angular pieces. The clay is flattened using an electric crusting machine or a roller. The resulting slabs can then be cut, perforated, and assembled using slip.

• Stamping and casting: objects shaped using ceramic molds

  Clay stamping involves filling a ceramic mold, pressing the clay with your thumbs to form the shape of the mold. Once the mold is filled, a roughing tool is used to smooth the edges.

  Similar to stamping, casting clay requires a plaster mold. However, the ceramist does not press a solid paste but fills his mold with "casting slip" (a liquid clay composed of water and ceramic paste).