BASIC CERAMIC SHAPING METHODS 3: SLAB METHOD

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18 Jan 2024

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BASIC CERAMIC SHAPING METHODS 3: SLAB METHOD

The slab method allows you to create various forms easily, as well as ceramic forms that are difficult to achieve using the potter's wheel, pinching, or coil methods.

Examining ceramic tiles in Indian and Mesopotamian architecture reveals that ceramics have been made from clay slabs since 14,000 BCE. However, the slab method was not widely used among ancient cultures, with the potter's wheel being the preferred method. The slab method was extensively and successfully used by pre-Columbian Mesoamerican potters. Today, modern ceramists create exciting works using both soft and hard slabs.

HOW ARE SLABS PREPARED?

Slabs can be prepared using various methods. The most common is rolling the slab by hand using a rolling pin. Other methods include slicing from a large clay block, using slab rollers, and hand throwing. The clay should be homogeneous in texture, not too wet or too hard.

WORKING WITH SLABS

For slab method projects, both soft and hard slabs can be used.

Working with Soft Slabs

Soft slabs, which are newly opened and still quite moist, can produce pleasing, fluid structures reminiscent of skin. Soft slabs are more prone to warping and twisting during construction and firing, so it's necessary to work over both surfaces when preparing the slab.

Working with Hard Slabs

The hard slab method is more suitable for architectural and geometric forms. In the hard slab method, slabs are prepared and left to dry slowly until they reach leather hardness. They are then cut to the desired shape, scored, and joined with slip to create the target form. Hard slabs can be combined with other leather-hard forms shaped using molds, the potter's wheel, or the pinching method. This technique causes less warping compared to working with soft slabs.

HOW TO CREATE LARGE-SCALE WORKS WITH THE SLAB METHOD?

Although the coil method allows for more controlled work, the slab method is naturally preferred for monumental works. Large-scale slab projects, especially very wide or long ones, should be done on top of piles of newspaper, fabric, etc., to allow the clay to move and shrink freely during drying. Large works should be done in one place and moved only once when placing them in the kiln. They should be placed on grog, sand, or clay dust in the kiln, allowing them to move freely during the shrinkage process of firing.
Various working methods have been developed by ceramic artists working on large-scale projects. Some support the slabs with cushions filled with sand or sponge pieces and slowly empty the cushions as the work dries, allowing problem-free shrinkage. Others provide wooden scaffolding for even larger monumental products.
Another method is to add fibers to the clay for large-scale works to increase the workability and strength of the clay. You can prepare paper-added ceramic clay or choose ready-made paperclay. The fibers in paperclay make the clay very strong and durable while also being very light. Paper-added ceramic clay reduces cracks at the joints, reduces warping and shrinkage, and lightens the work. It is ideal for all sizes of works, especially large-scale ones that could be very heavy under normal conditions.

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