How to Do Ceramic Sculpture

Ceramic sculpture combines pottery-making techniques and materials with sculpture to create beautiful designs. Many artists are rediscovering this classic medium and creating dazzling ceramic sculptures.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Pick a construction method for your ceramic sculpture. You can make your sculpture on the wheel, using coils and slabs, or carve it out of a block of clay.

2. Keep your ceramic sculpture moist by wrapping it in plastic sheeting or a grocery bag when you're not sculpting. A spray bottle full of water can keep it wet while you're working on it.

3. Carve out your sculpture. To fire correctly in the kiln, your sculpture should be hollow. Make a small hole in the bottom and remove most of the clay. Try to keep the clay's thickness even throughout the ceramic sculpture.

4. Reattach any broken pieces by scoring the end of the piece and the place it broke off and applying slip. Press the two pieces together and hold them until they dry.

5. Apply a finish to your ceramic sculpture. Glazing, painting or firing are ways to finish a piece. Some paints, like oils or acrylics, require you to fire your sculpture before painting.

Tips & Warnings

• Once your sculpture has been constructed, you can use various items to give, such as burlap, bubble wrap or sandpaper, to give your piece texture.