Additions to Clay Bodies

by David Binns

Published 15 March 2009
Traditionally, potters throughout the world have used local clays dug from a local source and used it relatively unrefined. The modern age now conveniently supplies us with ready mixed clays which are pre-dug and packaged, and in order to maintain consistency, impurities such as organic matter, large granular materials and colourants are often removed. Ironically however, it is often these very impurities that make the clay interesting, and potters and sculptors are now looking to add the interest back into their clay in the form of various additions, as well as introducing new things to create different textures, color or surfaces. This book looks at the variety of materials being added, from oxides, sands, glass and metals to saw dust, leaves, paper and coal dust. It discusses methods of introducing these materials and the work being produced from these new combinations.