Clay & Ceramics
What is the correct wall thickness for creating a clay box?
Approximately 3/8 inch.
What is an additive sculpture process?
Building up materials to create a form.
What is the role of a museum docent?
A person who leads guided tours and provides information about the exhibits.
Why use a sketchbook in sculpture planning?
To brainstorm ideas, plan composition, and refine designs.
What is an armature?
An internal support structure for building a sculpture.
What are the three main stages of clay before firing?
Plastic, leather-hard, and bone-dry.
What tool is used to carve and shape foam or plaster?
A rasp.
Name two things you should NOT do in a museum.
Touch the artwork and take flash photos.
What does it mean to abstract a form?
To simplify or distort a realistic object for expressive or conceptual purposes.
What does 'utilitarian' mean in art?
An artwork that also serves a functional purpose.
What does it mean to 'score and slip'?
It means to scratch the clay surface and apply slip to join pieces securely.
What is a mold and how is it used in casting?
A mold holds the negative shape; casting involves pouring material into it to create a positive form.
What is copyright in art?
A law that protects an artist’s original work from being copied or used without permission.
Name one way to critique your artwork during the process.
Reflect on form, balance, and intent; adjust as needed.
What was one key feature of Old Masters’ sculptures?
Realistic form and anatomical accuracy.
What are the steps for proper glazing?
Clean the piece, stir glaze, apply 2–3 even coats, avoid glaze on the bottom.
Why is it helpful to use a maquette?
It allows the artist to test scale, composition, and structure before building the full piece.
Can you use a Google image in your artwork without permission?
No, unless it is labeled for reuse or in the public domain.
What should you consider when photographing your sculpture for a portfolio?
Lighting, background, and angle that highlights key features.
What is the difference between scale and proportion?
Scale is size compared to something else; proportion is the relationship between parts.
What is 'dry footing'?
Leaving the bottom of a ceramic piece unglazed so it doesn't stick to the kiln shelf.
Name one safety precaution when mixing plaster.
Always add plaster to water (not the other way), and wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust.
What is one responsibility of a project manager in a collaborative group?
Keeping the team organized and ensuring deadlines are met.
What does it mean if an artwork is conceptual?
It emphasizes the idea or meaning behind the piece rather than the object itself.
Name a career that involves creating 3D art and describe what they do.
Ceramicist, sculptor, architect, museum curator, etc.