Sunday, February 27, 2011

Water Etching


On Saturday, September 25 - I was fortunate enough to have the time to take a new Metal Clay Class. Water Etching is a technique traditionally used by potters, and is now used by metal clay artist.

I had seen some information on this technique on another artists blog, and thought it would be a intriguing new way to create texture to metal clay. So when I saw the class offered I was thrilled. Our group consisted of only eight artists in the class, all of which have been working with metal clay for several years.

The easiest way to describe this process is that you paint a design on to dry (unfired) clay; using a damp sponge, gently wipe the clay so that the unpainted section is slightly lower than the design; allow the piece to dry again, and then fire. After the piece is fired you can finish it in which ever style you desire.

For my bracelet, it was tumbled for 20 minutes, brass brushed, and a patina added using liver of sulfur. For more information on local classes visit the PMC Guild (www.pmcguild.com) or New Mexico Clay (www.nmclay.com)On Saturday, September 25 - I was fortunate enough to have the time to take a new Metal Clay Class. Water Etching is a technique traditionally used by potters, and is now used by metal clay artist.

I had seen some information on this technique on another artists blog, and thought it would be a intriguing new way to create texture to metal clay. So when I saw the class offered I was thrilled. Our group consisted of only eight artists in the class, all of which have been working with metal clay for several years.

The easiest way to describe this process is that you paint a design on to dry (unfired) clay; using a damp sponge, gently wipe the clay so that the unpainted section is slightly lower than the design; allow the piece to dry again, and then fire. After the piece is fired you can finish it in which ever style you desire.

For my bracelet, it was tumbled for 20 minutes, brass brushed, and a patina added using liver of sulfur.

No comments:

Post a Comment