Question I am a high school ceramics instructor and I want to have my students make clay busts (Beethoven, Franklin, Einstein). I created an excellent one but when I hollowed it out it completely collapsed. I have never tried this project and believe it could be a great one if I can solve this problem. The answer seems to be in slicing the bust into several pieces when and hollowing when the clay is a bit stiffer. Perhaps some sort of support inside, outside, or both to hold its shape together as it dries?
I used to teach everything and am now focusing entirely on ceramics. I'm discovering that my knowledge was broad and shallow though I've been doing this for 15 years. I want to become an expert potter and sculptor and am anxious to learn from those more knowledgeable.
Thanks,
Tom
Answer Thomas,
Congratulations on being so brave as to teach high school ceramics! You don't need to know everything. Ford said, "I may not know, but I know how to find someone who does." There's lots of help out there, especially now with the Internet. Quick searches on google will produce lesson plans for you.
Another great source for you could be your local artists' guild or potter's guild. Lots of artists love to demonstrate, help or show off their work.
The key to hollowing out pieces is patience. Allow the piece to become leather hard so that when you handle it the shape is not affected. Turn upside down & rest on your lap (I use a foam piece or even an old pillow) begin scooping out from the middle. Use a loop tool. If you don't have enough for all the students, an old spoon works, but they'll need to be more careful. You want the walls of the piece at least 1/4-1/2" any more and you risk cracking or worse, blow ups in the kiln.
If you have the kids start on another project while they're 'hollowing out' they can be working on their other project while allowing the bust to dry slowly each day enough to hollow out some more. If you hollow out all at once you may weaken the walls and collapse the piece entirely.
Hope this helps. Feel free to write again. Leisha
Thomas, just noticed you're in Colorado Springs. I am just north of you. Glad to come by & help if you'd like sometime. Leisha
