Chapter 2: Preparing Clay

Any clay intended for modeling must be thoroughly prepared. The purpose ids to get a perfectly homogen clay, devoid of all impurities. This proceeding is usually done in two steps.

The first step involves violent and repeated striking of the clay against a flat surface. This give it more density.

The second step is kneading. The pottergets a clod of clay on a flat and hard surface (generally slate). Then he pushes hard on the clay with his palms. This compression forces some clay towards the fingers, which part of the clay is then folded back, and the proceed starts over again.

Periodically the clod is cut in slices, so that bubbles or impurities can be detected.

By dint of malaxing and slicing, clay becomes eventually pure and of perfect consistance, so it can be modeled.