Faceting is a pottery technique that transforms the surface of a clay piece through careful carving, creating flat planes that add texture and visual interest. It’s a fantastic way to give your ceramic art a modern, architectural feel. The process involves removing sections of clay to leave behind these distinct facets, and there’s a whole world of tools and techniques you can explore to achieve different effects.
So, what tools are we talking about? Well, you might be surprised to find that some of them can be found right in your kitchen! A cheese cutter, for instance, with its taut wire, can make precise cuts, especially on wet or soft leather-hard clay. The roller on the cutter helps maintain a consistent depth, ensuring your facets are uniform. Then there’s the curled wire tool, or a stretched spring, which offers more dynamic and varied cuts, perfect for creating irregular, textured surfaces. For smoothing and refining those facets, a Surform rasp is invaluable, especially for beveling edges on leather-hard clay. Of course, there are also specialized tools designed specifically for faceting, like those from Dolan Tools. Their flat and oval faceting tools, handcrafted from high-carbon knife-grade steel, are a favorite among potters, especially those working on larger pieces. But don’t feel like you need fancy equipment to start; a simple utility knife blade, held carefully, can also do the trick. You can also use traditional wire tools or metal ribs to smooth and shape. For more information, see unlocking pottery carving incising techniques. You can also consider pottery textures, stamps and more.
“The beauty of faceting lies in its ability to transform a simple form into something visually complex and intriguing.”
Now, if the idea of carving into your pottery makes you a little nervous, don’t worry! There are alternative methods to achieve similar effects. Ribbing, using a rib tool to create grooves and ridges, is one option. Molding, pressing clay into molds for uniform textures, is another. And for adding intricate designs, you might want to try sgraffito, where you scratch away a layer of slip or glaze to reveal the clay beneath. Or consider mishima, a Japanese technique of inlaying colored slip into carved lines. Excision, grooving, cord impressions, and carving with serrated tools all offer unique ways to add texture and visual interest to your pieces without traditional faceting. When it comes to faceting, the type of clay you use matters, too. Stoneware clays like Soldate 60 and B-Mix with Sand are great because they can withstand the carving process without cracking. Porcelain clays such as Pecos Porcelain and Cashmere, and sculptural clays like Super Sculpt 2000! are also excellent choices. Clays with high plasticity and the inclusion of grog (pre-fired clay particles) can make faceting easier and more successful. Keep in mind the firing temperature of your clay and how it will react to the faceting.
But what about design? Symmetry, pattern, wall thickness, timing, tool choice, aesthetics, glazing, and practice. Planning your design, considering the symmetry and pattern you want to achieve, is key. Using tools like a sectional guide or dividing disk can help ensure even spacing of facets. Maintaining uniform wall thickness is crucial for structural integrity, so aim for consistent thickness when throwing your piece. Consider the timing of your faceting, too; whether you prefer working with wet clay for more flexibility or leather-hard clay for crisp edges will influence your approach. Remember, the aesthetic you’re aiming for should guide your faceting design. The glaze and how you want it to interact with the faceted surface also plays a big role.
The firing process itself can be a bit trickier with faceted pottery. The uneven thickness created by the facets can lead to uneven drying, shrinkage, and thermal shock, increasing the risk of cracking and warping. Drying your pieces slowly and evenly, using a clay with low shrinkage, and firing at a gradual ramp-up rate can help prevent these issues. Using kiln furniture to support delicate areas and choosing the right clay body, such as grogged clay, stoneware clay, or paper clay, can also make a big difference. So, embrace the wobbles, enjoy the process, and celebrate the unique beauty you create with every faceted piece.
