Week 20 – Air Dried Clay
This week is an opportunity to try out some air dried clay.
The packets are not very expensive and easily available. There is enough to do some experimental work without being left with excessive amounts of unused material. The great thing is that it dries out naturally so no need for a kiln.
Modelling or Impressions
I made one of my rare visits to the beach recently. As is usual in all environments I am naturally drawn to plant life and natural materials. So I selected some seaweed, a small rock and a couple of shells.
The air dried clay has to be worked within a time span. Any unused material needs to be tightly packed up again. So I made the decision to work the entire contents of the packet on this occasion. It was clean to use. It was easy to roll out. The impressions took well and looked clear. It did have a tendency to dry out the more I handled it and reused it though – just like pastry!
Recording and Preserving
My finished experiments were left to dry naturally. On review it is easy to see how this medium can be used alongside photographs, notes and drawings in a project. Or as a means of recording a biodegradable material such as seaweed.
This can easily be used to expand ideas and there are websites offering all sorts of additions and information on this product. But before you look at all the creative possibilities my advice would be to keep it simple. Purchase one packet of air dried clay and see what happens. Just like child’s play it is good for all of us, regardless of age or ability.