What is Clay Modelling?

Clay modelling involves the manipulation of plastic materials to shape something. The first step is to decide what you want to make and choose the suitable material and technique. Once you have decided what you want to make, select the type of clay you will use and prepare it according to the method you will be modelling. This is not standard; it depends on what you are making, the thickness of the clay, and the season in which you will be working. It is then done when it has reached the so-called “leather hardness” and sponged to remove imperfections and impurities. After this, the clay object is fired for the first time in an oven at a temperature of 1010 degrees Celsius. After firing and relative cooling in the kiln, the thing finally becomes terracotta. It is glazed or decorated at this stage and then fired again to become ceramic.

Here Are Some of the Benefits of Working With Clay by Hand During Modelling

1) Stimulation of Creativity

Clay Modelling brings out the physical and mental benefits of expressing yourself by making something. It is a step-by-step process that allows for creativity and clarity, real, and immediate results. By modelling the clay, material things are created, which in turn express immaterial ideas.

2) Improved Concentration

Touching the clay allows you to forget your worries and put an end to the daily grind by shifting your attention to the moment of creation. This process of almost complete isolation from the outside world, no cell phone, no new environment allows you to focus entirely on the natural and creative process. The ability to focus on one task at a time relaxes the mind and improves this ability in other life situations.

3) Stress Reduction

The hands are tools for expressing creativity, and the sense of touch is essential. Modelling ceramics requires concentration, but when there are few external factors, the stress is gone.

4)  Social Life

Whether modelling or decorating, it is generally recognized that working with ceramics is an activity that develops the mental rather than the physical side of the body and that it is an excellent hobby for those who want to use their energy intelligently. The informal atmosphere and friendly environment will help you relax and overcome any obstacles to starting a conversation during the course. Eventually, every course participant will have a clay-stained apron!

5) Making Memories

Archaeologists have introduced us to an ancient civilization by discovering mostly ceramics artifacts. Ceramic creations may be preserved for a long time to seal the memory of the moment when your creativity was expressed.

6) Hand Skills

The movements we make to mold clay, especially on the lathe, are gentle and involve using fingers, hands, wrists, and arms. This process promotes relaxation of the body to develop and rediscover upper limb movements that are important in many aspects of life.

7) Exploration

Our limited arena of the senses and mind can be expanded by spending time in art. Age is never a limitation; people of all ages can connect with art and it is the best way for us to communicate with our surroundings. There is no right or wrong way to do ceramics; everyone has unique and experimental ideas.

8) Improving Quality of Life

Art is an essential hobby for self-expression. By expanding your body and mind, you can connect with yourself. Working on new pieces, learning new techniques, and perfecting your art can lead to a lifetime of learning and maintaining a fulfilling hobby.

Starting from a simple piece of land to create objects, artifacts with your own hands, this personal and concrete realization will help you regain your self-esteem and autonomy, your self-confidence, and even your ability to leave behind everyday problems and regain your focus! Have you ever tried clay modelling? Let us know in the comments below!