search  current discussion  categories  techniques - cracking 

cracks around eyes

updated tue 20 jan 04

 

Nana Underhill on sat 17 jan 04


Hi all-

I just fired my first portrait head sculpture, a la Luchessi (sp). My
problem is this: there are cracks around the eyes, following the contour of
the eyelids. Now, I believe this is because the clay for the eyelids was a
lot less compressed than the clay forming the eye socket. I also had some
minor cracking on the underside of the septum of the nose.

My question is - how do I compress and keep tight such a small floppy piece
of clay, especially when I have to go over it a bunch of times with a wet
brush later on?

Is there a really obvious answer? Am I up too late?

Nana

Snail Scott on sun 18 jan 04


At 11:53 PM 1/17/04 -0500, you wrote:
>I just fired my first portrait head sculpture...there are cracks around
the eyes...
>Now, I believe this is because the clay for the eyelids was a
>lot less compressed...I also had some
>minor cracking on the underside of the septum of the nose...


I don't think compression is your problem, so much as
moisture variation. Before adding elements to an
existing clay structure, score and dampen the spot,
covering it with a damp cloth or paper towel just
large enough to cover the area in question. After the
area has rehydrated a bit, then attach your added
parts.

-Snail

Cate Loveland on sun 18 jan 04


I just happened to be re reading the Lucchesi book a few nights ago, and was
interested to see a number of references to repairing materials, particularly
epoxy and "water putty" for "filling cracks in the fired piece" (p. 37). My
guess is that he gets cracks and flaws too, and just repairs them and keeps on
going. Wouldn't want to do that in functional ware, of course, but I guess
it's not a problem in fine art. Too much time invested to toss something for a
crack here and there.
Other than that, you probably know all about drying slowly, firing slowly,
etc, and trying to get thickness as even as possible. Around the eyes, the
tendency is to hollow out the form evenly from the inside, and not taking into
consideration how deeply the eyesockets are indented, so that area is thinner and
cracks easily.
Good luck! I love Lucchesi's work, particularly the reliefs.
Cate in AZ, where it's a perfectly beautiful day for working outside

william schran on sun 18 jan 04


Nana wrote:>...there are cracks around the eyes, following the contour of
the eyelids.... how do I compress and keep tight such a small floppy piece
of clay, especially when I have to go over it a bunch of times with a
wet brush<

2 suggestions: work with low fire clay that does not undergo as much
shrinkage and/or work with paper clay (or paper clay in those areas
susceptible to stress cracking.
Bill