Kemper Mini Clay Extruder
I spent a cold snowy afternoon (isn’t it spring already?) in the garagio yesterday afternoon, constructing some porcelain boxes for the group show I’m in the end of this month. I had already measured, cut and mitered my slabs of clay the day before, and set the pieces up conveyor belt style in an attempt to be a little more efficient.
The construction of slab built work necessitates that one add a small coil of clay into each joint for strength and stability. After building 3 boxes in the last week, I finally remembered the Kemper mini clay extruder that was still unopened in one of my drawers after purchasing it a few years ago. Wow – what a time saver! The boxes are pretty small, and I can still manage to smooth out the coil with my pinky finger – but also found my favorite wooden tool that does the trick too.
As I made these, I thought that it would be way easier if I were able to slip cast these – but there’s something in me that enjoys the meditative quality of hand building. Well, at least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it since I have no other choice at the moment.
After getting several estimates, an electrician is coming out today to wire a plug receptacle for my new kiln and to up the amps on the circuit breaker to my garage to accommodate it. Ouch – it ain’t cheap, but having a larger kiln will make me so much more productive (in theory). I know I waited awhile after receiving the kiln last month to hook it up, but there was still some question whether we were going to keep on living in this house or move. We’re staying at least another year, so I’m forking over the mullah.
With the electrician coming over, I will be finishing the work for the show on my kitchen table today. It will be a bit of a luxury working inside today with heat. 
Hopefully, I won’t be too distracted.
Have a great weekend,
~Cynthia
Undaunted
April 11, 2008 at 6:37 am //
Thanks for sharing the construction process! I presume the coils are quite soft and sticky, like slip? Do you make the lids seperately?
the lone beader
April 11, 2008 at 7:28 am //
It is interesting to see this process! It’s a great feeling to build artwork, isn’t it??
Cynthia
April 11, 2008 at 9:12 am //
If you look at the 3rd image, Undaunted, you’ll see a finished box in the background. I construct a cube and then cut off the lid so that the walls are all aligned correctly. The coils are regular soft clay, though I do use slip to join the slabs as well.
It truly is, LB!
Undaunted
April 11, 2008 at 10:00 am //
Ah, thank you. I find it all so interesting. I hope you don’t mind me asking so many questions.
Mary T.
April 11, 2008 at 5:35 pm //
The processes involved in building are like those of farming, manna to my mind and soul. I love seeing them. I think slab building would find favor with me over throwing as I like doing tactile stuff. Thanks as ever Cynthia.
Nancy
April 11, 2008 at 9:11 pm //
Wow, how interesting. Thanks Cynthia. I love hearing how you go about the process.
janvangogh
April 12, 2008 at 10:42 am //
I could see the coils in the corners, but I didnt know you would use them in the joints. I thought the scratching was sufficient for that.
Cynthia
April 12, 2008 at 1:57 pm //
Undaunted, I love Q&A – that’s why I write show my process
Question away….
I’m all about process, Mary – it hooks me in every time. I go back and forth between the wheel and hand building depending on my mood.
Hey Nancy, long time no see!
Janet, I use the coils in the inside joints, but not the outside. One can never be too careful – crack is bad!
Undaunted
April 12, 2008 at 2:35 pm //
Well in that case…!
I was wondering… do you cut the lids off with wire? And then how do you stop them from slipping off the finished box? Do you have to create a ridge inside?
Do you know, I think I will have the best education! I have so many tutors! Cynthia, Jafabrit, Leanne, Philippa, Mona, Rosa…
Lynette
April 13, 2008 at 12:52 pm //
I love seeing the photos of your process and it looks like so much fun!!
Cynthia
April 14, 2008 at 6:53 am //
Undaunted – no I use a x-acto knife and a metal ruler as a guide. I do have to put a sliver of clay on the inside to stop the lid from sliding off. I also put a notch in the lid to help. It’s sort of labor intensive, but I enjoy it.
Thanks Lynette!
Undaunted
April 14, 2008 at 10:46 am //
Thank you for explaining it all. They’re wonderful.