Hand Building Basics:
Coil & Pinch Clay Cylinder
So you want to learn how to coil & pinch a clay cylinder?
Well, you’re in luck, because in this article of hand building basics, we’re going to teach you how to coil & pinch your first clay cylinder.
Supplies:
Clay
Cardboard/Paper/Absorbent
Table (or any flat surface to work on)
Creating The Base:
Step 1
Form the base of your cylinder by compressing and rounding out a clay puck. The base of your cylinder will determine how big the over all size of your form will be. The bigger the base, the more clay you will need.
Be aware that when making the thickness of your puck, you should keep it around the thickness of your pinky to index finger
Step 2
Smooth the base of your cylinder by applying a small amount of water to your finger tips and then rubbing over the surface of the base. Make sure that your base is symmetrical and level throughout its entirety before moving on.
Forming The Walls:
Step 1
Form a log with your hands, this will be used as the basis for your coils. Make sure that it is even in thickness before placing onto a flat surface for rolling.
Step 2
Place on to a flat surface that is absorbent or porous. You do not want your coil sticking to the surface as you roll it out. It may seem like a no brainer to roll a coil, but there are times where it may turn more into a flat line than a cylindrical form. Make sure to apply even pressure throughout the entirety of the coil so there are no divots.
Step 3
Add the coil to the outer edge of your clay base. Make sure you follow the form of your base with the clay coil. If cracks occur when adding the coil, that is okay. It is natural for foraged clay to do this as there is usually more silt and sand in the mixture. Just keep it aligned with the outer edge of the base.
Step 4
Create proper hand alignment by placing both thumbs onto the inside wall of your clay coil, your thumbs should be centered in the crevice that connects the base to the coil. One of your pointer and middle fingers should be placed on the side of the coil and side of the base to accurately judge where the coil is at in relation to the bases edge. The other pointer finger should be placed at the epicenter of the coil on the outside and the middle finger should be placed on the base to keep the coil in alignment.
Step 5
While keeping your thumbs on the inside crevice, begin pushing down and in with the pointer finger that is placed on the outside epicenter of the first clay coil. Push the mass of coil into the base, if it does not bond easily then your clay is most likely too dry.
Step 6
Keep your other hand (the hand that is not pushing down and in) in alignment with the base at all times so that your coil stays on track as it is being bonded to the base. This is known as the bonding pinch.
Step 7
As you repeat the process of pushing down and in, make sure to spin the base and coil on the piece of cardboard or other material that you are using to make it easier to work on. If and when cracks occur, make sure to keep the two pieces held tight together so that you can continue bonding the entire coil.
Step 8
If done correctly you should have the beginning of your cylinder completed. Now you must repeat the process with multiple coils to build the height.
Step 9
Make sure to smooth the cracks in the coils as you build.
Step 10
Smooth the crevice where the coil and base meet.
Step 11
Add more material by rolling a small coil and adding it to the crevice if you cannot smooth away the crevice by hand.
Step 12
Begin adding more coils, making sure to align them properly with the rest of the cylinder.
Step 13
Remember if your coil splits or cracks, keep it on the cylinder by bonding it like you would to your base.
Step 14
If your walls are too thick, try the compression pinch to thin them and create more height.
Step 15
Begin by placing your hands in the same manner as the bonding pinch, but with a slight variation. The outside fingers must be arranged so that you can cover as much of the cylinder as possible. As you pinch, you pull your hands closer together.
The compression pinch should only be done when a full coil is bonder to the cylinder.
Step 16
Continue adding coils until your are pleased with the height.
Step 17
Once you are happy with the height, smooth the entire surface of your cylinder to compact and further refine your piece. Make sure to get the bottom and round the edges of your cylinder before firing as well.
Finished!
Congratulations, you made your first cylinder!
To learn more about clay and how to create with it, visit “Higher Perspective Art” and start your art journey today!
