Using clay straight from the ground is a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for centuries. Digging up clay from the earth can be extremely rewarding, although there are some potential hazards that should be taken into consideration. In this article, we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using clay from the ground, as well as what is needed to prepare clay for use, tips for successful gathering, storing, and working with ground clay, and some alternatives to ground clay.
Benefits of Using Clay from the Ground
Using clay from the ground can produce many advantages. The raw clay is generally very inexpensive, or even free since it can be found in nature. Also, the clay is not liable to breakage due to drying or expanding in the kiln as man-made clay might. Additionally, the clay taken from the earth is likely of better quality than processed or smoked clay. Moreover, the gratification that comes from digging it from the ground cannot be replicated with store-bought clay.
What Is Clay?
Clay is a sedimentary material made of naturally occuring particles, typically a combination of aluminum silicates like kaolinite, halloysite, illite, and vermiculite. Depending on the amount of silicon dioxide and its surrounding components, certain kinds of clay may also contain minerals such as quartz, iron, titanium and magnesium. Clay is used for a variety of purposes, such as making pottery, bricks, and sculptures.
Preparing Clay for Use
Before using the clay from the ground, it must first be prepared with a few steps. The first step is to sift the dirt and rocks that are in with the clay. This can be done by placing the raw clay in a container with ¼-inch drainage holes, like a sifter or colander. Using a garden hose or bucket, add water to the container and carefully move it back and forth so that the water washes all the dirt and rocks away. Afterwards, any remaining twigs and roots can be removed by hand.
Afterwards the clay should be dried out for a couple of hours to overnight. It can be left out to sit in the sun or placed in an oven set to 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes. When the clay is dry enough to handle without pieces sticking to your hands it’s ready to be used.
Gathering Clay from the Ground
After being prepared for use, the clay can then be gathered from the earth. Clay can most often be found near streambeds and rivers, low spots in fields or pastures, or along embankments near highways. When collecting the clay, it should be dug at least six inches down—this is to ensure that all of any larger particles are included in the collection.
Dangers of Collecting Clay from the Environment
As noted previously, there are a few potential dangers associated with gathering clay from the environment. One of these is contamination. If clay is taken from an area that has been recently sprayed with chemicals like herbicides or pesticides, then the clay will have a residue of those compounds that can lead to adverse health effects. Therefore it’s important to research the area first before collecting any clay.
Additionally, there may also be creatures living among the clay that could present a danger to you. Care should be taken when sifting through or gathering clay in case there are any hidden insects or small animals.
How to Store and Use Ground Clay
After collecting enough clay it should be stored in an airtight container or plastic bag in order to keep it moist and pliable for use. When working with ground clay it should never be allowed to dry out completely as this will make it more difficult to use and manipulate. Instead, it should be kept slightly damp.
When using clay from the ground it should always be worked on a sanitary surface like a plastic sheet or newspaper to avoid unwanted bacteria or mold forming on the clay. Tools such as knives and spatulas should also be sanitized before use if possible.
Tips for Working with Ground Clay
Working with clay from the ground can present challenges due to its usually unrefined state. To make sure you get the most out of your ground clay there are a few tips you should keep in mind while working with it.
First, you should always wear gloves when working withground clay since it can contain sharp particles that could cause cuts. Second, take your time to make sure your creation is uniform since the ground clay may have different textures throughout.
Finally, if you decide to fire any items made out of ground clay you will need to glaze them before putting them in the kiln since they will likely start to melt due to their lower temperature tolerance.
Alternatives to Ground Clay
For those looking for viable alternatives to using ground clay, there are several. There are some commercially available clays that have a much higher temperature tolerance than those gathered from the ground. For example, stoneware clays like those used in pottery tend to be much harder than those used in sculpture and are therefore more suitable for firing.
If you’re after a more economical approach however there are some synthetic clays that can mimic some of the properties of ground clays without needing any costly ingredients. These clays can often be mixed with basic ingredients like flour, salt, talc, and borax to create a more durable end product.
Summary of using Clay from the Ground
Using ground clay has many benefits that make it a great choice for any kind of art project. It is usually very inexpensive or even free from its place of origin, and can produce beautiful creations when combined with skill. There are however potential dangers associated with gathering and using clay from the ground; one should always research an area thoroughly before collecting any dirt or taking precautions when handling it.
In conclusion, archaeology enthusiasts looking to incorporate more traditional elements into their craft should consider taking advantage of the natural resources around them by collecting some ground clay and experimenting with its artistic possibilities.
