Inverse Inlay or How to do it all Backwards

I have been using a process that I call Inverse Inlay for many years,
building on the technique to create multi-patterned colorful
dinnerware and serving pieces. In order to get the complex patterns,
by painting on slabs I build up the surface layer by layer using slips
made of the same clay body and different percentages of Mason stains.
I work wet on wet—wet slip onto wet clay. By using a lot of
printmaking techniques, including stenciling, blocking, stippling,
sponging, and stamping , and then carving into the clay and through
all these layers, I get a top surface revealing and reflecting all
the layers underneath. It is then flattened – usually onto a
mold–and in doing so the slip gets inlaid into the body. I’ve
designed and made plaster molds for each of the shapes which unite
all the pieces and parts and produce a smooth and seamless surface.
When the pieces come off the molds, the surface is finished, all the
decoration is done. What’s left is drying, sanding and clear glazing.
Because of all the surface treatments there is a surprising depth to
the finished piece The work is mostly earthenware fired to cone 04.
You will learn about paper stencils for quick 1 time jobs, plastic
stencils for images you want to repeat, toothbrush stippling, sponge
stamps you can make easily and the beauty of carving through to reveal
the clay body beneath. I’ll show how to put “pattern pieces” together
to make one whole integrated piece and discuss how to make a plaster
molds which will accommodate all of the above.

You will have to opportunity to experiment with all of these
techniques on small slabs that you can take home with you.

For more information on Claudia go to

http://www.cera-mix.com/