How To Do A Relief Carving With Clay?

Relief carving is a type of carving where a design stands out from a flat background. The relief carving process involves sculpting shapes and figures that project from the clay surface while the background remains untouched and flat.

To create a relief carving, you first prepare a slab of clay and transfer your design onto the surface. Using various carving tools, you then carve away the negative space around the design so the main image stands out in relief above the flat clay background. The depth of the carving can vary from shallow to deep. Once the carving is complete, the clay piece is allowed to dry thoroughly before firing.

The best types of clay for relief carving include moist earthenware clay, polymer clay, and oil- or wax-based modeling clay. These clays hold their shape while being soft enough to carve intricate details.

Needed Supplies

To complete a relief carving project, you will need a few key supplies and tools:

Clay – The type of clay you choose will depend on your preferences and intended final use. Polymer clay can be hardened by baking it in a regular oven. Air-dry clay will harden naturally at room temperature. Kiln-fired clays require high heat in a kiln to fully cure, but allow for more intricate designs. Choose clay designed for sculpting that can hold fine details.

Carving tools – You will need an assortment of loops, gouges, and carving knives in various sizes. These tools allow you to shape the clay by removing material to create your design. Look for good quality tools made for clay carving.

Rolling pin – Use a rolling pin to flatten and condition your clay before starting your carving. This helps remove any air bubbles and makes the clay easier to work with.

Work surface – Your carving work surface can be as simple as a flat board or table covered with canvas. You want a stable, smooth surface that won’t stick to your clay as you carve it.

Preparing the Clay

Before starting any clay relief carving project, it’s essential to properly prepare and condition the clay. This involves kneading and wedging the clay to achieve an even consistency free of air bubbles. Start by cutting off a workable amount of clay from your block. For relief carving, you’ll want clay that’s fairly firm and dense, like stoneware or porcelain.

To wedge the clay, cut it in half and smack the two pieces together. Then fold the clay over on itself and smack it down again. Repeat this process, cutting and folding, until the clay has an even, smooth texture. This kneading action works out any air pockets. Avoid overworking the clay though, as it can cause the clay to become too stiff.

Once your clay is conditioned, form it into a ball and use a rolling pin to roll out a slab about 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick. Try to get the slab as even as possible, without any lumps or grooves. The slab should be larger than your planned carving size to allow trimming off excess later. Use guides like yardsticks while rolling to get a uniform thickness. If the slab is too thin, reinforce weak spots by gently pressing on extra clay. Let the slab sit until leather hard before transferring your design.

Transferring the Design

There are two main methods for transferring your design onto the clay before carving – freehand sketching directly on the clay, or transferring a paper design that you have created.

Freehand Sketching the Design

If you feel comfortable sketching freehand, you can lightly draw your design directly onto the smooth clay surface using a pencil or tool. Start by lightly marking the major elements and overall composition. Then begin refining the design by adding more precise details and shading. Keep your sketch light, as you will carve over these guide lines. Adjust and evolve the design as you go. Freehand sketching allows you to be very intuitive and natural with the design process.

Transferring a Paper Design

For more complex or precise designs, it is best to start with a paper template that you can transfer onto the clay. Sketch out your design on paper first, refining it until you are satisfied. Place a sheet of carbon paper between your paper template and the clay, with the carbon side facing down onto the clay surface. Use a stylus to trace over all the lines of your paper design, pressing firmly so the carbon transfers a copy of your sketch onto the clay. This carbon transfer will provide etched guidelines for you to carve over. Take care not to smudge or scratch the transferred lines during the carving process.

Carving the Clay

Once the design is transferred, it’s time to start carving. This is where the creative magic happens. There are a few techniques to keep in mind when carving clay:

Carve in Sections – Don’t try to carve the entire design at once. It’s easier to work in small sections, completing the carving on each before moving to the next area. This allows you to focus on the details in each section.

Cut Away From Yourself – As you carve, cut away from your body using firm, controlled strokes. This gives you better leverage and control over the clay.

Use Different Tools – Clay carving utilizes an assortment of tools for different purposes:

• Loop tools – for general shaping and smoothing
• Gouges – for removing clay in indented areas
• Skewers – for poking holes and pressing in details
• Ribbon tools – for cutting fine lines and edges

Use heavier tools first for rough shaping, then smaller tools for details. Experiment to see which tools work best for your style.

Take your time removing clay bit-by-bit. Don’t rush through and take off too much at once. Finesse each section patiently to create your desired relief design.

Adding Texture

Adding texture to a clay relief carving brings an extra dimension of realism and visual interest. There are various techniques for texturing clay to achieve different effects.

One easy way to add texture is by impressing found objects into the clay. Items like leaves, seashells, nuts, bolts, keys, or mesh can be pressed into the clay to leave behind their unique imprint. This works best when the clay is still soft. Practice on a scrap piece first to test how deeply different objects will imprint.

You can also use homemade or storebought clay tools to add patterns. Clay loop tools, silicone brushes, and clay shapers with different shaped tips will create grooves, dots, crosshatches, scales, etc when scraped or pressed into the clay surface. Get creative with combining tools to make your own custom textures.

Textured rolling pins are another great way to quickly add repetitive patterns. Wood grain, brick, stone, basketweave, and leaf designs can be rolled over flat areas of the relief to imitate different materials and environments depicted in the scene.

Experiment with blending, layering, and alternating different textures to create visual interest. Make smooth areas contrast with heavily textured sections. Try distressing areas by scoring lines or stippling the surface to show age and wear.

Cleaning Up the Carving

Once you have finished carving out the main shapes and details of your relief sculpture, it’s time to clean it up and refine it. Carefully look over your entire piece and smooth any rough or uneven edges using a rounded sculpting tool, your fingers, a damp sponge, or fine sandpaper.

Pay close attention to the outline shape of your main figures or elements and make sure they have a smooth, finished look. Remove any leftover clay scraps or debris. If needed, use a needle tool to refine small details like facial features, patterns, or textures. Be careful not to over-work the details or apply too much pressure, which could distort the clay.

Your goal in the cleaning up stage is to perfect the forms and give your relief sculpture a polished appearance. Work slowly and gently as you smooth edges, erase stray marks, and enhance the details. Frequently step back and evaluate the overall look of your carved clay artwork as you make refinements. Once you are satisfied with the refined sculpture, it’s ready for drying and firing before applying color.

Drying and Firing

One of the final steps in relief clay carving is properly drying and firing the piece. You generally have two options for drying and firing: air drying or kiln firing.

Air drying involves leaving the carved clay out in room temperature over several days. Make sure the clay is placed in an area free from dust or dirt that could stick to the surface. Air drying takes longer but does not require specialized equipment.

Kiln firing is faster but requires access to a kiln. First, leave the carved clay out to air dry slightly until it is dry to the touch. Then place it carefully in the kiln and fire according to the clay’s firing instructions. Make sure to closely follow the recommended temperature and firing time. Firing for too long or at too high a temperature can cause cracking or scorching. The advantage of kiln firing is it fully cures the clay and hardens the finished piece.

Whichever drying method you choose, be patient and allow the process to fully complete. Properly dried and fired clay will be ready for applying color and displaying.

Applying Color

Clay offers many possibilities for adding color and finish to your relief carving. Popular options include:

Paints

Acrylic and oil-based paints designed for ceramics can be applied after the clay has been fired. Acrylics dry faster and are easier to work with, while oils create a glossier finish. Use paint brushes or other tools to add strokes of color.

Glazes

Glazes come in gloss, satin, and matte finishes. They are typically mixed with water and painted or brushed directly onto dried clay before firing. Multiple layers can be added for depth. Glazes flow and fuse with the clay during firing to create an integrated, glass-like coating.

Stains

Stains are absorbed directly into unfired clay. They create soft, muted colors that spread subtly through the surface. Stains can be layered and blended. Often used in combination with glazes.

Sealing

To protect a painted or stained carving, apply a sealant like varnish or polyurethane. This will prevent chipping and fading over time. Use matte, satin, or high-gloss sealants depending on your desired sheen.

With myriad colors and finishes available, you can truly make your clay relief carving into a one-of-a-kind creation that reflects your personal style.

Displaying the Finished Piece

Once your clay relief carving is complete, you’ll need to decide how to best display it. Here are some options:

Mounting on a Wall

One popular way to display a clay relief carving is to mount it on a wall like a plaque. You can affix it directly to the wall with adhesive or hang it from a hook with wire. Be sure to pick a location with ample lighting so the depth and textures of your carving can be appreciated.

Framing

For a more finished look, you can frame your clay carving. Choose a frame deep enough to accommodate the depth of the piece. Simple metal or wood frames work well. You can also find shadowbox frames designed especially for displaying 3D artwork.

Free-Standing Display

Consider placing your finished clay relief carving on a decorative stand, column, or tabletop easel. This allows it to be viewed from all angles as a free-standing sculpture. Pick surface colors and materials that complement your artwork. Get creative with the base – try using an unusual object like a tree stump or antique book.

However you choose to present your clay relief carving, be sure to pick a location with good lighting. Experiment with different angles and backgrounds until you find the perfect way to exhibit your hand-sculpted artwork.