Ron Slagle Studio

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I use several methods to produce the slabs of clay that I can flatten with my hand  and stack to build the images. I tend to prefer the texture from my hand rather than the smooth surface of the slab roller.  I enjoy the process and try not to deny that in the construction.  Slabs can also be made directly from the pug mill, using the cylinder of clay, I slap it hard against the table, then use 1/2 inch sticks to lay on each side of the flattened coil to guide a wire through.   The coils are then scored and stacked using a  slip made from the clay body.  I can usually stack about 2-3 levels (see the head below, the bands around the head are the actual joints of construction).  All the work is fired to 2400 degrees.   The  metallic surfaces are produced by mixing metal oxides(cobalt, Iron & magnesium) in a water solution, applying the wash with a brush and gloves (toxic, use precautions) and then sponging off to highlight areas on the piece.

Photo:  Tom Mills