Texture impressions in clay

Using textures to press into clay is one of the extremely fun things to do with clay and a technique I return to over and over. I use my own hand-made stamps, antique wood-block stamps and found objects and you can even purchase texture mats and rollers just for this--the possibilities are endless.  The effects are instant and addictive, the challenge is do something with it to make it your own.

I came across a huge sale of doilies and could not resist.

old doilies to use for clay texture. www.cathykiffney.com

Cathy Kiffney

 Pressed the doilies into the clay and painted colored slips on top.

process, Cathy Kiffney Studio

 I took the slip soaked doily and flipped it over onto the next slab of clay to press that color into the clay. Then painted it with a contrasting colored slip.

process, Cathy Kiffney Studio

I  jumped in to the process and did the most obvious-- not the most original treatment but oh, so much fun!-- And I needed a brake from challenges.

But then I was at a loss as to what to do with the beautiful textures. I decided to get back to basics and began carving into the texture my old friends, the owls.

Process, Cathy Kiffney

For variety sake I used an addition technique by adding a sculpted rabbit and flowers. For the Fox piece I used a combination of carving and sculpted additions.

Jumping rabbit and tulips

process, Cathy Kiffney Studio

Mr. Fox and falling leaves

process, Cathy Kiffney Studio

 ...and of course, the birds....

ceramic wall hanging birds, Cathy Kiffney

ceramic wall hanging birds, Cathy Kiffney

wall birds, Cathy Kiffney