Working With Our Custom Clay Blend
At Tao of Clay our commitment to excellence is embodied in our meticulously crafted in-house clay body. By blending various clays and additives, we have developed a medium that not only showcases a distinct aesthetic but also offers superior functionality for both beginner and experienced ceramic artists.
What is The Composition of Our Clay Body?
Our signature dark brown clay body is the result of a carefully curated mix of clays, prominently featuring a red clay that imparts its rich hue. This formulation was initially developed during our work with Paradisaea, on their tabletop tiles, ensuring both visual appeal and structural integrity.
To enhance the clay's performance, we incorporate fine grog: crushed, bisque-fired clay particles—that reduces shrinkage and increases strength. This addition allows for greater control during the shaping and firing processes.
Get To Know One Of Our Custom Projects: Pardisaea
Unique Qualities of Our Clay
Mixing our clay in-house grants us precise control over its moisture content, resulting in a softer, more pliable material compared to many commercial clays, which are often mixed with less water and can be harder straight out of the bag. This softer consistency makes our clay particularly user-friendly for beginners, facilitating the throwing process. Furthermore, large-scale commercial production typically utilizes industrial pug mills that compress clay to a taffy-like density. In contrast, our clay maintains a lighter, more open quality that artists find appealing. When fired in oxidation within electric kilns, our clay emerges as a beautiful dark brown, offering a more attractive finish than the yellowish tones often produced by buff clays under similar conditions.
Advantages for Experienced Artists
For seasoned ceramicists, the benefits of our clay are manifold. The reduced pressure in our pug milling process results in a more open and lighter body that excels in capturing textures and responds adeptly to various throwing techniques. Renowned potter Eric Landon (famously known as TORTUS) has praised it as one of the best clays he has worked with, highlighting its exceptional qualities.
Learn More About Our Guest Artist Series
Benefits for Beginners
Beginners will find our clay's softer consistency advantageous, as it simplifies the throwing process and reduces the learning curve. The inclusion of fine mesh grog not only imparts strength to the clay but also ensures a smooth texture that is gentle on the hands, making it ideal for those new to the craft.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of our studio practices. We diligently recycle clay by reclaiming slop, trimmings, and unsuccessful pieces, combining them with fresh ingredients to create new batches. This ongoing process minimizes waste and underscores our dedication to environmental responsibility.
Enhancing Your Skills at Tao Of Clay
Our unique clay body significantly enriches the overall experience at Tao of Clay. Unlike many commercial clay producers, our formulation offers distinctive color and handling properties not commonly found in the market. With the rising costs of clay—often exceeding $1 per pound since the COVID-19 pandemic, we provide our students and members with unlimited access to our premium clay at no additional cost. This commitment encourages play, experimentation and fosters a supportive and creative community within our studio.
By choosing Tao of Clay, artists gain access to a clay body that seamlessly blends beauty, functionality, and sustainability, empowering them to bring their creative visions to life with unparalleled quality.
Learn More About Our Beginner Workshops & Advanced Clay Classes
