What is Metal Clay?
When most people hear the word "clay", they immediately think of ceramic pottery. While metal clay holds many of the same attributes as ceramic clays, the end product is far from the same thing. Metal clay is just that.....metal. When fired correctly, it's nearly as strong as it's traditional sheet metal cousin, but allows the artist to mold and configure it in ways that sheet metal cannot. ​
It begins it's life in a very similar form to ceramic clays. Tiny metal particles are suspended along with binders and water to create the clay substance. Metal clay is typically rolled out and cut or formed into shapes and connected with clay slip. Textures can be impressed into the clay, or carved with gouges. Hollow forms can be made without solder and beautiful curves can exist where sheet metal fails to perform. It is then dried thoroughly, sanded, and finished in it's greenware state. ​
Although it can be fired with a torch, to obtain maximum strength it is important to fire in a high temperature kiln for many hours. When the binders burn away and the metal molecules sinter together, a solid metal piece is formed. All of my pieces are fired at the highest temperatures possible and for the longest soak ensuring that they are durable enough to last through generations.