Amy Henson showing her horse head vase from concept sketch to finished piece.
Cindy Groszkiewicz
Members of the Happy Potters were treated to a demonstration on a technique called “slip trailing” by special guest potter Amy Henson. Ms. Henson, who lives in Garland, holds a BFA degree in studio arts: ceramics from Southern Methodist University and an MFA in ceramics from UNT.
Slip is a mixture of clay and water blended to a consistency similar to thick cream. Slip trailing is a decorative technique whereby slip is applied onto the clay surface, creating a raised design to add sculptural texture and interest to handmade pottery.
Amy first showed the group how to make slip from dry clay pieces, adding water, allowing it to absorb, and mixing it to the right consistency. While the clay was soaking, she took a large ball of our “club clay” and formed a basic pinch pot, skillfully sculpting it into a stunning horse head vase. If that weren’t enough, Amy then made a footed freeform dish with the leftover clay. While building each piece, she shared many “insider tips” for successful hand sculpting with attention to detail and form.
As the two new pieces were drying a bit, Amy demonstrated slip trailing on an earthenware piece she made the previous day. Using a medium-tipped bulb syringe filled with her own slip, she added scroll work to her piece. She explained the difference between earthenware and stoneware (our club clay), noting that the slip must be made from the same type of clay as the piece you are decorating. She spoke about combining slip trailing with carving to make surfaces more dynamic and interesting but advised not to overwork a piece, knowing when to stop.
Finally, Amy took the slip she made at the beginning of the demonstration and masterfully decorated the two new pieces using a squeeze bottle topped with a wider tip. The results were amazing.
Amy started the day with a big lump of clay and ended with two such imaginative and beautiful pieces of pottery art! To say that we were in awe is an understatement. Thank you, Amy, for a remarkably interesting and informative session!
Happy Potters members can look forward to a hands-on Slip Trailing Workshop soon to be scheduled.