A ceramic artist uses and maintains tools to make creative ceramic artworks. When using a paintbrush, for adding glaze or making fine detail, the artist must wash the brush and clean out the colors and liquid still on it, to keep it in good condition to use it again. Many use slab rollers which also require maintenance. Slab rollers are used for flattening a slab and evenly distributing the clay. When doing so, the clay is placed on pleather to keep it from sticking and require it “roll” through. When using this equipment you need to change out the pleather when clay begins to stick to it, or it gets too moist. Serrated edge, rubber rims, etc. are all tools that are used to add details and sculpt your artwork. It is important to clean them after every use. Ceramic artists also store and maintain materials, equipment, and artworks in the studio to prevent damage. When making a piece that requires flat walls, sharp edges, it’s important to place a ware board underneath, to give it a flat and stable base for holding. Also, when working on a piece and wanting to store it for later, you should store it with a plastic bag, to keep the moisture in. If you are wanting to dry your clay out a little, possibly for wanting to connect two pieces, it is necessary to place newspaper over your clay and store in the plastic bag to make it more dry, but not too dry. When artist are creating their work it is also a good idea to be organized, such as having a special place for your tools so they don’t get damaged or destroyed, or storing your glaze somewhere, making sure the lids are on tight. Knowing where everything is can help prevent losing something, or even something breaking.
