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Technique Question...extruder Tree... Any Suggestions?


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I have this vision of a tree it's made up of tiny extruded strands of clay wrapped, twisted and warped together to make the trunk then branching out and ending with a leaf at the end of each strand. The bark is finished in red iron oxide and the leaves I am thinking Oribe.

 

The thinking behind the design is that our lives are made up of individual strands that wind and grow together. Each strand of our lives enable us to bloom in different ways, together yet unique.

 

I work in Little Loafers, electric, cone 6

 

Is it even possible to do something like this with clay?

 

How best to go about it to prevent cracks and utter destruction from happening?

 

I realize there will be some movement of the branches in the kiln but as a tree if they change shape somewhat that would just make it more organic looking.

 

Terry

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Doable, yes. But, it will take planning. Consider making the tree in parts that you can assemble after firing; same for attaching leaves.

 

For inspiration and asking, how does he do it?, Michael Sherrill: http://www.michaelsherrill.net/currentwork/templeofthecoolbeauty (hey, you just can't sit around making flexible ribs all day).

 

Look at this joints, connections. Some works include metal; others, the limbs, etc. are clay.

 

Yes, the tools he makes/sells is directly related to his work and what he needs to make those pieces.

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Thank you everyone. I visualize it as a 3 dimensional free standing piece. I was working with my extruder today doing large diameter tubes and it got me thinking maybe build the trunk out of one of these with the strands pressed to the outside of it to give the structure more strength.

 

I like the idea of attaching the leaves after firing they could move then... I'll have to think on this some more.

 

Again thank you for the help and suggestions I am pretty sure this is going to be a trial and error kind of project but if I can get it anywhere near what I see in my head it'll be great.

 

Terry

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