About Transferer
Transferer was a groundbreaking project exploring cross-curricular approaches to art-based learning. A Project Co-ordinator worked with two BCB Associate Artists
to design and deliver a two-year programme with early secondary students to develop greater oracy and critical thinking skills. Through explorations of clay and ceramics students built new relationships, learnt how to structure and communicate their ideas, increased their vocabularies and learnt about arts careers.
to design and deliver a two-year programme with early secondary students to develop greater oracy and critical thinking skills. Through explorations of clay and ceramics students built new relationships, learnt how to structure and communicate their ideas, increased their vocabularies and learnt about arts careers.
Learn more about our Transferer programme.
Transferer Toolkit techniques: Sgraffito
Sgraffito is a decorative technique where layers of coloured slip are applied to the surface of leather hard clay, then designs are etched into the surface of the clay, revealing the colour of the clay underneath.
You will need:
- Clay
- Coloured slip
- Pots for slip
- Etching tools, cocktail sticks or small BBQ sticks
- Boards
- Sponges
- Wide paint brushes
- Newspaper (to work on)
Instructions
- Apply a thin layer of slip to your piece using a brush or sponge. When the slip has gone from shiny to matt, paint another thin layer and leave it until it is touch dry. You can use a hairdryer to speed up the slip drying process.
- Use a tool to score into the slip and reveal the colour of the clay underneath. Note that the technique is scraping off the layer of slip and not digging too deeply into the piece which can cause breakage. For any bits of clay still sticking to the work, wait till it is dry before brushing them off to ensure you don’t smudge the design.
Note: Sgraffito should always be done on leather hard clay. If your clay is too dry you risk creating clay dust when you scratch through the layer of slip.
Watch the other videos in the series on our resources page.
Support
Transferer is funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation as part of their Arts-based Learning Fund. This fund supports work which enables pupils in formal education settings, particularly those experiencing systemic inequality or disadvantage, to thrive through engagement with high quality, arts-based learning.
Learn more about Paul Hamlyn Foundation and the Arts-based Learning Fund.