The Journal of Australian Ceramics Vol 48 No 3 November 2009

The Paperclay Revolution
with Graham Hay
4 & 5 April 2009 Ceramics Studio, Sydney Institute ofTAFE, Gymea Campus, NSW
Paperclay is an increasingly popular medium w ith artists, crafts people, hobbyists and teachers. While
it has been used for decades to create non-warping clay slabs, it has recently become popular as a
material for sculpture because of its building properties and strength. Paperclay cha llenges traditional
pottery methods and will alter how you use and think about clay.
What is paperclay?
Paperclay is created when paper pulp is added to any normal clay. Paper contains organic cellulose fibre,
which has a tube structure with excellent water siphoning properties.
Adding paper pulp to normal clay creates a body that:
• is stronger in its dry, pre-fired state
• has less cracking and warping when drying
• enables wet, soft and very dry clay to be easily joined together to produce strong joints
• uses less clay because thin, even dry walls can be bu ilt upon
• does not need to be wedged to remove air bubbles
• removes the need for cupboards to keep it damp
Once paperclay is fired, the ceramic body is ready for glazing and/or decorating.
Dangers:
• Paperclay should not be stored as liquid slip for long periods during summer as it can become smelly
as a result of bacteria growing in it. Mix some detergent or disinfectant into the slip to reduce this
risk .
• Do not contaminate new batches with old batches.
• Hands should be washed w ith soap and water before handling food.
78 THE JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIAN CERAMICS NOVEMBER 2009