I generally use two types of clay, depending upon how the sculpture is to be used. Earthenware clay is used for work that needs a great deal of detail and a high quality glaze, but because it is less resilient to extreme temperature changes, these pieces are normally displayed inside the home. An example of an earthenware sculpture is shown on the left.

Stoneware clay is used for pieces which need to withstand extremes of temperature, such as in outside conditions, but the natural surface of the clay does not allow a lot of detail or the use of vibrant glaze colours. Stoneware can be glazed of course, but the colours available are more limited. On the left, I have also shown an example of a stoneware sculpture.

Here in Worthing, England, I buy my clay from a local supplier, Clayman Supplies, (www.claymansupplies.co.uk ). They buy their raw materials from Stoke-on-Trent in England, which is a famous place in the pottery and ceramics world, and the clay is of a very high quality. There are many reputable suppliers of earthenware and stoneware clays, as well as pottery equipment, such as Hesketh Potters Supplies, (www.heskethps.co.uk), Art Clay Supplies, (www.artclaysupplies.co.uk), and Hobby Ceramicraft, (www.hobbyceramicraft.co.uk).

I use earthenware (studio white) clay for pieces which need a detailed, vibrant glazed finish. This clay has to be allowed to dry at room temperature, and very slowly over a period that can vary from 1 to 3 weeks depending on the size. If the drying conditions are too warm, and it is allowed to dry too quickly, it is likely to crack, and the piece will be unusable. On the other hand, if it is not allowed to dry sufficiently, it is likely to explode during the firing process. When it has been allowed to dry, earthenware clay is fired to a temperature of 1000 degC.

I use stoneware clay (craft crank) for all my outside pieces of work. It is a very stable clay; it rarely cracks during the drying-out process and hardly ever explodes during firing in the kiln. Because I use the coiling method of construction, the finished product is very strong and durable, and the natural qualities of the clay make it both waterproof and frostproof. This clay needs to be fired at a temperature of 1230 degC.

Here's an example of how I would make a ceramic sculpture of a Giraffe.