Realism Clay Fish

It's that time of year again when students are winding down to their last projects before summer break. Students are working on the clay fish project. Made from a simple slab, students add texture that resembles scales and roll the slab into the shape of a fish. Smaller slabs are then cut into fins and textured lines are added upon them. Once all of the pieces are made, they are slipped and scored onto the fish.

The fish only go through a bisque firing and are painted with acrylics and rub and buff. We typically use black acrylic paint to cover the entire fish so that the rub and buff really contrasts with the dark background. It is set to dry over night and the following day rub and buff is added. To apply the rub and buff, you use a small cloth and dab the paint on the cloth and rub some of it on paper before applying to your project. Too much of it will result in it globbing and your textures won't be highlighted. As soon as your rub and buff dries, your fish is complete! This is a great project for the end of the school year since we eliminate the glaze firing. As soon as the construction is done, the rub and buffing process goes quickly.

NBC students took flight with the fish project this year. The goal was to use slabs and textures to be able to accent with the rub and buff paint. Some thought outside of the box and made turtles, sharks, octopi, and even starfish. The results were stunning, especially in the showcase all together looking like one gigantic fish tank.