Studio Process
Finished slab
NERIKOMI
A cousin to marbling, is a traditional Japanese (also found in Egyptian and Chinese lineage) technique of layering clay bodies of different colors to create either an agate-like feel or a pattern.
I first slice up the clay bodies, layer them alternating to make stripes. I compress the layers together into a new block of clay. Next, I slice this block into sections, wedge those in all different directions to distribute spirals and then knock these parts together to make a new block of clay. once compressed I slice horizontally to show off the lamination, and start rolling out slabs.
This process is incredibly physical, but I like that. I enjoy the almost dug from the earth quality Nerikomi gives me with layering reminiscent of agate. I have continued exploring this process today with added pigments, glass beads, and always perusing new forms.
The first glimpse at alternating layering.
Making the new block of clay after manipulation of clay.