Faceting
Faceting is a decorative technique that involves cutting or pounding a soft clay object to form multiple flat sides or angles, thus creating a surface with various facets or faces. Inspired by gemology, where facets enhance the beauty and brilliance of gemstones, ceramic faceting not only embellishes the piece, but also highlights the contrast between different areas of the surface, offering a visually appealing and sophisticated finish.
The faceting process begins with the preparation of a thick-walled vessel, which is placed upside down on a spindle or hand pottery wheel to keep it stationary during the work. Next, the spaces where the cuts are to be made on the soft clay are carefully measured and marked, ensuring precision and uniformity in the facets. Using cutting tools such as knives or very taut wires, the marked areas are cut at once to avoid excessive handling of the piece. After the cuts are made, the edges created must be polished to eliminate any roughness or sharp edges, ensuring that the piece is safe and aesthetically pleasing.Interesting Fact
The arrangement and shape of the facets can influence how glaze or liquid decoration runs off and adheres during firing. This can generate unique color and texture effects, as the decorative material tends to pool more on edges or subtly slip off sloping surfaces, creating tonal and visual variations that are not obtained on smooth-surfaced pieces.Helpful Tip
To achieve precise and uniform faceting, it is essential to measure and mark the cuts accurately before cutting. Use sharp tools and maintain a constant and controlled movement during cutting to avoid errors. Practice on test pieces to familiarize yourself with the technique and adjust the pressure and angle of the tools as necessary. Also, make sure the piece is securely fastened to the spindle or lathe to maintain stability throughout the process.
