The Right Angle for Approaching Geometric Ceramic Sculpture How to make and use a right-angle jig Marcia Selsor

Many years ago, while handbuilding a large form, ceramic artist Marcia Selsor was struggling to support two slabs that she wanted to join at right angles to then hang on the wall. So, she set out to build a custom tool to serve this purpose: a right angle jig to support the form in progress. The jig is a simple plywood structure that supports two ware boards at a right angle. Slabs are then placed on them and held in place during attachment. Over the years, it has proved to be an invaluable tool when building architectural or geometric forms, such as corbels, square tops of capitals or square vessels.

Today, she shows us how to make and use her right-angle jig. Take it away Marcia! - Jennifer Poellot Harnetty, editor

Making the Jig for Geometric Ceramic Sculpture

Begin with two pieces of 1/2-inch plywood cut to 12–15 inches. Cut a right angle shape out of each piece. To connect these notched ends, cut two 15-inch-long braces and one 14-inch-long brace from 4-inch-wide plywood boards. Attach the braces to each side and the middle. Two sheets of plywood complete the jig (image 1).

Cut out all the clay pieces during the same session and store overnight on sheetrock or gypsum board under plastic. Tip: Design tarpaper patterns then cut and press them onto the slab. Use tarpaper patterns much like sewing patterns but plan for the thickness of the clay. Store and reuse tarpaper patterns (image 2).

Use a 45° bevel cutter to cut the edges of the shapes that will later be joined at right angles. You can also use a cut-off wire held tightly and pulled along the edge, or a fettling knife held at a 45° angle. On the second day, or after the slabs have stiffened, score and slip the edge of one and place in the plywood cradle. Score and slip a second slab and slide it down to meet the edge of the first slab (image 3). Fill the seam with a coil and smooth with a rib.

To remove, tilt the whole works and slide the boards and slabs onto the table. Gently pull the boards away from the clay, which should stand free (image 4).

After joining the remaining two sides, attach the bottom, then attach the other assembled sides to complete the basic form (image 5).

Remove from the jig and finish the exterior seams the same as the interior seams. To work on the top and bottom, sandwich the form with bats and flip it over (image 6).

Finish the surface with ribs or a Surform tool (image 7 & 8).

**First published in 2012.