Tailings

This paper describes the research leading up to and a description of the MF A; thesis exhibit titled "Tailings." The exhibit addresses the increasing saturation of our; environment with pollutants, toxins, and manufacturing waste through sculptural work; that contains or represents the physical process of saturation and/or material examples of; the pollutants and waste. For many of the works, the post-firing or post-construction; application of potentially reactive liquids into the pieces mirrors the reactivity and; mobility of toxins and pollutants in the environment; The sculpture bodies used to make the exhibit work contain traditional clay; ingredients with additional materials added to produce a strong yet porous media. The; porcelain and stoneware clay bodies incorporate organic material that burns out during; firing to create hard but permeable pieces that are sometimes soaked in colorants or; chemicals. Some of the clay pieces have metal embedded inside that volatilizes during; firing producing a friable, crystalline residue on the exterior. Others pieces were unfired,; made with a mixture of concrete and clay.; In addition, this paper describes some of the preliminary research involving clay; bodies and construction techniques. This includes use of armatures, molds, and the use; of various techniques and tools to cut, texture and aid in the construction of the work; and; techniques for the application of colorants.