Redefining materiality: physical relationships of materials in comparison to clay

Abstract

Clay and its ceramic counterparts are one of the most prominent materials used within contemporary society. There is countless integration amongst the development of our surrounding world from utilitarian vessels to electrical conduits to space shuttle tiles. With that said, it can be argued that in nearly all areas of efficiency as a physical and malleable material, clay through its various states proves to be the superior medium. Yet what components of clay allow for such an efficient and malleable medium when compared to others? As the proponents of manipulation with materials will allow, I will be attempting to create a series of works replicating the effects of clay as material through wood, metal, plaster, fiber and plastic. Each piece will contain a clay portion and the additional collaborative material. The purpose is to relate the physical nature of materials and their relevance towards one another. The results will provide a symbiotic representation of the essential proponents of individual material advancements to effectively recreate clay's diverse material tendencies.