atspam (Sjpolyclay) wrote in
:

But are you sure conditioning actually aligns the molecules, and that
the clay needs this alignment to be strong? Mica is waaay bigger than
molecules (in general),

Mica IS bigger, which makes it nicely visible to the non-believers
that this could be happening. But it really does. Polymers are long
chains of molecules, and Judith Skinner demonstrated to my skeptical
self at our retreat this year that it really does make a difference to
align them. She swears there is an "grain" to sheets of clay, similar
to fabric and wood, and it really does make a small but noticeable
strength difference. I'm a believer now! If you are going for long
term art, then this is important--if you just want something for now,
then its not a big deal. Sarajane

Well, I'm still sceptic, but I take your word for it. I don't really
work that much with sheets of clay, as I do mostly sculptures. On the other
hand, since there aren't really any thin non-supported parts, I suppose a
slightly added strength doesn't matter that much. I'll have to experiment.

--
//Christina Hellström http://www.geocities.com/chellstr/
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