Metal Clay Art
What is metal clay?
Microscopically fine powdered metal is combined with a non-toxic binder and a bit of moisture to create metal clay. The material is malleable, so it can be rolled, textured, coiled, carved and sculpted using innovative techniques that aren’t possible with traditional metalsmithing.
Once transformed into a work of art, the metal clay creation is dried and refined, then fired to just below the melting point of the metal used. The binder and water burn away, the metal particles fuse together, and the result is a strong, solid piece of metal.
Today there are many different types of metal clay available to artists, including gold, fine silver, sterling silver, bronze, copper, steel, iron, and more. Some metal clay formulas can be fired with a butane torch while others require a kiln.
“It was invented in Japan in 1990 before being introduced to the United States in 1995 - a unique jewelry making material”
Meet Marcia Colquhoun
Marcia immigrated to New Zealand from Los Angeles in 2020 and settled on a farm outside of Cambridge. She is a versatile artist specializing in jewelry making with metal clays. Her work is sold at Heritage Gallery in Cambridge and is usually snapped up in a flash.
We are delighted to have a Sculpture Clay workshop with Marcia this October at the Sculpture Park.
A smaller collection will be available to purchase in the park on the workshop day.