There are endless possibilities for unleashing creativity with clay. Practiced since centuries, clay modeling finds modern usage in mold making through new forms like oil-based plasticine clay.

Creativity and imagination has found expression over the ages through the medium of clay. The use of this simple and malleable material has been carried down from ancient civilizations for sculpting and creating three-dimensional artworks. It enjoys continued patronage by modern day artists as well.

The world of clay modeling is quite captivating – marked by various options in types of clay, techniques of use, applications and more.

Sculpting with Clay

There are different types of clay, each with their own characteristics and suitability for different purposes.

Traditional clay is water-based and tends to harden when exposed to air. It is used by children and hobbyists to fashion different forms – mostly with the fingers and hands – before allowing it to dry and retain the shape. It can also be reused a couple of times before it hardens completely and becomes unusable.

Then there is polymer clay which can be shaped with the hands or with tools and machines. It has to be baked to get a durable finish.

Oil-based clay – also known as plasticine clay – tops the charts on account of its constant pliability and non-drying nature at room temperature. It can be reused multiple times, making it ideal for sculpting practice and prototyping.

The plasticine clay is considered highly versatile and is the preferred medium of sculptors, mold makers and animators alike. It is used in various artistic fields – from making simple molds and masks to stop-motion figures for animation and other special effects.

The beauty of this clay is that it can be reshaped as desired – simply by pinching, pressing or nipping here and there. There is no end to how much a design can be refined and adjusted, until the desired effect is achieved. In case it starts to feel firm, simply kneading or even warming with hands will do the trick. However, it should be stored in an air tight container in between use so as to preserve the malleability and suppleness.

Keep in mind that clay is non-toxic and safe for children. It comes in a variety of colors and they can even be blended easily, setting the stage for both imaginative play and artistic endeavors.

While most artists work on clay with their hands, simple tools like sculpting knives, spatulas, brushes and other modeling tools can be used for carving and creating finer details or even just playing around with the texture. Larger and more intricate pieces may require the use of an armature framework or wire loops to support the structure.

Plastilina clay is the number one choice of professional artists. It is available in varying levels of hardness to suit different applications and preferences. Other brand options are also available that also allow shaping of organic and expressive forms. Then there is ballistic clay which is used for testing body armor.