Wedging prepares the clay for optimal use. There are a few ways to wedge clay. The one you will learn today is called Rams Head wedging. The general idea includes throwing down the clay and rolling it into a tight spiral with a sort of kneading method.
Wedging makes the clay more pliable, ensures a uniform consistency, and removes air pockets as well as small hard spots in the clay before you use or reuse the clay for a project. In the beginning it is very common to actually add air to the clay instead of remove it. Don't be frustrated it will just take practice and repetition (as with most things in ceramics) to get the clay into the perfect consistency and shape.
Am I doing this Right?
As you get into the motion maybe by 5-10 strokes you should start to see a resemblance of a rams head. You should also notice a tight spiral forming on the sides of the ram where your palms are, and a slight layering happening on the lower half of the nose from the kneading motion.
Trouble Shooting:
Help, I've made a burrito! You are probably releasing your finger and palms from round the clay as you are pushing with the heels of your hands. Try again and make sure you keep your fingers and palms fully cupped around the as you push it onto the table
My arms are too tired! Use your whole body to wedge, not just your arms. Try keeping your elbows straight and putting one foot in front of the other using your lower body and upper back to do the bulk of the work.
STEPS TO WEDGING CLAY (write in your Art Notebooks)
Hit clay into a cube
Position one edge so it faces you
(Stand up for leverage)
Place the heels of your hands on the edge of the clay that is facing you
Gently push down on the clay and push forward
Take the thicker edge that is the furthest from you and roll it back towards you