Left: Earthenware Dragon Urn, by Keith LahtiWith the upcoming Keith Lahti workshop at Capitol Clay Arts Company, let's take a few minutes to explore the art and the process of terra sig.
Meaning "sealed earth", terra sigillata is a smooth, lustrous coating of clay which resembles a glaze and is virtually waterproof. The characteristic silkiness of terra sigillata is due to the plate-like shape of the clay particles and to the use of only the smallest particles.
In fact, most terra sigs are made by a process of levigation, allowing the larger particles to settle to the bottom, leaving the very finest, sub-micron sized particles in suspension. These very fine particles are siphoned off and become the terra sigillata.
Check out Keith's gallery to see more samples of Keith's work. And, check back--we'll publish samples of pieces created at the workshop.
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