In the first phase of the clay modelling workshop organised at the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), modeller Pramod Kumar Sharma, speaking about  about 3D clay modelling, said that clay is a highly versatile material. “We can model something extremely tiny to something huge from this wonderful material. There is so much that can be done with clay. But when this malleable element is in our hands, we find ourselves lost for some great ideas,” he said.

While creating masterpieces with clay takes a lot of time and effort, There is so much to experiment with clay. This technique of clay modelling is generally done with hand and with the minimum usage of tools.

Sanjay Sapre, Modelling Assistant said that clays are the inelastic earths that are formed by the result of the decomposing rocks with the particle size smaller. In wet conditions, clay forms a cohesive mass that retains its shape when molded to the required shapes, which are referred to as its plasticity. Referring to the conditions like, when it is heated to higher temperature it partially melts becoming lighter and towards hard rock like substance. Clays are referred to as plastic only because of the water content that is present in them which makes them hard, brittle on drying under shade and firing.

DC Manna Modelling Artist said that there are methods of clay hand building techniques such as Pinch pots, Coil method, Slab method where the clays materials can be made to any shapes and forms.

The coil method of clay modelling techniques where there is requirement of the potter’s wheel in making of the items. Make sketches of various imagined viewpoints and projections.

Consider the dimensions of the main shapes and the ratios between lengths enough   before you start. Pull off a small piece of the clay you intend to use and roll it in your hand until it forms a cylinder, about 1cm in diameter and about 10cm long. Bend the cylinder double. If it bends smoothly, it should be usable; if it cracks, try adding more water.