Can you let clay just dr naturally?

Question

What happens if I don't put it into the kiln? It goes that white-ish colour,right? But is there anything terrible that will happen/ will my art teacher get cranky? haha.

ermm see I'm putting metal and cane into it (I can't think of a better way to put that :S) and it would be easier... Also, I only have a few more days to do this, would I have to wait ages to fire it? (Yeah... I have very little experience with clay. well... obviously haha)

One more point, it's really old clay. I stuck it in a plastic bag with water to let it 'revive itself' and I'm concerned that it will crack if i fire it :S Is this true?

Answer 1

if you don't fire it it will probably fall apart very easly

Answer 2

I think you should ask your art teacher. Cranky or not that is the job of a teacher: to answer questions like what you have asked.

"An inquiring mind is a mind learning: ask away!" (Weseye)

Jeff (weseye) Wesley)

Answer 3

if you let it dry naturally it will go hard , but it might be vey brittle. So i would go for option of firing it.

if its possible i would pu the cane and the metal onto the piece after its been fired.

the firing time depend on how big the piece is.

Answer 4

Don't worry about the old clay.  The Japanese potters will lay down clay for the next generation.  As long as it was wedged or you didn't trap any air your piece should be fine.

A teacher I had would let pieces dry and sit for months before firing.  We were doing sculpture with high fire stoneware.  The clay will dry but be brittle.  The piece can wait on a shelf to be fired.

I am not sure about the metal or cane. It might be alright if it was a loose fit. Best to check with your teacher