Innovation in paperclay ceramic arts

• Main Author: Gault, Rosette Ford
• Published: University of Sunderland 2013
• Subjects: 738
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.607434

This Ph.D based on existing published and creative work brings together contribution to knowledge by Rosette Ford Gault. Within the book Paperclay Art and Practice (2013) is a core framework of innovation that Gault developed for her ceramic art seen in her first handbook in 1993. Porous/vitreous "paperclay" with her pulp/clay ratio allows wet to dry patch of cracks and multiple other advantages now in continuous use. Of 18 novel preparation methods and 75 ceramic practices, ways to create an interior fibre structure of cellulose fibre and maximize the nano scale relationship between clay body particles and cellulose fibre were explained. In collaboration with Dr. David Kingery, the first micrographs with a new profile of displacement and modulus of rupture data for her wet/dry capable pulp/clay ratio paper clays were published in 1993. Gault contributed US Patent 5,726,111, trademarked PClay®/P'Slip® products since 1996, a portfolio of artworks, (150) exhibitions, (5) books/dvd, (38) articles, (2) websites and published research vision for water filtration, simulated ceramic bone, and industrial waste reclaim. Development, background and research methodology of these contributions are traced. Teaching included 77 demonstrations in 15 countries. Work undertaken by Gault has been referenced in at least 218 published pieces of research and cultural contribution, (6) Ph.D, and (15) M.F.A.lM.A. degrees. Artists from 39 countries contributed to the book. Future research areas stemming from this thesis include education, 3D printing, collaboration with materials science, porous clay filtration, medicine, and sustainable design.