Clay Culture: Plasters, Paints and Preservation
Clay Culture: Plasters, Paints and Preservation
By Carole Crews
Now in print, this self-published book begins with a condensed history of the Southwestern US with details about how the old adobe houses were built and how to repair their walls. The chapter, “Learning by Doing” is a brief memoir of the author’s own building experiences, and includes details about the construction of her adobe dome. It also includes a beautiful photographic essay by John Collier Jr. of Malcolm and Rachel Brown erecting their family home made of mud in the 1950’s.
A survey of natural building wall systems and how to plaster them will help owner-builders plan the simplest ways of manifesting their dream home. The author also shares the building of an adobe fireplace and methods of making adobe floors. The Elemental Awareness chapter goes into scientific detail about the materials themselves to facilitate the formulation of recipes for specific tasks using your local materials.
Well known for her micaceous clay finishes, the reader will learn all about alis, casein, color and how to make your own walls beautiful in the simplest dust-free ways, using either found materials or those from pottery suppliers. Binders can be made from a variety of ingredients found in your own kitchen. Many tips about making art from the same materials are also shared.
As those interested in natural building well know, social justice issues can be addressed through this body of knowledge as we all find our places in the evolution of a more earth-friendly world.
Order books through the author’s website: carolecrews.com
A clay slip, known to some as an aliz can be applied to an earth-plastered wall almost like paint is used on other surfaces. The purpose is to seal and beautify the surface, and after it has become soiled or damaged, another coat may easily be applied to renew its fresh look. Traditionally, aliz was applied with a sheepskin in a very thin layer. This was done as a part of spring cleaning after a winter of woodsmoke, often using the skin of a spring lamb which had been killed for food. In Taos, New Mexico, the favorite material was a micaceous pearly-grey clay called tierra blanca found in a cave south of town. Finish work on adobe buildings was traditionally the women’s domain and many vintage photos portray this activity.
