Klotuumist

Klotuumist is a term used in some circles to describe a sculptural or craft practice that centers on forming and assembling small lumps, or klots, of malleable material—most commonly clay—into cohesive objects. There is no universally accepted definition, and usage of the term varies by region and discipline. Generally, practitioners emphasize the tactile, improvised quality of work, with visible joins and a surface texture that records the construction process.

Technique in klotuumist involves shaping irregular lumps and then joining them by scoring surfaces and applying slip or adhesive. The process is additive, building form from discrete blocks that reveal how simple pieces can combine into a larger whole. Finishes range from unglazed, matte textures to glazed surfaces or surface treatments that highlight the seams. Firing schedules vary, including conventional kiln firing as well as alternative approaches such as raku or salt glaze, depending on the material and desired effect.

Materials used are primarily clay, but variants can include polymer clay, gypsum plaster, or concrete for mixed-media works. Tools commonly employed include wire for cutting or breaking lumps, loop and ribbon tools for shaping, blades for detailing, and brushes for slip application. The approach often encourages experimentation with scale, rhythm, and texture.

Historically, klotuumist is described in contemporary ceramics and sculpture discourse as an experimental rather than a fixed technique. It is associated with sustainable practices through the reclamation of scrap material and with an aesthetic that values irregularity, tactility, and the expressive potential of construction lines. Notable practitioners operate across galleries and collectives, contributing to broader conversations about materiality in art. See also: ceramics, sculpture, hand-built pottery.