FTCE Florida Art Certification Practice Test

An armature in ceramic sculpture refers to a support structure that is used to stabilize a sculpture during the building process. This framework provides necessary support, allowing the sculptor to create three-dimensional forms without the risk of them collapsing under their own weight or during the shaping process.

Typically made from materials such as wire, wood, or metal, the armature helps the artist create larger or more complex pieces by providing a skeleton upon which clay can be applied. This is crucial in ensuring that the finished sculpture maintains its intended shape and structure after the clay has been added and the piece has been fired in a kiln.

The other options relate to different aspects of ceramic art: a decorative finish refers to surface treatments like glazing; a type of clay typically denotes the various materials used to create ceramics; and a glazing technique involves applying a glasslike coating to a finished piece. Each of these elements plays a role in the overall ceramic process, but they do not provide the structural support necessary during the initial creation of a sculpture, which is the primary function of an armature.