The pressure alone controls the rate of clay flow so it is a little finicky to get the extrusion rate correct. Depending on the size of the final sculpture, 1 to 2mm diameter nozzles could be used.

Make a menagerie of animals by sculpting just a few simple shapes. See the step-by-step instructions for our cat. Then, using the same technique, try your hand at creating an elephant or a bunny ...

Watch as a simple pile of mud becomes a stunning clay dragon house, handcrafted with incredible detail. Every layer, carve, and sculpting moment makes this transformation deeply satisfying to see.

Clay sculpting is still used in auto concept development inside and out Updated: Nov. 06, 2016, 10:00 a.m. | Published: Nov. 06, 2016, 9:00 a.m.

“Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan” runs through June 3 at the Art Institute, 111 S. Michigan Ave., 312-443-3600 and artic.edu Lori Waxman is a freelance critic.