Why use clay as an art medium to convey conceptual ideas?

Is there anything more sensuous, cool and maleable to the touch than clay? As an art medium, clay allows a wonderful scope of experimentation in intricate surface quality, textures and design possiibilities. Whether in form, surface or variation of treatment the exploration of ideas and approaches can be continually re-examined without any loss of anticipation in each new piece. 
That same energy of excitement crosses boundaries into photography, jewellery, drawing, mixed media and object design where materials, techniques and processes fuse into works of eclectic arrangement and intrigue.
My excitement and appreciation of clay based art mediums and the joy that creativity can manifest never wanes but grows consistently with every new idea.