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Introduction to Pottery Making and Ceramics

October 22nd, 2007 | by Art Supplies |

Pottery making is an art that not every artist can manage. It requires patience, expertise and love for pottery to be able to produce a good piece of pottery. Since the beginning of time, not only artists but also potters have indulged in the production of priceless vessels. The tracks of this unique art can be traced back to ancient times.

Although, good clay is an important part of the pottery making process but it is not the only step involved. Each step has its own importance and requires a certain level of expertise. All the steps involved in the process are listed below

1. Preparing clay for throwing: The first and the most important step is to prepare the clay for throwing. However, experts say that this needs to be done with extreme caution. The first thing that you need to do is put the clay in a large container and adds enough water so that all of the water completely covers the entire clay. Once the clay has settled to the bottom stir it in water. Keep adding water until the clay gets a batter like consistency. Once the clay is properly mixed, let the extra water rise to the top. After this use a sponge to extract the extra water and let it stay for a few hours so that the clay can be pulled out in clumps.
2. Wedging: This step takes a few days before the clay has acquired the right form for the next step. During this step keep the clumped clay covered in plastic after it has been let to dry further. But don’t let it sit like this for more then two day. Next placed the clay on the floor and walk all over it several times to ensure that all the air bubbles are pushed out of clay. Then cut the clay into smaller manageable and compress it so that it has acquired the shape of a smooth ball.
3. Throwing: This is the step where you give a definite shape to your ball of clay using a pottery wheel, wedged clay, sponge, water, cutting wire and wheel bat.
4. Pinch Pots: In this process, the potters use there hands to shape the pots instead of a pottery wheel and wheel bat. The clay is usually pinched to give the shape.
5. Altering: The body of the clay is hand altered by the potter while it is still
6. Painting with clay sip: Clay slips are small amount of clay mixed in water and color to form a batter like consistency. This can be used to paint the pots. It must be kept in mind that different clay slips have been designed for different types of clay.
7. Bisquing: This is a pre-step to the firing process of the pots. This step is undertaken to burn the water out of clay. This step also ensures that the pot will be able to absorb the glaze readily.
8. Glazing: This step not only gives the texture and color to the pots and vessels but also uniqueness to the pots. However, it must be kept in mind that each type of clay has its own unique glazing process.
9. Firing: The last and the most important step of the pottery making process is firing. During this step the pots are heated at a high temperature. There are many techniques used to fire the kiln, this can be done using wood, salt, isolated piece firing, gas and raku.