Pottery
Pottery is a craft used to make artwork often in the form of pots, dishes, and vases. The process of creating the artwork begins with clay, a fine-grained soil that comes in various textures such as smooth or grainy; and colors such as grey or brown.
When the clay is wet, the artist molds it into their desired shape. This step may be done using hand building, where the artist’s bare hands are used to craft the pottery paying special attention to detail. They may also throw the clay on a potter’s wheel as shown in the video below.
When the clay is wet, the artist molds it into their desired shape. This step may be done using hand building, where the artist’s bare hands are used to craft the pottery paying special attention to detail. They may also throw the clay on a potter’s wheel as shown in the video below.
After the clay is molded or thrown, it is glazed to add shine and protection. Instead of having a dry, scratchy pot, the glaze allows the pot to feel glassy. Artists use glaze to add decorations, details, and color to their pottery. They may add patterns or draw pictures with the glaze.
The last step is firing the decorated clay in the kiln. The pottery is placed in a large oven to bake and harden. Pictures shown below are examples of finished pottery pieces. Notice the difference in shapes, colors, and designs.
The last step is firing the decorated clay in the kiln. The pottery is placed in a large oven to bake and harden. Pictures shown below are examples of finished pottery pieces. Notice the difference in shapes, colors, and designs.