How to Be a Pottery Artist

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A pottery artist knows there are several steps to create incredible wares with clay. Often an artist puts the clay through a variety of processes to make the beautiful finished product you purchase from artisans or retailers.

The most basic tool a potter has is their hands and the clay. Over the history of manufacturing pottery, various others tools were created to make the process more precise. During the earliest years of pottery creation, hands and clay were the only tools used. Wares such as bowls and mugs were constructed from slabs, balls and coils of clay painstakingly reshaped by hand. Today potters still use their hands to create original artwork because they have a higher degree of control over the clay.

Potters wheels were developed to shape clay more quickly in uniform shapes. Identical bowls and wares are easier to make on a potter's wheel. A turntable, referred to as the wheel head, rotates at various speeds. The clay must be thrown and centered on the potter's wheel, which is a very important skill to master. Once the clay is centered, it is opened, flattened, pulled and trimmed to refine its shape. All of these techniques take time to master. Also, on a potter's wheel creations must all basically have a radial symmetry on a vertical base.

Potters can decorate clay prior to the throwing process. By adding certain elements such as sand, the final creation will have a unique texture and design. Colored clays may be used or colorants added to create a certain pattern. Once pottery creations are made by hand or on a potter's wheel, they are usually glazed for protection and decoration. Potters test temperatures and techniques to determine the most attractive glazing processes. Certain types of glazing are done in the kiln to create unusual textures.

Glaze is actually made from rock, powdered rock and elements such as salt or sulfur. When glaze is heated and cooled, it becomes hard and shiny. During the various processes of heating and cooling, the glaze develops a certain texture and appearance. Pottery artists experience with these various processes to make one-of-a-kind creations.

Pottery is truly created when the firing process occurs and the clay is heated up. The clay creation is placed in kiln brick heated by electricity, wood, coal or gas. Firing is done to permanently harden pottery so it is durable and usable. The temperature and duration of the firing determines how the pottery is developed. The kiln atmosphere affects the overall look of the finished pottery creation. In the earliest days, it is believed pottery was fired in bonfires. Today there are a variety of ways to alter the temperature and timing of firing to create various types of pottery including earthenware and porcelain.

To be a pottery artist you need to have creative hands, workable clay, potters wheels with the right techniques for throwing and centering and a kiln brick for firing up your finished product. With the right tools from AMACO and a bit of inspiration, you will be proud of all your creations.