What begins as a lump of earth in a student’s hands can emerge as something beautiful and practical, thanks to art, creativity, and skill. Explaining how this transformation occurs can help students understand the process of making ceramics and the work behind it.
Picking a Clay
There are many types of clay that can be used to make ceramics. Each type is different depending on its intended purpose. While some types of clay are better suited to more delicate designs, others are better for making everyday items, such as plates, cups, and bowls. When making their own pieces, it is also important for students to learn which clay will best suit them.
From Idea to Reality
Ceramics can be created using either hand-building or pottery wheel techniques. Pinch, coil, and slab are among the most common hand-building techniques, which are used to create designs by shaping the clay by hand. On the pottery wheel, the clay is shaped by hand as the wheel spins, to form circular bowls and vases. During this stage of creation, an artist’s imagination can begin to take form in the clay.
Waiting for the Clay to Dry
Before a ceramic piece can be fired, it has to dry. The drying process must be gradual and even; a piece cannot dry too quickly or else it can crack or warp. Patience and attention to detail are important traits for a successful ceramic artist.
The First Firing
Ceramic creations are fired in a kiln before and after they are glazed, which can take several days depending on their size and complexity. The first firing is the stage in which a ceramic piece goes from a fragile lump of clay to a sturdy, ready-to-use piece of ceramic. Once it has been bisque fired and removed from the kiln, the piece will be more durable and easier to work on, as it is much less likely to be damaged or to fall apart.
The Glazing
Adding a glaze onto a ceramic piece is a highly personal decision. There are thousands of glaze colors, textures, and finishes to choose from, allowing an artist to add whatever style they feel is most fitting for their work. Whether students choose bold, colorful glazes, natural-toned hues, or layered colors, every ceramic piece will always look different because each is individual.
A Second Firing
When a ceramic piece is glaze finished, it has to go back in the kiln for a second firing. This firing process will cause the glaze to adhere firmly to the surface, giving a piece a fully finished look and feel. Students have the opportunity to see all the hard work that they have been putting into their work, after several weeks and two firings in the kiln, when they open the kiln for the first time after they’ve glazed their ceramics.
Why the Process is So Important
The making of ceramics teaches students the values of creativity, craftsmanship, and patience. A handmade object is made by hand, rather than through a machine, allowing a ceramic piece to be personalized to the artist’s taste and style. Ceramics can be used for many different purposes, both functional and decorative, and the artist puts his or her personal touch on every piece as it is made.
Final Thoughts
It’s not always easy learning to make ceramics, but it can be a highly rewarding experience. The more students work on their ceramics, the more they will learn about how a piece is made. Every ceramic piece is different and will have its own unique features, which tells you a story about how it was made and the artist who made it.