Ceramic hand building

In addition to the traditional painting and drawing course, I also participated in ceramic hand building. Prior to this class, I had near to no experience working with clay. Nevertheless, I can gladly say I have learnt a vast range of new skills over the course of the semester. Throughout term one, we learned and researched the history of pottery/ceramics (Paleolithic & Neolithic); its origins, purpose and techniques that people used during those time periods.

By week 4, we began to experiment with various tools and techniques; using (clay) slabs to experiment with texture, piercing tools etc. As well as practising and getting used to the “proper” tools, we also used household objects to create unique patterns and textures in the clay e.g. nails, washers (hardware washers).

Nearing the end of the term we learned and experimented with several methods of making pots (coil pots & pinch pots). Personally, I preferred using coils as I found that it was easier to control the clay’s shape/form. Bearing this in mind, by using this method I ran the risk of having air bubbles in my work. Thankfully, this wasn’t the case, however, if it were, the pot could explode in the kiln and potentially break other pieces being fired.

For the remainder of term one, we worked on designing and creating a set of our own pots, using our preferred method (coil pots). I based the theme of my (pot designs on the elements; water, earth & fire (3/4). After finishing the first pot, I realised I would have to alter my original designs as the first one took longer than I expected. Unfortunately, this meant I was only able to finish 2/3 pots. Instead, I made a few small alterations to the final pot by making a slight change to its shape and size.

Final pot before glaze:
Final pot before gloss glaze:

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