The Different Stages of Creating Pottery
Creating a piece of pottery from start to finish is quite a long process. For me, from start to finish, it typically takes around 2-3 weeks. I throw almost all of my pieces on a pottery wheel, although I do hand build a few pieces here and there. In this blog post, I will give you a quick insight into the different stages of creating a piece of pottery, from start to finish. From throwing the form on the wheel to trimming, bisque firing, and the final glazing and firing, each stage is truly its own process and brings the artwork closer to its finished state, ready to be admired and cherished.
Stage 1: Throwing the Form on the Wheel
The process of creating pottery on the wheel begins with wedging the clay, removing air bubbles and ensuring consistency. Then, I take a ball of clay and center it on the wheel, applying gentle, even pressure to mold it into my desired shape. As the wheel spins, I use my hands and various tools to create the desired form, typically a bowl, mug, vase, cup, plate, etc. This stage requires precision and practice, practice, practice as I bring the form into life. I have lots of videos showing myself throwing on the wheel which you can check out here.
Stage 2: Trimming the Piece of Pottery
After the initial form is thrown on the wheel, I let it dry to a leather-hard state. This could take less than 24 hours in the heat of summer or up to 3-4 days in the cooler winter. You’ll have to practice to learn exactly when your piece is ready for the next stage, trimming and turning. This is when you can trim off any excess clay you don’t want on the final piece and create a nice footer, and smooth edges. I use a variety of trimming tools to refine the shape, thin the walls, and create smooth edges. This process not only enhances the aesthetics of the piece but also ensures even thickness for consistent firing results. Trimming demands patience and attention to detail, as I sculpt the piece into its final desired form.
Stage 3: Bisque Firing
Once the trimming is complete and the piece of pottery has fully dried, the pottery enters the first firing phase called bisque firing. Bisque firing involves loading the pottery into a kiln and gradually raising the temperature to remove any remaining moisture and harden the clay. This firing process chemically alters the clay, making it more porous and ready for glazing. Bisque firing is essential as it strengthens the pottery and prepares it for the glazing stage. Once the pottery is bisque fired, it becomes durable enough to handle and apply glazes without losing its shape.
Stage 4: Glazing and Final Firing
Glazing is where pottery truly comes to life with vibrant colors and stunning finishes. This is also the stage where I apply any design I may have in mind. After bisque firing, I apply glazes, which are a mixture of minerals and pigments, to the bisque-fired pottery. Glazes can be brushed, dipped, sprayed, or poured onto the surface, allowing for endless creative possibilities. Each glaze has unique characteristics, and you have to consider factors such as temperature, layering, and desired effects. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this part of the process also requires a lot of practice and testing different glazes. It’s often the most unpredictable part of the process, but also yields the most wonderful results. Once the pottery is glazed, it undergoes its final firing in a kiln. The intense heat causes the glazes to melt and fuse with the pottery, resulting in a beautiful, permanent finish.
Creating pottery on the wheel is a labor of love that demands skill, patience, and artistic vision. As you can see, the journey from throwing the form on the wheel to trimming, bisque firing, and finally glazing and firing again is a captivating process that transforms raw clay into a work of art. Each stage plays a vital role in shaping the pottery and bringing out its unique beauty. So the next time you marvel at a beautifully crafted pottery piece, take a moment to appreciate the intricate journey it has undergone, from a lump of clay to a timeless masterpiece.
