Ceramics-Brief Intro

Eva Hild, (1966-) Ceramic artist, Sweden.

Potter in Afghanistan, early 1970s

Ceramics versus PotteryWhat is the difference between

a ceramicist and a potter?

Clay Stages

• 1. Wet clay

Clay Stages

• 1. Wet clay• 2. Leatherhard

Clay Stages

• 1. Wet clay• 2. Leatherhard

• 3. Greenware

(must be bone dry)

Clay Stages

• 1. Wet clay• 2. Leatherhard

• 3. Greenware

• 4. Bisqueware

Clay Stages

• 1. Wet clay• 2. Leatherhard

• 3. Greenware

• 4. Bisqueware

• 5. Glazeware

Joining Clay Pieces1. Score: Tiny lines!

2. Slip: Liquid Clay

3. Press together &Smooth edges.

WATCH! It’s so cool! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5iPt-2s_uM

Forming methods

• Pinchpot• Inserting the thumb

of one hand into the clay and lightly pinching with the thumb and fingers

• Slowly rotating the ball in the palm of the other hand.

Let’s Watch how to make a pinch pot!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS7M77pDuYg

Forming methods

• Pinchpot

• Coil• Rolling out coils,

or ropes, of clay and joining them together with the fingers or a tool. 

-Roll the coils so that they are a little thicker than a pencil. 

-Then stack the coils one on top of another.

Let’s watch a video on Coil!

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRPookbxzhI

Forming methods

• Pinchpot

• Coil

• Slab

What do you have to do to the walls before attaching?

How to start a slab box

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERMvSHB9xHg

Finishing the Ceramic Creation

• Smoothing the walls of the piece with a sponge or just your hands.

Finishing the Ceramic Creation

• Adding Details while the clay is still wet!

• Never work with clay that is dry! It is very toxic and the dust should never be inhaled!

• This is why we must clean really well!!

Finishing the Ceramic Creation

• Painting Bisqueware with acrylics or glaze.