Finding Your Creative Outlet: A Beginner's Guide to Exploring Ceramics

Pottery and ceramics as an art and functional form is gaining momentum and although creating with the earth is as old as time, the pottery community is growing faster than ever. From reality shows, (think The Great Pottery Throw Down), to celebrities making and selling their wares, (have you checked out Seth Rogan’s Instagram, lately?), pottery as an art form is here to stay. Ever wonder what it is like to take a wheel for a spin or are you looking for a creative outlet? Pottery and Ceramics are a great way to get started. With just a lump of clay, you can be on your way to creating anything from beautiful sculptures to functional ceramics, to gorgeous pottery. Understanding a little bit about clay, as well as the stages of clay are important components of the process, from preparing the clay to finishing and firing it. In this beginner’s guide, we will explain the stages of clay as well as a few tips to get you started.

What is clay?

Pulled from the earth, dry clay consists of fine particles that have been around for billions of years. Dry clay is typically known as ball clay. Ball clay is popular amongst potters trying to experiment with modifying their clay bodies in various ways. Sometimes these modifications consist of sand, grog, and colors. Clay is a versatile and pliable material that is used in a wide range of artistic and functional applications. It is made up of finely ground minerals, water, and organic matter. When clay is wet, it can be molded and shaped into various forms. As it starts to dry a bit (leather hard), it becomes more rigid and can be carved, trimmed, or further manipulated. Once fired in a kiln, clay transforms into a durable ceramic material, such as stoneware or porcelain. The different stages of clay, from fresh clay to bone dry and fired, allow artists to create unique and beautiful pieces. In this blog post, we will not only cover the stages of clay, but we will give you tips to get started creating with clay and exploring this wonderful art form.

Why work with clay?

Working with clay is a fulfilling and therapeutic experience that allows you to express your creativity in a tangible way. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, clay offers endless possibilities for exploration and self-expression. From shaping and forming clay into beautiful sculptures or functional pottery to witnessing the transformation of clay into a durable ceramic material, the process of working with clay is both rewarding and captivating. So why not dive into this exciting world and discover the joy of working with clay?

Basic Tools Needed for Working with Clay

As a beginner, you'll need a few essential tools to work with clay. Here's a list of basic tools to get you started: a clay roller or rolling pin, various pottery tools like a wooden rib or wire tool, a sponge, a clay cutter or knife, and a smoothing tool. These tools will help you shape and manipulate the clay at different stages, from fresh clay to leather hard. Don't worry, you don't need fancy equipment to get started – these basic tools will do the trick!

Before we dig in, let's explore the stages of clay.

Stages of Clay

Slip

Slip is clay in a more liquid-like form. The consistency of the slip is dependent on the amount of water that is added to the clay. There are three main ways that slip is used in pottery.

1 - As Glue. Slip can be used to attach two pieces of pottery together (ie, attaching mug handles).

2 - Decoration. Slip mixed with mason stains can create beautiful colors that can be used in creative ways.

3 -Slip Molds. Pouring slip into a plaster mold is a quick way to create pieces that are otherwise difficult to form.

Wet Clay

Also known as the plastic stage, fresh clay is where the clay takes shape. Fresh clay can be used in numerous ways but typically wheel throwing, hand building, or sculpting are the techniques in which potters use. At this stage, clay is malleable and can be formed in various ways.

Leather Hard

The leather hard stage is after the fresh clay stage when the clay has hardened up a bit. The clay has stiffened enough to be handled more without leaving fingerprints. At this stage, trimming can take place. During the leather hard stage, separate pieces of clay can be slipped and scored together (handles).

Bone Dry/Greenware

The bone-dry stage is when a piece of pottery has air-dried enough that all moisture has been sucked out of the piece. During this stage, pottery is also referred to as greenware. At this point, the piece of pottery is ready for its first fire (bisque). While bone-dry pottery may seem to be strong since it is no longer wet, it is very brittle and fragile at this stage.

Bisqueware

Bisqueware is created after the first firing of a piece of pottery. Typically, in a bisque fire, kilns are heated to cone 08 - cone 04 (1728*f -1945*f). In this fire, the clay is permanently changed. The clay goes through a process called vitrification. Different ingredients in the clay body melt and fuse together forming glass. Bisqueware is now a lot stronger than greenware but still porous enough to absorb glaze.

Glaze Fire

A glazed piece of pottery is now in its final stage. During a glaze fire, glazes that were applied to bisque ware melt and vitrify to the piece of pottery. This is when beautiful, abstract, and creative colors sometimes emerge. For a glaze fire, kilns are typically heated anywhere from cone 5 -to cone 10 (2167*f - 2345*f). At this point, a piece can become food safe and now be used for its intended purpose.

Preparing and Wedging

Now that you have a basic understanding of the stages of clay, it is essential you properly wedge and otherwise prepare your clay before shaping and forming your desired piece. Preparing clay involves removing any air bubbles and impurities, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture. Part of the preparation is wedging the clay, which involves kneading and rolling it to improve its plasticity and workability. Wedging removes air bubbles and is absolutely necessary when recycling your clay or starting over. This stage helps in achieving an even moisture content and prepares the clay for further manipulation. Whether you're making a bowl, sculpture, or vase, preparing and wedging clay sets a strong foundation for a successful project.

Shaping and Forming

Once you have prepared and wedged your clay, it's time to dive into the exciting stage of shaping and forming. This is where your creativity truly comes alive as you mold the clay into your desired shape. Whether you're making a delicate vase or a whimsical sculpture, you can use techniques like pinching, coiling, or slab-building to bring your vision to life. Just remember to keep a light touch and to work with damp or leather-hard clay for the best results. Get ready to let your imagination soar!

Drying and Firing

Once you have shaped and formed your clay masterpiece, it's time for the exciting stage of drying and firing. This is where the magic happens! As your piece dries, the water evaporates, and the clay becomes more rigid. To ensure even drying and prevent cracking, you can cover your piece with plastic or use a damp cloth. Once the clay is completely dry, it's ready for its final transformation in the kiln. Firing your piece at specific temperatures, known as cones, will turn your clay into a durable ceramic material. This process, including the bisque firing and glaze firing, brings out the beauty and uniqueness of your creation. So sit back and watch as your clay creation comes to life in the kiln!

Tips for Working with Clay as a Beginner

As a beginner working with clay, it's important to start with small projects to gain confidence and experience. Experiment with different techniques like using slip to attach pieces together or adding texture to leather hard clay. Don't be afraid to make mistakes – that's how you learn and grow as an artist. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process of creating with clay!

Clay Safety

Finally, we would be remiss not to mention clay safety and studio cleanliness. Please note that you should not sand, trim or handle bone-dry greenware or bisque in a way that creates dust. Clay contains silica and other particles that can be dangerous when inhaled. It is also important to mention that when cleaning up after you are finished with your piece to use a wet sponge or mop to clean up. Avoid sweeping, dry wiping, dusting or anything that created additional dust. Clean up area and tools immediately after using them to avoid accumulation of dust.

Finding Inspiration for Clay Projects

Looking for inspiration for your clay projects? Look no further! Let nature, architecture, and everyday objects spark your creativity. Take a walk in the park or visit a local museum for fresh ideas. Experiment with different textures, colors, and shapes to create unique pieces that reflect your personal style. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and let your imagination run wild. The possibilities are endless!

If you don’t have access to a kiln or would like to take your clay exploration to the next level, invest in pottery lessons. Mud Hut Pottery Studio in Riverside, CA offers Pottery Wheel and Hand-Building with Clay classes as well as memberships for those who know the basics but need practice or access to equipment including pottery wheels, slab rollers, glaze and kilns. Check out this cool spot by clicking the Mud Hut button below!