Pottery has been an integral part of human civilisation for thousands of years. From functional vessels to intricate art pieces, pottery continues to captivate and inspire people worldwide. When it comes to creating pottery, two primary techniques stand out: hand-building and wheel throwing. Both approaches offer unique opportunities for creativity and expression, yet they differ significantly in their process and outcomes.

Hand-building

Sculpting clay with your hands is one of the oldest and most fundamental pottery techniques. As the name suggests, it involves shaping clay using primarily your hands and a few simple tools. Hand-building allows artists to have complete control over the form and texture of their creations, making it a versatile method for crafting various pottery items.

Pinch Pot Technique: The pinch pot technique involves forming clay by pinching and squeezing it with your fingers. It’s a simple and intuitive method, often used for making small bowls, cups, and decorative pieces. Pinch pots can have organic, asymmetrical shapes, adding a touch of individuality to each piece.

Coil Building Technique: Coil building employs rolling out long, snake-like coils of clay and layering them to create vessels or sculptures. This technique allows for greater size and intricacy, enabling artists to construct larger pots, vases, and sculptural forms. The coil technique also offers opportunities for incorporating various surface decorations and textures.

Slab Building Technique: In slab building, clay is rolled out into flat sheets or slabs that can be cut, shaped, and assembled into desired forms. This method is ideal for creating flat-bottomed vessels like plates, tiles, or boxes. Slab-built pottery often exhibits clean lines and precise angles, lending itself well to both functional and decorative pieces.

Wheel throwing

The Art of the Potter’s Wheel Wheel throwing is a pottery technique that involves shaping clay on a revolving potter’s wheel. It is a dynamic and rhythmic process that requires skill and practice to master. Wheel throwing enables potters to create symmetrical forms with precision and finesse.

Centering and Opening: The initial step in wheel throwing is centering the clay on the wheel head, achieving balance and stability. Once centered, the potter opens up the clay by applying pressure with their hands to create the basic form.

Pulling and Shaping: By pulling the clay upwards while maintaining even pressure, the potter can shape the vessel’s walls. This process demands a delicate touch and an understanding of the clay’s responsiveness. Skilled potters can create a range of shapes, from tall cylindrical forms to wider bowls, all with a unique touch.

Trimming and Finishing: After the piece has dried and firmed up slightly, it can be trimmed to refine its shape and thickness. Trimming involves using a sharp carving tool to remove excess clay from the bottom and refine the foot of the vessel. Finishing touches such as adding handles or surface decorations are done at this stage too.

If considering a pottery class and unsure which method to try, feel free to get in touch to discuss.