From Clay to Creation
Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a potter looks like? It’s a blend of creativity, physical labour, and a whole lot of patience. Let’s take a journey through a typical day at our pottery studio.
Morning Routine
The day often begins early, with a cup of strong coffee to kickstart the creative juices. The first task is to prepare the workspace. We clean the pottery wheels, organize the tools, and ensure the clay is at the right moisture level. This involves wedging the clay, a process of kneading and slapping the clay to remove air bubbles and create a uniform consistency.
Wheel Throwing
Once the clay is ready, the fun begins. We sit at the pottery wheel, centring a lump of clay and shaping it into various forms, from simple bowls to intricate vases. This process requires a delicate touch, steady hands, and a keen eye. It’s a meditative experience, where the rhythm of the wheel and the feel of the clay can transport you to a state of flow.
Handbuilding
After a morning of wheel throwing, we might switch to handbuilding techniques. This involves shaping clay without the use of a wheel. We can create unique pieces using techniques like slab building, coil pottery, or pinch pot. Handbuilding allows for more freedom of expression and can result in truly one-of-a-kind creations.
Drying and Trimming
Once the pottery pieces are formed, they need to dry slowly to prevent cracking. This can take several days, depending on the thickness and complexity of the piece. After drying, we trim the base of each piece to ensure it’s level and stable.
Glazing and Firing
Glazing is the process of applying a liquid coating to the pottery, which will melt and fuse to the clay during firing. We can use a variety of glazes, each with its own unique properties and colour. The glazed pieces are then loaded into a kiln and fired at high temperatures. The firing process can take several hours, and the results can be unpredictable, adding to the excitement of the craft.
The Finished Product
After the firing process, the pottery pieces are cooled and ready to be admired. The transformation from raw clay to a finished product is truly magical. Each piece tells a story, reflecting the skill, creativity, and passion of the potter.
Sharing the Joy
As potters, we love sharing our passion with others. We offer pottery classes for people of all ages and skill levels. It’s incredibly rewarding to see someone discover their own creative potential and create something beautiful with their hands.
Conclusion
A day in the life of a potter is filled with creativity, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the ancient art of pottery. It’s a journey of discovery, where each piece is a unique expression of the potter’s soul.
