Studio safety is fundamental to living a long and healthy life as a potter. In our line of work, we may come into contact with so many different job hazards which can cause us grief way down the road. Being careful and taking preventative measures is the best way in order to stay safe in the studio for the long term.
The Japanese tradition of pottery-making, known as Tojiki, is one of the oldest in the world. Having developed in counterpoint to Chinese and other East Asain concepts of pottery, the rough, handcrafted Raku style has influenced designers not only of ceramics but of fashion and sculpture. Like fashion, pottery is an art where form has always followed function.
The pottery process consists of shaping the clay in the desired design, and then firing it in a kiln to harden the clay, make it more aesthetically pleasing, and to give it longevity. Many potters believe that the firing is the most important part of the entire process: if the kiln is too hard, the clay will crack; and if it’s too cold, it won’t harden properly.
Pottery can become a mild interest, taking up little of your time or money. Alternatively, it could become a major part of your life. If you are only starting out on your pottery journey, it is a good idea to try out clay pottery or take a beginner’s class. If you decide to start out on your own, here are some tips on how to begin.
When you first dip your toe into the pottery world, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with the plethora of new lingo that comes with it. Don’t let that scare you off though – conquering the basics comes with practice.
The resurgence of British studio pottery in the 20th century changed the ceramics field forever. It was affected by the classical craft of pottery itself alongside the Arts and Crafts movement of the 19th century and the German Bauhaus movement. And British ceramics also developed hugely thanks to the Camberwell School of Art and Central School of Art and Design.
When you hear Renoir, Picasso and Monet, the first thing that will come to mind is France. However, painting is not the only art form that comes out of France. Pottery is one as well, although it’s less well known in other parts of the world.
From golden sarcophagi and intricate paintings, to new marvels uncovered beneath the blowing desert sands, a look at Egypt’s past reveals the work of incredible artisans and architects that lingers on, and amazes mankind to this day. Which makes it unsurprising to discover that the humble pottery of Egypt has a long and varied history as not only functional and food storage devices, but as time capsules that hold the literal hearts of some of history’s most well-known nobility.
When making modern ceramics, the easiest way to get a piece’s symmetry to match properly is to create it while it’s spinning, which is why a spinning pottery wheel are so popular among pottery makers. For anyone that’s looked into buying a brand-new pottery wheel, they will know that they can often cost hundreds of dollars, which means a second hand one might be a better option.
Most of the subsoil in the world is made up of clay, a material that has ultimately changed the course of history and allowed the human race to go from living day by day to planning for the future. It’s a malleable and incredibly versatile substance that has a number of intrinsic chemical features that make it perfect for being made into new forms, especially when subjected to high amounts of heat.