Making beautiful pottery creations from clay is one of the oldest crafts known on earth that has been practised for centuries. Nowadays, this unique type of art has evolved in such ways, nobody could have ever predicted. While people of the past used simple tools to mould their clay, modern potters are now equipped with a variety of innovative tools and materials from electric wheels and high-tech kilns to advanced carving tools and a variety of clay. If you are interested in learning more about how to master the art of pottery making by using the right tools and supplies, you can easily upgrade your skills in a few simple steps.
Get the Right Pottery Clay
When searching for the right pottery equipment, investing in high-quality clay plays a crucial role. But how do you pick the right one suitable for your unique pottery project? To choose the right type of clay, consider shopping from specialised shops that provide a wide range of pottery supplies including clays such as earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain as well as specialised tools such as pottery wheels, and glazes.
These pottery shops sell supplies from reputable names on the market, such as the Australian brand Keane, which is well-known for manufacturing, high-quality clays and durable tools. Whether you prefer to work with earthenware, porcelain or stoneware, the Keane brand provides a variety of clay types suitable for different pottery techniques and projects.
For example, if you want to make stunning pieces from earthenware clay, you can choose pottery supplies like terracotta, a popular type of earthenware known for its rich, reddish colour. You can use this clay to learn more about diverse hand-building and throwing techniques and create stunning pieces of decorative art such as vases, mugs and bowls. This type of clay is suitable for both beginner and more experienced potters, which allows you to experiment with different forms, textures, and finishes and perfect your craft.
The stoneware clay, on the other hand, features a natural, earthy colour, that may range from light grey to a darker brown. This type of clay possesses exceptional strength which makes it ideal for creating more durable pottery pieces such as dinnerware, baking dishes, mugs, and storage jars. Similar to terracotta, the stoneware clay is highly versatile and can be used for diverse hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques.
Yet, unlike earthware, this type of clay fires at a higher temperature and has a smoother texture which makes it less porous and prone to damage. This will allow you to make pottery that is more durable and suitable for everyday use and immerse yourself in this unique type of craft by using the right clay that suits your project.
Invest in the Right Tools
In addition to choosing the right type of clay that suits your preferences and project needs, consider supplying yourself with a variety of tools suitable for this craft. These may include pottery supplies such as diverse carving tools, wire cutters, sponges, and texture mats.
While these are essential for shaping, refining, and detailing your craft, you may as well explore a variety of other tools like pottery wheels, trimming tools, and glazes. Each of these supplies plays a specific role in the overall crafting process.
For example, you need a wire cutter to manipulate the clay in the desired shapes and make symmetrical pieces like bowls, mugs, and vases. Carving tools, on the other hand, you can use to add intricate details and textures to your pottery creations and transform them into stunning works of art. By learning how to properly use each of these essentials, you will be able to better understand the process of pottery making and bring your creative visions to life.
Experiment With Different Finishes and Glazing Methods
While having the right set of skills and tools matters, other, equally important tools play a crucial role in completing your project. These include a variety of glazes and finishes you can apply to your pottery to elevate its look and make it more durable. But how do you choose the right ones amidst the variety of options available? To pick the right glaze finish, consider the overall effect you strive to achieve.
For example, if you want your piece to appear shiny and sleek, you may opt for a glossy glaze in a satin finish such as electric blue or jade green. If, on the other hand, you prefer more natural, earthy colours, aim for matte finishes in earthy tones like terracotta or brown or certain types of muted greens or grey. Beyond choosing the right glaze hue, consider adding fine details such as delicate carvings and unique patterns to give your artwork a sense of depth and character. This will allow you to refine your skills by experimenting with different glazing methods, and transform ordinary pieces of pottery into extraordinary works of art.
As the saying goes “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” This powerful quote reminds us that art is meant to inspire, evoke emotions and communicate powerful messages beyond its physical form. This is why we all must strive to imbue our creations with a sense of meaning and inspire others with similar passion in profound ways by leaving a lasting impact in the world of art and beyond.
