Understanding "The Process of Making a Pot"
Many folks will ask me why I can't get their orders out in a few days. This is what I tell them...
- I first form the pot, either on the potter’s wheel or I hand-build with slabs of clay.
- The piece must then dry, so it's leather hard.
- I will then attach any handle, create carvings, or stamp the pot with patterns.
- Then, I will trim feet on bowls, mugs, pitches, etc.
- The pieces are then carefully cleaned off, removing any bits of clay and the surface is smoothed.
- The piece is set aside to throughly dry.
- Once dry, it is bisque fired in an electric kiln.
- The piece is then wiped clean of dust with damp sponge. Once it's dried, it's ready to be glazed.
- Glaze is poured, dipped or sprayed on to the pot -often a bit of each.
- Each pot base is cleaned of any glaze, so it doesn't stick to the kiln shelf.
- The piece is loaded into either the gas or electric kiln again and fired.
- After the last firing, the bottom of each pot is sanded... and I'm done.
Artist's Note:
Although clay takes much time from start to finish, it truly is a labor of love.
Include a quick blurb regarding your excitement when throwing... or coming to the studio... or sharing your work... or better yet, using the actual pot for what it was intended for and not being afraid to break it. - Your philosophy