In the days of ancient Egypt, when the pharaohs rule the Nile
and Osiris lorded over them, and before the age of the Maoist
communism in China way back in the age of great dynasties and
divided kingdoms there was one distinct craft that was
considered the toast of kings and queens.
In those times the streets are filled and lined up with all
sorts of creations by different master that acclaim for
themselves the right to be called "master potter."
>From days of long ago when the art of pottery was considered to
be the greatest career anyone could ever venture and the pottery
techniques are solely-owned by one family.
Just like martial arts in some parts of the Asian region where
they pass on to the next generation of the family lines the
secret technique that can be found in their martial arts,
potters have handed down from generation to generation the
secret to what makes their pots stand out from the other.
And from generation to generation the secret to pottery making
has been a closely guarded knowledge up until the time when
commercial pottery has taken over the good old hand made pots,
vases, jars and other products of pottery.
Today's way of life has taken off by leaps and bounds and the
way we see pottery has greatly deteriorated from the time of the
great kings. Potters nowadays rides a broomstick, waves his
magic wand, has an owl for a pet and plays an out of this world
game where you can literally die.
The good years of the art of pottery has taken a back seat to a
different kind of potter. Sad as it is children, even adults at
this time never really recognize the historical and cultural
impact of pottery in our society.
Besides being one of the oldest means of livelihood in the post
cavemen society, pottery speaks about the kind of life that an
early civilization has. Pottery in ancient China was one of the
major industries back then.
Palaces were adorned with all shapes, sizes and kinds of
pottery. Yet, unlike the crude concoction of mud and water baked
until golden brown or dried under done for a day, the Chinese
discovered the wonderful use of ceramic. Chinaware--which is
what it's commonly called nowadays--is the pioneer product of
the pottery world.
Chinaware is intricately designed with scenery and calligraphy.
Potteries during the age of the dynasties are abundant because
of the diverse cultural influence of the Chinese.
Unlike in the pottery in ancient Egypt, where everything was
either made from red clay or dyed red and then painted on
designs with the juice of berries and trees, Chinese pottery has
reached a certain level of sophistication when it comes to
production process.
Pottery are not just crudely placed on a rotating wheel, shaped
to a certain form, and afterwards baked in the sun. Pottery
making in china offered not just a view at the kinds of
industries they had but the kind of culture that they have
developed.
And way before the western colonizers ever set sail to the
Newfoundland, the Asian and the African side of the world have
set up a civilization based on camaraderie and progress. And
thanks to the presence of ancient pottery, these truths are
realized today to give us an idea what's it like to the pottery
in the eye of the beholder.
History of Mexican Talavera Pottery
Moors Contribution
During the 8th century, the Moors from Northern Africa conquered Spain. The Moors brought with them majolica pottery. Majolica is an art form that is known for its unique glazing process and exquisite design details. A major component of majolica is its glazing technique which contains tin as an ingredient. This technique for applying the glaze creates a creamy-white background that is perfect for applying colorful designs. The designs and use of mineral pigments originated from the Moors who conquered Spain and had tremendous influence on all the artistic expressions of Spain.
Egyptian Contribution
During the 8th century, the Arabs controlled Spain. The process of pottery making was first developed in ancient Egypt and was later refined by the Chinese. The production of pottery became very popular as a result of the Arab occupation of Spain. Muslim potters brought knowledge of using different materials and new techniques that radically changed pottery production in Spain. As a result, their influence was widespread. After the expulsion of the Muslims in the 16th and 17th centuries, many potters continued to use the intricate designs and vibrant colors such as copper green and manganese purple-black which were well known in Islamic pottery.
Chinese Contribution
In the late 16th century Spain opened trade with China by way of Mexico. As a result of the Chinese imports, the Mexicans began to incorporate the designs that were found on the Chinese porcelain. For example, the floral and feather motif to fill empty spaces on the blue and white Talavera exhibits Chinese influence. China contributed much of the motifs used today in Mexican talavera. The blue and white color, panel design, and even the barrel-shaped pottery were some of the Chinese influences that we still see today on modern pieces of talavera pottery.
Spanish and Mexican Contributions
The indigenous people of Mexico, long acquainted with making items from clay, had their own distinct method of producing earthenware, one which did not involve glazing or the use of the potter's wheel. The indigenous people of Mexico had a rich and long history of producing pottery long before the arrival of the Spaniards. However, with the arrival of the Spaniards in the 1600s new techniques such as the wheel, tin based glazes, and new styles were introduced. The combination of the newly learned Spanish techniques and the techniques of the indigenous people of Mexico gave birth to a new form of pottery, talavera. The name talavera is derived from the city Talavera de La Reina, Spain. The Spaniards from this city brought their pottery craftsmanship to the new world and taught the indigenous people of Mexico the art. Mexico was very proud of their new found success in the production of high quality talavera. In order to prevent th talavera from losing its high quality craftsmanship, the Potter's Guild was formed in 1653. The Potter's Guild set forth ordinances regulating the production of talavera pottery. The Potter's Guild was replaced by the Talavera Regulating Council in 1993.
The Moors, Chinese, Egyptians, Spaniards, and Mexicans should all be credited for the creation of Mexican talavera pottery. After thier creation, the Potter's Guild and the Talavera Regulating Council have worked hard to keep talavera authentic and of high quality. The lovely pieces of Mexican talavera pottery are a multicultural, regulated art form that expresses centuries of dedication and gratitude for its heritage. So next time you think, "Mexican talavera pottery," you will actually be thinking, "Moor, Chinese, Egyptian, Spanish, and Mexican talavera pottery!"
During the 8th century, the Moors from Northern Africa conquered Spain. The Moors brought with them majolica pottery. Majolica is an art form that is known for its unique glazing process and exquisite design details. A major component of majolica is its glazing technique which contains tin as an ingredient. This technique for applying the glaze creates a creamy-white background that is perfect for applying colorful designs. The designs and use of mineral pigments originated from the Moors who conquered Spain and had tremendous influence on all the artistic expressions of Spain.
Egyptian Contribution
During the 8th century, the Arabs controlled Spain. The process of pottery making was first developed in ancient Egypt and was later refined by the Chinese. The production of pottery became very popular as a result of the Arab occupation of Spain. Muslim potters brought knowledge of using different materials and new techniques that radically changed pottery production in Spain. As a result, their influence was widespread. After the expulsion of the Muslims in the 16th and 17th centuries, many potters continued to use the intricate designs and vibrant colors such as copper green and manganese purple-black which were well known in Islamic pottery.
Chinese Contribution
In the late 16th century Spain opened trade with China by way of Mexico. As a result of the Chinese imports, the Mexicans began to incorporate the designs that were found on the Chinese porcelain. For example, the floral and feather motif to fill empty spaces on the blue and white Talavera exhibits Chinese influence. China contributed much of the motifs used today in Mexican talavera. The blue and white color, panel design, and even the barrel-shaped pottery were some of the Chinese influences that we still see today on modern pieces of talavera pottery.
Spanish and Mexican Contributions
The indigenous people of Mexico, long acquainted with making items from clay, had their own distinct method of producing earthenware, one which did not involve glazing or the use of the potter's wheel. The indigenous people of Mexico had a rich and long history of producing pottery long before the arrival of the Spaniards. However, with the arrival of the Spaniards in the 1600s new techniques such as the wheel, tin based glazes, and new styles were introduced. The combination of the newly learned Spanish techniques and the techniques of the indigenous people of Mexico gave birth to a new form of pottery, talavera. The name talavera is derived from the city Talavera de La Reina, Spain. The Spaniards from this city brought their pottery craftsmanship to the new world and taught the indigenous people of Mexico the art. Mexico was very proud of their new found success in the production of high quality talavera. In order to prevent th talavera from losing its high quality craftsmanship, the Potter's Guild was formed in 1653. The Potter's Guild set forth ordinances regulating the production of talavera pottery. The Potter's Guild was replaced by the Talavera Regulating Council in 1993.
The Moors, Chinese, Egyptians, Spaniards, and Mexicans should all be credited for the creation of Mexican talavera pottery. After thier creation, the Potter's Guild and the Talavera Regulating Council have worked hard to keep talavera authentic and of high quality. The lovely pieces of Mexican talavera pottery are a multicultural, regulated art form that expresses centuries of dedication and gratitude for its heritage. So next time you think, "Mexican talavera pottery," you will actually be thinking, "Moor, Chinese, Egyptian, Spanish, and Mexican talavera pottery!"
Please visit our website http://www.LaCasaMexicana.us for a great selection of Mexican talavera pottery. At La Casa Mexicana.us we offer high-quality lead-free talavera made in the studio of Tomas Huerta in Puebla, Mexico
Hand Extruder Clay Pottery Art
Hand extruders are an indispensable adjunct to clay pottery art. Extruders can be used to form the main piece itself, or to add elements to wheel-thrown vessels. Even pulled handles can start out as extrusions. Although it may appear at first that using extruders to produce work enables the artisan to make scores of identical items quickly, in fact just the opposite is true. Extruded pottery requires measuring, cutting, smoothing, and joining, and therefore can require more time than a similar pot which is thrown. For some types of forms, extruding is the best way to go. Although manufacturers offer many different die configurations, serious extruder enthusiasts make their own dies. Designing and making dies is an integral part of the creative process; it requires thinking in a different perspective, because it is the negative die space which produces the form. With practice it is possible to shift one's spatial thinking so that it is easy to picture the three dimensional piece which is obtained from a shape outline cut into a die of two dimensions; and vice versa. Indeed, I sometimes look at everyday objects and try to picture mentally what the die which would be needed to form them looks like.
Pottery decorated with twisted coil handles and rims have been popular since antiquity. While twisted coils can be made by hand, they have a high rate of failure since they often crack during the drying or firing. One solution is to extrude the coils, which ends the cracking problem and also speeds up the job. For example, to make a Mexican clay pottery style bucket with braided rope top, start with a plain thrown cylinder. It is the extruded handle and rim which give this useful object its unique look. To form the bucket part, use 3 ½ lbs of clay and throw a 6" diameter cylinder which is about 7" high. Do not cut the pot from the bat when it is finished since it must be returned to the wheel later in order to attach the rim. When the pot is leather-hard, place a twisted rope extrusion around the top edge of the pot, beginning with one end and working towards the other. A fetting knife or cheese cutter can be used to cut the extrusion to the exact length needed, at an angle along the twisted extrusion lines. This provides increased surface area to form a tight joint. The rim is attached to the pot, both inside and outside, by gently pushing the clay into the bucket body. Then the join is smoothed and blended by rotating the wheel slowly, and gently throwing the join. The rim is pinched and extended at opposite sides of the bucket rim to make two lugs for attaching the handle.
Decorative coils or pellets can be added on either side of the lugs. Then, cut the bucket from the bat, and cover it to permit the moisture level to even out. When leather-hard, two holes for the bail of the handle are punched in the lugs with a piece of ¼" tubing. The bucket handle is made from a short piece of the twisted extrusion left over from the hand extruder when making the rim. Roll the extrusion over a handle roller, which is made by gluing short pieces of quarter round and cove molding to a board. Just before the handle is leather-hard, a hole is made through its length with a metal rod. It is easiest to work from one end for an inch or two, then switch ends and work towards the middle. After the pieces are fired, a 14" long brass rod (such as brazing rod) is inserted in the handle, centered, and then bent to shape. The ends of the rod can be threaded with a 6/32 metal cutting die, and secured to the bucket with threaded brass balls obtained from a lamp parts supply company.
Pottery decorated with twisted coil handles and rims have been popular since antiquity. While twisted coils can be made by hand, they have a high rate of failure since they often crack during the drying or firing. One solution is to extrude the coils, which ends the cracking problem and also speeds up the job. For example, to make a Mexican clay pottery style bucket with braided rope top, start with a plain thrown cylinder. It is the extruded handle and rim which give this useful object its unique look. To form the bucket part, use 3 ½ lbs of clay and throw a 6" diameter cylinder which is about 7" high. Do not cut the pot from the bat when it is finished since it must be returned to the wheel later in order to attach the rim. When the pot is leather-hard, place a twisted rope extrusion around the top edge of the pot, beginning with one end and working towards the other. A fetting knife or cheese cutter can be used to cut the extrusion to the exact length needed, at an angle along the twisted extrusion lines. This provides increased surface area to form a tight joint. The rim is attached to the pot, both inside and outside, by gently pushing the clay into the bucket body. Then the join is smoothed and blended by rotating the wheel slowly, and gently throwing the join. The rim is pinched and extended at opposite sides of the bucket rim to make two lugs for attaching the handle.
Decorative coils or pellets can be added on either side of the lugs. Then, cut the bucket from the bat, and cover it to permit the moisture level to even out. When leather-hard, two holes for the bail of the handle are punched in the lugs with a piece of ¼" tubing. The bucket handle is made from a short piece of the twisted extrusion left over from the hand extruder when making the rim. Roll the extrusion over a handle roller, which is made by gluing short pieces of quarter round and cove molding to a board. Just before the handle is leather-hard, a hole is made through its length with a metal rod. It is easiest to work from one end for an inch or two, then switch ends and work towards the middle. After the pieces are fired, a 14" long brass rod (such as brazing rod) is inserted in the handle, centered, and then bent to shape. The ends of the rod can be threaded with a 6/32 metal cutting die, and secured to the bucket with threaded brass balls obtained from a lamp parts supply company.
A hand extruder is quite useful in creating striking visual accents in clay pottery art. This simple Mexican clay pottery bucket with twisted coil rim is one example of the many possibilities.
Pottery: Functionality Verses Art
I have been involved in pottery now for about four years. I first became interested, when in my job; I travel North Carolina from the Coast to the Mountains and one day I happened to stop in at a pottery shop. I was taken away with pottery, as soon as I saw the many forms from cups to jugs. From that time on, I started stopping in at any shop that I ran across, in my travels. It was then, that I was hooked.
While being new to pottery, I saw it as art. Some of the first pieces I purchased were done so to decorate my home and as gifts for my wife. My wife, who is an avid collector of anything with North Carolina Lighthouses, was the reason for my very first purchase of pottery. I purchased a pie plate that had a lighthouse painted on it. I only saw it as art and not as functional. And most of the pieces I purchased afterward were also purchased as decorative pieces for our home. I looked at pottery as art.
As my interest in pottery grew I wanted to learn how to make pottery on my own. On one of my trips I visited a local pottery in Sanford, North Carolina, known as, "The Cole Pottery". While there, Neola Cole let me have a try at the wheel and I was hooked.
It was not long that I purchased a wheel and began practicing at home. I am by no means a professional yet, but I am on my way. And in doing so, I have also got my youngest son hooked. Though only starting at seven and been turning for about a year, he is well on his way to becoming an excellent turner.
Since getting hooked on pottery, I have met many potters and continue to learn from each of them. But one thing that has truly changed is my thoughts on the art of pottery. I have since come to the conclusion that pottery is truly art, but not just art, but art to be used. So not only do I use hand made cups, but also bowls and many other pieces as well.
I do not know your opinion of pottery. If you only see it as art, be forewarned, it is art meant to be used. And be warned, once you purchase your first piece, you may get hooked. Also don't be surprised if you get the pottery bug and begin playing in clay.
If you are interested in learning how to make pottery visit Wayne's web site http://www.TheSuccessfulPotter.com and get free tips on turning pottery.
While being new to pottery, I saw it as art. Some of the first pieces I purchased were done so to decorate my home and as gifts for my wife. My wife, who is an avid collector of anything with North Carolina Lighthouses, was the reason for my very first purchase of pottery. I purchased a pie plate that had a lighthouse painted on it. I only saw it as art and not as functional. And most of the pieces I purchased afterward were also purchased as decorative pieces for our home. I looked at pottery as art.
As my interest in pottery grew I wanted to learn how to make pottery on my own. On one of my trips I visited a local pottery in Sanford, North Carolina, known as, "The Cole Pottery". While there, Neola Cole let me have a try at the wheel and I was hooked.
It was not long that I purchased a wheel and began practicing at home. I am by no means a professional yet, but I am on my way. And in doing so, I have also got my youngest son hooked. Though only starting at seven and been turning for about a year, he is well on his way to becoming an excellent turner.
Since getting hooked on pottery, I have met many potters and continue to learn from each of them. But one thing that has truly changed is my thoughts on the art of pottery. I have since come to the conclusion that pottery is truly art, but not just art, but art to be used. So not only do I use hand made cups, but also bowls and many other pieces as well.
I do not know your opinion of pottery. If you only see it as art, be forewarned, it is art meant to be used. And be warned, once you purchase your first piece, you may get hooked. Also don't be surprised if you get the pottery bug and begin playing in clay.
If you are interested in learning how to make pottery visit Wayne's web site http://www.TheSuccessfulPotter.com and get free tips on turning pottery.
Try Indian Pottery For Unique Southwest Interior Design
Indian pottery, like that made by the Tarahumara and Tigua Tribes, is a wonderful way to bring true southwestern style to your home decor. The earthen clay is not only able to withstand years of use but is also what gives the pottery that popular rustic look. The way of making this beautiful pottery has been passed down throughout the generations and is still made today as it has been for centuries. If you are like me and love American Indian pottery, you will definitely like holding a piece of this unique art in your hands, imagining the effort that goes into creating such unique pottery.
If you are interested in collecting Indian pottery, you will find many types and might even discover a few that you never knew existed. From rustic style pieces of Tarahumara pottery with dark earth tone colors to beautiful art pieces, made by the Tigua Indians, you will definitely not have a problem choosing something you like. The variety of pottery is exciting for collectors because there is so much available. The most interesting part of purchasing genuine Native Indian pottery is the fact that it has always played a part in Indian lifestyle. Recently, pottery collecting has seen a renewed interest because of the revival of traditional Mata Ortiz pottery found in the northern part of Mexico.
Many pieces of Indian pottery can be used both to cook with or to add as part of a collection. Many of the Tarahumara pots or ollas as they are known as, are used to prepare beans, corn and other traditional Native American dishes. The pots are utilitarian in design and come in various sizes and shapes that determine how that particular pot will be used. No matter which type of pottery you buy, whether to be used for both cooking and decorating, you will certainly appreciate the hard work that goes into making Indian pottery.
You will find the way pottery is made very fascinating. Made by hand, the potter uses the coil and pinch method without the use of a pottery wheel. Pottery making is begun by first finding the clay and then grinding it to a fine powder using a stone metate. Water is then added to the clay powder and brought to the right thickness. A piece is cut for the foundation of the pot and then clay coils are molded together to build up the sides. The tools the Tarahumaras use for cleaning and smoothing the pot are nothing more than pieces of gourd, stone or wood. They then fire the pot in a shallow hole after it has dried in the open air. The fired pot is then painted with traditional items like a feather, the fingers or a cloth-wrapped stick and a variety of paints like red ochre, iron oxide or hematite.
Owning American Indian pottery, whether a roughly made Tarahumara pot, a brilliantly painted piece by the Tigua Indian Tribe, or sophisticated artwork like Mata Ortiz, is truly a wonderful privilege and allows you to experience American Indian culture in the most authentic way. You can buy beautiful Indian pottery online, and in pottery shops and many stores that sell southwestern decorating accessories. If you want to be part of the exciting rebirth of Indian pottery collecting and add Native American style to your home, try decorating with original pieces of hand-crafted Indian pottery.
If you are interested in collecting Indian pottery, you will find many types and might even discover a few that you never knew existed. From rustic style pieces of Tarahumara pottery with dark earth tone colors to beautiful art pieces, made by the Tigua Indians, you will definitely not have a problem choosing something you like. The variety of pottery is exciting for collectors because there is so much available. The most interesting part of purchasing genuine Native Indian pottery is the fact that it has always played a part in Indian lifestyle. Recently, pottery collecting has seen a renewed interest because of the revival of traditional Mata Ortiz pottery found in the northern part of Mexico.
Many pieces of Indian pottery can be used both to cook with or to add as part of a collection. Many of the Tarahumara pots or ollas as they are known as, are used to prepare beans, corn and other traditional Native American dishes. The pots are utilitarian in design and come in various sizes and shapes that determine how that particular pot will be used. No matter which type of pottery you buy, whether to be used for both cooking and decorating, you will certainly appreciate the hard work that goes into making Indian pottery.
You will find the way pottery is made very fascinating. Made by hand, the potter uses the coil and pinch method without the use of a pottery wheel. Pottery making is begun by first finding the clay and then grinding it to a fine powder using a stone metate. Water is then added to the clay powder and brought to the right thickness. A piece is cut for the foundation of the pot and then clay coils are molded together to build up the sides. The tools the Tarahumaras use for cleaning and smoothing the pot are nothing more than pieces of gourd, stone or wood. They then fire the pot in a shallow hole after it has dried in the open air. The fired pot is then painted with traditional items like a feather, the fingers or a cloth-wrapped stick and a variety of paints like red ochre, iron oxide or hematite.
Owning American Indian pottery, whether a roughly made Tarahumara pot, a brilliantly painted piece by the Tigua Indian Tribe, or sophisticated artwork like Mata Ortiz, is truly a wonderful privilege and allows you to experience American Indian culture in the most authentic way. You can buy beautiful Indian pottery online, and in pottery shops and many stores that sell southwestern decorating accessories. If you want to be part of the exciting rebirth of Indian pottery collecting and add Native American style to your home, try decorating with original pieces of hand-crafted Indian pottery.
Wheel Throwing is Fun!
Pottery wheels enable ceramic artists to create a wide variety of useful objects such as vases, mugs, and bowls. Wheel throwing can be tricky to learn at first, but those who keep trying will soon discover that it is both fun and rewarding. Start by wedging the clay thoroughly. Take the clay and knead in the same way that bread dough is kneaded. This eliminates air bubbles from the clay, and also ensures that the water in the clay is distributed evenly. Separate the mound of clay into chunks of one to one and a half pounds each, and roll each chunk into a ball. From this point it is a good idea to be wearing an apron, or place a towel on your lap to avoid soiling your clothes. Place a ball of clay on the pottery wheel as close to the center as possible. Press down on the clay to make it stick to the surface of the wheel so that it doesn't fly off when the wheel starts to spin. Once the clay is firmly placed on the wheel, begin to spin the wheel slowly.
Pat and mold the clay into a cone or hill-type shape, all the while maneuvering the clay towards the wheel's center. Wetting your hands frequently to moisten the clay, slowly increase the wheel's speed (this is easy to do with electric wheels). Brace your arms against your thighs or knees to force the mound of clay into the center of the wheel. Brace your arms against your legs so that your entire body acts to center the clay. Centering is the key step in the throwing process because the pottery can wobble and fall over if it is not centered properly. Automatic centering devices are available from clay supply houses to assist in this process.
When the clay is centered it will rotate evenly, with no wobble. Then, using your thumb, make a hole in the center of the clay. Keeping your thumb still by bracing it with your other hand, force downward into the clay until the base is about one quarter inch thick. Gently place your fingers into the opening and pull outwards gently in order to open the clay up. Brace the outside surface of the clay with your other hand to support it. Pull the walls of the clay up by reaching inside and making a small protrusion; then with one hand outside and the other inside, gently squeeze the clay to pull it up.
It takes several pulls to accomplish this (not just one pull). When the walls are about a quarter inch thick, trim the base of the object, then let it sit for half an hour before removing it from Brent pottery wheels by pulling a wire tool under the base of the object to separate it from the wheel. Let the object dry until it is leather-hard, then trim it as necessary.
Pat and mold the clay into a cone or hill-type shape, all the while maneuvering the clay towards the wheel's center. Wetting your hands frequently to moisten the clay, slowly increase the wheel's speed (this is easy to do with electric wheels). Brace your arms against your thighs or knees to force the mound of clay into the center of the wheel. Brace your arms against your legs so that your entire body acts to center the clay. Centering is the key step in the throwing process because the pottery can wobble and fall over if it is not centered properly. Automatic centering devices are available from clay supply houses to assist in this process.
When the clay is centered it will rotate evenly, with no wobble. Then, using your thumb, make a hole in the center of the clay. Keeping your thumb still by bracing it with your other hand, force downward into the clay until the base is about one quarter inch thick. Gently place your fingers into the opening and pull outwards gently in order to open the clay up. Brace the outside surface of the clay with your other hand to support it. Pull the walls of the clay up by reaching inside and making a small protrusion; then with one hand outside and the other inside, gently squeeze the clay to pull it up.
It takes several pulls to accomplish this (not just one pull). When the walls are about a quarter inch thick, trim the base of the object, then let it sit for half an hour before removing it from Brent pottery wheels by pulling a wire tool under the base of the object to separate it from the wheel. Let the object dry until it is leather-hard, then trim it as necessary.
Wheel throwing is fun and easy using the QuickCenter automatic centering device available from AMACO's Brent pottery wheels. AMACO also has a complete line of foot and electric wheels for both amateurs and professionals.
Memories of Pottery Wheel Clay
Do you remember back in elementary school when you were given some clay in class and left to be free with your creative mind? It was a wonderful time when you could let your imagination run wild with the clay in your hands. Some can still recall the feel and smell of the clay. For most of us, the clay was a tan or brown color unlike the myriad of colors available today.
Back then, some of the more popular creations included ash trays, cups and vases. Despite the numerous ash trays produced at the time, I don't think there were an equal number of smokers. Instead, there were well intentioned parents accepting the awkwardly molded creations and displaying them in their living room to boost the ego of their children.
Slightly older kids and adults took mounds of pottery wheel clay and thrust them down upon pottery wheels. Although many think working with the wheel is relatively easy, it does take a bit of skill. You can toss the wet clay onto the wheel ever so slightly off center and it might fly off the plate from the centrifugal force. Once you got it to stick, you would want it to be as centered as possible as the entire process lends itself to creating symmetrical objects. Starting off-center can lead to oddly weighted vases or misshapen bowls.
The wheel may not be the attraction for many people. Many students abandon it after just one afternoon of fallen cups or broken vases. Too many spins and you can squeeze a perfectly fine vessel into another blob of colorless, wet clay.
For others, incredible creations can come from the use of clay molds. The clay can be molded into beautiful shapes usually demonstrating work beyond the skill of the artist. There are a wide variety of molds out there to satisfy the creative urges of even the pickiest artist. Unlike the wheel, the satisfaction rate is much higher. Many go overboard creating more objects than they know what to do with! Usually, the creations make great gifts.
One of the most universally appealing works is clay art dinnerware. Everyone needs dinnerware for their home - plates, bowls, serving dishes, etc. With some easy to use tools, you can create some amazing pieces. All of them can be unique and specific to individual tastes. You can use any combination of colors. You can use traditional shapes or more unique geometric patterns to really make your work standout.
Back then, some of the more popular creations included ash trays, cups and vases. Despite the numerous ash trays produced at the time, I don't think there were an equal number of smokers. Instead, there were well intentioned parents accepting the awkwardly molded creations and displaying them in their living room to boost the ego of their children.
Slightly older kids and adults took mounds of pottery wheel clay and thrust them down upon pottery wheels. Although many think working with the wheel is relatively easy, it does take a bit of skill. You can toss the wet clay onto the wheel ever so slightly off center and it might fly off the plate from the centrifugal force. Once you got it to stick, you would want it to be as centered as possible as the entire process lends itself to creating symmetrical objects. Starting off-center can lead to oddly weighted vases or misshapen bowls.
The wheel may not be the attraction for many people. Many students abandon it after just one afternoon of fallen cups or broken vases. Too many spins and you can squeeze a perfectly fine vessel into another blob of colorless, wet clay.
For others, incredible creations can come from the use of clay molds. The clay can be molded into beautiful shapes usually demonstrating work beyond the skill of the artist. There are a wide variety of molds out there to satisfy the creative urges of even the pickiest artist. Unlike the wheel, the satisfaction rate is much higher. Many go overboard creating more objects than they know what to do with! Usually, the creations make great gifts.
One of the most universally appealing works is clay art dinnerware. Everyone needs dinnerware for their home - plates, bowls, serving dishes, etc. With some easy to use tools, you can create some amazing pieces. All of them can be unique and specific to individual tastes. You can use any combination of colors. You can use traditional shapes or more unique geometric patterns to really make your work standout.
Entering the world of creative clay work is easy. It doesn't necessarily require a special studio or even a dedicated workspace. AMACO has a wide selection of clay molds to satisfy all interests. Focus your work on clay art dinnerware as a creative gift idea. If you are willing to branch out, find a local shop with a pottery wheel and AMACO can provide high quality pottery wheel clay for your work. Find all your supplies and get creative ideas with AMACO.
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