Where To Start With Ceramics?

Ceramics refers to objects made from clay that are permanently hardened through high temperature firing. Ceramics have a long history dating back over 20,000 years. Some of the earliest known ceramic objects were made in China and Japan (https://blog.sicerceramicsurfaces.com/ceramics-origin-and-characteristics/).

Ceramics can be divided into three main types based on their firing temperature and properties: earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. Earthenware is fired at lower temperatures, making it more porous and brittle. Stoneware is denser and fired at higher temperatures. Porcelain is fired at the highest temperatures, resulting in a very strong, non-porous material that is highly resistant to chipping and staining (https://www.thecrucible.org/guides/ceramics/).

While ceramics were originally made for functional uses like cooking pots and storage containers, ceramic art has expanded into sculpture, tableware, tiles, and decorative objects. There are many different ceramic techniques used by artists and artisans including handbuilding, wheel throwing, slip casting, and raku firing.

Supplies for Beginning Ceramics

When starting out with ceramics, there are some basic tools and materials you’ll need to get set up. The essential supplies for most beginner ceramic artists include:

• Pottery wheel – This spinning device allows you to throw and shape clay into symmetrical forms. Beginners should look for an affordable tabletop kick wheel.
• Kiln – This high heat oven bakes clay objects at extremely high temperatures to permanently harden them. Small electric kilns are common for home studios.
• Clay – Ceramic clay is the medium used to handbuild or throw pottery and sculpture. Stoneware and porcelain are good clays for beginners.
• Glazes – These glassy coatings are applied to bisqueware and fired in the kiln to create colored, glossy finishes.
• Basic tools – Pottery tools like ribs, trimming tools, cutting wires, etc. assist in shaping and refining clay pieces.

Choosing the right clay is important when first learning ceramics. Many beginners start with stoneware clay bodies, which are versatile and easier to work with. Porcelain can be tricky for beginners as it’s more prone to warping and cracking. Buy small amounts of a few different clays so you can test which one you like working with the most.

Be sure to also purchase basic safety supplies like a vent mask and gloves. Setting up your studio properly will make learning ceramics more enjoyable.

Getting Started with Handbuilding

Handbuilding is a great way to get started with ceramics, as it doesn’t require any special equipment besides some basic tools. Handbuilding involves shaping clay by hand using techniques like pinch pots, coil building, and slab building.

Here are some beginner handbuilding techniques to try:

Pinch Pots

Pinch pots are a simple handbuilding technique that involves pinching and shaping a ball of clay with your fingers and thumbs. To make a basic pinch pot:

• Start with a ball of clay and stick your thumb into the center, keeping pressure as you turn the ball in circles.
• Use your fingers and thumb to pinch the clay outward, rotating as you go to maintain uniform wall thickness.
• Create a base by pinching in one area. Refine the shape by smoothing, scraping and pinching the clay.

Pinch pots are great for making small bowls, cups, and vases. Get creative with shapes and patterns!

Coil Building

Coil building involves rolling out and stacking coils or “snakes” of clay to build up height. To make a basic coil pot:

• Roll clay into long strands or coils of even thickness.
• Lay the first coil in a circular shape and continue stacking coils upwards, bonding each layer together by smoothing and blending the seams.
• Shape and refine the vessel with your fingers, clay tools or a damp sponge.

Coil building can be used to make all kinds of free-form sculptural pieces.

Slab Building

Slab building uses flat “slabs” of rolled out clay to construct forms. To make a basic slab built box:

• Roll out consistent, even slabs for the box bottom and sides.
• Cut slabs to size and join by scoring and slipping seams.
• Refine shape with modeling tools, your fingers or a rib.

Slab built boxes, trays and sculptural forms open up creative options. Get inspired with shape, texture and surface decoration.

For more detailed handbuilding tutorials and projects, check out resources like The Potters Shop & School.

Wheel Throwing Basics

One of the most popular techniques in ceramics is throwing pots on a pottery wheel. Centering the clay properly is the first crucial step in wheel throwing. Start by wedging the clay to remove air bubbles and prepare it for throwing. Form the clay into a ball and place it in the center of the wheel. Apply downward pressure while kicking the wheel head to spin the clay. Use the pressure between your hands to form the clay into a cone shape while it spins. Once it is centered, you can open up the clay into different forms.

Throwing a basic cylinder is a good beginner form to practice. With the clay centered, press your thumbs into the middle to open up the clay. Apply even pressure with your hands on the inside and outside walls to form a cylinder shape as the wheel spins. Use a rib tool to smooth the walls and shape the rim. A cylinder can then be shaped into a bowl or vase.

Mugs are another common wheel thrown form. After centering the clay, push your thumbs in to create a thick cylinder base. Then press the outer wall down and in to taper the form. Use your finger tips to smooth the inside curve up to the mug rim. Ribs can refine the lip and handle area. Handles are made by rolling clay coils that are then attached to the mug form.

It takes practice to center clay properly and throw smooth forms. Go slowly, apply even pressure, and don’t get discouraged. Using an appropriate amount of clay and throwing smaller forms can help beginners focus on technique. Refer to online throwing tutorials like this one for more tips.

Drying and Firing Greenware

After you have handbuilt or thrown your ceramic pieces on the wheel, the next step is to dry them thoroughly before firing. It’s important to dry greenware slowly and evenly to prevent cracking and breakage. Drastic temperature changes can create stress fractures in the clay. Place greenware in a sheltered, room-temperature area out of direct sunlight and allow it to air dry. Use fans to circulate the air, but don’t aim fans directly at the pottery. Allow simple pieces to dry for several days up to a week before handling.

Once bone dry, the clay is ready for its first firing known as bisque firing. Bisque firing further hardens the clay by heating it to approximately cone 04 or 1800-2000°F. The process causes chemical changes that convert the greenware into ceramic bisque that is ready for glazing and decorating. Use a programmable electric kiln and maintain a slow, steady increase in temperature throughout the firing. Ramp up at no more than 200°F per hour. Add a couple hours soak time at the peak temperature before slowly cooling and venting the kiln.

Proper drying and bisque firing are critical steps for producing finished pottery free from cracks and defects. Monitor moisture levels carefully during the drying stage, and follow standardized firing guidelines when bisque firing greenware. With practice, you’ll master these techniques for stabilizing clay and readying it for the next steps in the ceramic process. Check out this TikTok video from @maker_bakery for a great visual demonstration of drying and firing ceramics.

Applying Glazes and Decoration

Glazes are an essential part of finishing ceramic pieces. They serve both decorative and functional purposes by adding color, texture, and making surfaces impermeable. There are many different types of glazes to explore. Common glaze types include transparent, opaque, satin, matte, crystalline, raku, and underglazes. Each glaze has unique properties and effects. For example, crystalline glazes produce sparkling surfaces, while raku glazes create crackled finishes after raku firing.

When applying glazes, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing, thinning if needed, and application methods. In general, glazes can be applied using brushing, dipping, pouring, or spraying. For small pieces, a soft brush works well to coat surfaces evenly. Larger pieces may need dipping or spraying to fully cover. Allow glazed pieces to dry completely before firing. It’s also critical to avoid applying glazes too thickly or thinly, as this affects final results. Testing glazes on test tiles first is recommended.

In addition to glazing, there are many decorative techniques to explore. Options include sgraffito, mishima, slip trailing, stamping, stenciling, and more. Sgraffito involves scratching through a colored slip to reveal the clay body underneath. Mishima refers to inlaying slip into carved lines in leather-hard clay. Slip trailing involves trailing liquid clay slip onto bisqueware. Stamping can create patterned textures. Stencils allow creating intricate designs. Combining these techniques with glazing leads to stunning visual effects. Experimenting with different decorative methods allows ceramic artists to develop their own unique styles.

For more details see: What Every Ceramic Artist Should Know to Get Better Glazes

Final Firing and Finishing

The final firing is the last step in the ceramic process that gives the piece its hardness and finishes the chemical reactions that occur in the clay body. The final firing typically takes place in a kiln heated to over 1000°C. The high temperatures fuse any glazes or decoration to the clay body and harden the piece to its permanent form.

There are several factors to consider in the final firing:

• Firing temperature – Higher temperatures result in harder and more durable finishes. Typical final firing temperatures range from 1000°C to 1300°C.
• Firing schedule – The rate at which the kiln is heated up and cooled down can affect the finished results. A slower firing schedule allows kiln gases to vent and prevents flaws like cracking.
• Kiln atmosphere – Firing in a reduction atmosphere (limited oxygen) can affect glaze colors and finishes compared to oxidation atmospheres.

After the final firing, steps like sanding and staining can refine the piece:

• Sanding with fine grit abrasives smooths rough areas and gets rid of excess glaze.
• Staining can add color for an antique or aged look. Stains often react differently with bare and glazed areas.

The final firing provides the ceramics piece with its permanent look and feel. Adjusting factors like temperature, speed, and atmosphere gives artists control over the final results. Finishing techniques like sanding and staining add subtle effects and refinement.

Setting Up a Studio

Finding the right space is crucial when setting up a ceramics studio. Look for a room with good ventilation as clay dust can be hazardous over time. Make sure there is access to water for mixing clay and cleaning. Consider noise levels if in a shared building. A separate room from living areas is ideal to contain mess. Renting studio space in a shared facility is a good option for beginners.

Essential equipment includes a potter’s wheel, kiln, pug mill, and slab roller. Buy used equipment to save money when starting out. Electric kilns are the most common for home studios. Look for a kiln with multiple temperature zones to allow flexibility. Install kilns following electrical codes and ensure proper ventilation. Clay dust is highly flammable so keep studio clean and avoid sources of sparks near the kiln.

Prioritize safety when setting up a studio. Use dust masks when working with clay and glazes to avoid lung irritation. Have a ventilated area for glaze mixing to reduce exposure to hazardous materials. Keep floors clean and dry to prevent slips or falls. Install a heavy duty splash guard behind wheels to protect walls from clay splatter. Keep first aid supplies on hand and know the closest emergency room in case of an accident.

For more tips, see this article on setting up a studio space: https://www.charlottemanserceramics.com/blogs/news/setting-up-a-ceramics-studio

Continuing Your Ceramics Education

Once you have a grasp of the basics, there are many ways to continue advancing your ceramics skills and knowledge. Here are some recommended next steps:

Take intermediate or advanced classes – Many local community colleges, art centers, and private studios offer ceramics classes beyond the beginner level. These classes will introduce you to more complex techniques like throwing larger pieces, creating multiples, using molds, incorporating mixed media, and more.

Attend specialty workshops – Look for 1-2 day intensives or multi-week workshops focused on specific skills like handbuilding, surface decoration, sculpting the figure, making functional pottery, etc. Workshops are a great way to quickly boost your skills in a particular area.

Join an open studio – Open studios provide space, equipment, and community for independent ceramic artists. Membership fees give you regular access to shared studio space, kilns, and supplies. The communal environment lets you learn from fellow artists.

Take private lessons – If you want personalized instruction, consider booking one-on-one lessons with an experienced ceramic artist. Private lessons allow you to get expert guidance tailored to your exact needs and areas for improvement.

Attend conferences or symposiums – Large gatherings like the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) conference offer multiple days of demonstrations, lectures, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. You’ll be immersed in the ceramic arts and make connections.

Join ceramic arts organizations – Get support from groups like the Potters Council or the American Ceramic Society through access to publications, online resources, conferences, workshops, and more. Connect with fellow ceramic artists locally and globally.

Consider an adult education program – Some art schools and universities have continuing education programs in ceramics. Take evening, weekend or condensed courses to get college-level ceramics instruction.

As you advance, staying engaged with the broader ceramic arts community will continue fueling your creativity and passion. Seek out new challenges, find inspiration from masters, and keep learning.

Ceramic Art Resources

There are many excellent resources to continue learning about ceramic art after you have gotten started with the basics. Here are some of the top resources recommended for ceramic artists looking to further develop their skills and knowledge:

Books:

– The Ceramics Bible by Louisa Taylor – covers all clay types and techniques from beginner to advanced https://www.amazon.com/Ceramics-Bible-Complete-Materials-Techniques/dp/1784881974

– Mastering the Potter’s Wheel by Ben Carter – focuses on wheel throwing skills https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Potters-Wheel-Techniques-Handbuilt/dp/1600595890

Websites and Blogs:

– Ceramic Arts Network – articles, tips, and tutorials from experts https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/

– Mudworks Studio – videos and tutorials on handbuilding and wheel throwing https://mudworksstudio.com/

Social Media:

– Instagram – follow hashtags like #ceramics, #pottery, and #ceramicart to find artists to follow

– Reddit – r/Ceramics and r/Pottery subreddits connect ceramic artists

Magazines:

– Ceramics Monthly – covers contemporary and traditional ceramic art https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/ceramics-monthly/

– Pottery Making Illustrated – focuses on functional pottery and production techniques

Online Classes:

– Skillshare – variety of ceramic classes from beginner to advanced

– Creativebug – wide range of arts and crafts classes including pottery and clay sculpture