Ceramics are a deep artistic medium, with many different types of pottery and other ceramic objects. Some ceramic artists work without ever turning the wheel, while others focus on hand-painted pottery or high-fired stoneware. Whatever your skill level, you’re sure to find a niche in this versatile art form. If you’d like to try your hand at ceramics, you can start by exploring these seven ceramics tutorials.
To start your ceramics business, you may have to purchase some basic equipment. The type of equipment you need will depend on your projected volume and designs. The first thing you should do is assess your space. Make sure you have enough room for all your equipment. If you don’t have a lot of space to work in, you can always start small by using a small space.
After you have an idea of what you want to make, you can research some ceramic artists to get a sense of what they’re working on. There are many famous ceramic artists and makers who were active in the UK during the 20th century. Some of these artists include William Staite Murray (1881) and Magdalene Oduno (1950). Another notable ceramic artist, Hans Coper (1903-1999), is known for his textured stoneware creations. His sculptures and candlesticks have adorned Coventry Cathedral. His ceramics works are also featured in the ceramics galleries at the V&A.
While ceramic artists can learn from books and online tutorials, they should practice as much as they can to develop their skills. Using a clay throwing wheel, for example, can be quite challenging. For this reason, you should always wear the appropriate clothing while working with clay. Additionally, you should have a designated area in which to work. You should also avoid placing your valuables near your ceramic work area. This way, you’ll be able to work without worrying about damaging them.
Ceramics are made from raw materials like clay, kaolinate, and aluminum oxide. They are then combined with water and molded into the desired form. The resulting product is then fired in a kiln. This process creates new chemical bonds in the clay. The finished product may be fired a second time to apply a glaze.
The name ceramics comes from the Greek word “keramikos”, which means “to make”. This term describes a variety of materials that are chemically inert, non-metallic, and crystalline. While clay was one of the earliest materials used for ceramics, many different ceramic materials are now used for everyday purposes, from cookware to electrical insulators. Some of these materials can even be superconducting, making them useful in many industries.
To learn about the art of ceramics, you can either take a class or enroll in a short ceramics course. Either way, you’ll need a dedicated workspace, the right tools, and some inspiration. Then, you can begin to discover the joy of working with clay. It’s an excellent way to develop your skills and learn to appreciate creative work.
Porcelain is a hard, translucent white ceramic that has its origins in China. By 600AD, Chinese porcelain had become a valuable commodity for Arabian traders. It became a symbol of Chinese culture and was used for fine art. Also known as fine china, porcelain is made by mixing small amounts of glass and fine kaolin clay. Once the clay mixture is formed, it’s fired to temperatures between 1,200 and 1450 degrees Celsius. Decorative glazes are then applied, followed by further firing.
Ceramics can also be crafted into functional pieces. For instance, Lily Maetzig’s Mae Ceramics studio in South East London specializes in functional ceramics. The company uses a limited colour palette and an emphasis on simplicity. In addition, Lily offers classes on pinch pots, which are easy to create for a homemade look.
When working with clay, it’s essential to create separate work areas. Make sure you clean each area thoroughly before and after each task. One of the most important ceramics workspaces is the kiln area, which should have shelves for the kiln furniture and dry ceramics. The kiln area should be separate from the clay-making area.
In commercial ceramics companies, lead leaching tests are routinely conducted. Craft potters, on the other hand, don’t have the same quality control procedures, so lead leaching is a more common problem. To mitigate the risk of lead leaching, craft potters should drill holes in their pottery, or use a lead-free glaze. They should also conduct periodic testing on their food ware.
