In 2020, I started cooking as a new hobby and stumbled upon this aesthetic ceramic tableware that adds a touch of elegance/art to my plating. Since then, I’ve become obsessed with collecting different styles of ceramic plates. Along this journey, I realized that every potter has their own signature style when crafting these ceramics. Some potters aim for flawless and identical pieces, while others find beauty in imperfect and irregular shapes.
Making ceramics can be tricky at first, as several essential things must be remembered. The first critical step is wedging the clay to remove any air bubbles trapped that could cause cracks during firing (Picture 1, Picture 2, Picture 3).
Once we ensure the clay is free of bubbles and has the right moisture level, we can proceed to the following stages – shaping and glazing. In between these stages, the ceramics undergo two rounds of firing, bisque-firing and glaze-firing, to achieve the final, ready-to-use items.
Pottery encompasses various techniques, including wheel throwing, hand pinching, and slab methods. This article will explore hand pinching and slab techniques in particular. When it comes to achieving a sleek and smooth surface, the slab technique gains an advantage over hand pinching. This is because of the utilization of additional tools, which allow greater control and precision during the shaping process.
The slab technique is a commonly used method in pottery, which involves creating a smooth clay slab using a rolling pin (Picture 4).
When approaching this, two key factors need to be considered. Firstly, removing any trapped air bubbles is important, as they should be gently popped (Picture 5, Picture 6). Secondly, maintaining consistent thickness throughout the slab is essential. This is achieved using additional boards, such as plastic or wood, underneath the rolling pin (Picture 7). These boards act as guides, ensuring the desired thickness is achieved uniformly. Another tip you should do is to use a piece of untextured cloth as the cover while rolling (Picture 8). This simple step helps avoid unwanted residue and maintains a clean rolling surface.
Once a smooth slab is obtained, it can be cut into desired shapes, such as rectangles or circles (Picture 9, Picture 10). This technique is ideal for making mugs, plates, and coasters, saving time and producing well-shaped pieces. Personally, I find it the most convenient method, especially when making multiple mugs with the same design.
Meanwhile, hand-pinching is a more organic and creative approach compared to the slab technique. It relies entirely on your ability to pinch and shape the clay with your hands, making it a truly personal craft. To begin, prepare a well-wedged ball of clay (Picture 11). Using your thumb, gently create a central indentation, forming the initial shape (Picture 12). Then, it’s all in the pinch! Use your fingers and thumbs to mold and shape the clay, bringing it to life in your desired shape (Picture 13, Picture 14).
One thing to remember is not to let your clay walls be too thin while you are busily hand-pinching. Fragile walls can lead to cracks during the firing process. The final result of the hand-pinching technique bears an authentic mark, showcasing unique curves and patterns that reflect the touch of your hands. I particularly enjoy using hand-pinching when making cups, especially for lattes or espressos, as it adds a distinct charm and an artistic expression to each piece.
In conclusion, both the slab and hand-pinching techniques offer different styles and finishes in pottery. The choice depends on the preferred outcome: a sleek-smooth surface or an authentic curvy-pinch look. From a personal perspective, I prefer the slab technique because it saves a lot of time. Ultimately, it is all about embracing your creativity and bringing forth the aesthetic you envision for your pottery creations.