Are you interested in learning the art of handbuilding pottery? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this guide to handbuilding pottery, we will be exploring the techniques and tips shared by Ita Reyna, a renowned ceramic artist from Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Ita has been creating beautiful hand-built pottery for over two decades and has developed a profound knowledge and experience in the craft. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced potter, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and practical advice for creating stunning hand-built pottery.
Handbuilding pottery is a craft that has been practiced for centuries, and it involves creating pottery without the use of a pottery wheel. Instead, potters use their hands and simple tools to shape the clay into various forms, such as bowls, plates, and vases. Handbuilding pottery is a versatile and accessible craft that can be done by anyone, regardless of their skill level.
In this guide, we will be exploring the insights and practical advice shared by Ita, so let's get started.
Guide to Handbuilding Pottery by Ita Reyna, a PEI Ceramic Artist: Techniques and Tips
Preparing the Clay
Before you start handbuilding, you need to prepare the clay. Clay comes in different types, and each has its own unique properties. Ita recommends using a clay body that has good plasticity and is easy to work with, such as a mid-range stoneware clay.
Once you have your clay, you need to wedge it to remove any air pockets and ensure that it is evenly mixed. Wedging also makes the clay more pliable and easier to work with.
Building Techniques
There are several techniques that you can use to build your pottery by hand. These include pinch pots, coil pots, and slab pots. Each technique has its own unique characteristics, and Ita recommends experimenting with all of them to find the one that suits your style and preferences.
Pinch Pots: This technique involves shaping the clay by pinching and pulling it with your fingers. It is a great way to create small bowls and cups.
Coil Pots: This technique involves rolling out long, thin coils of clay and stacking them on top of each other to create a pot. It is a versatile technique that can be used to create a variety of shapes and sizes.
Slab Pots: This technique involves rolling out flat slabs of clay and cutting them into shapes that are then joined together to create a pot. It is a good technique for creating large, flat surfaces.
Tools and Equipment
Handbuilding pottery requires only a few basic tools, which are easy to find and inexpensive. These include a rolling pin, a wire tool, a rib, a wooden modeling tool, and a sponge. Ita recommends investing in high-quality tools that feel comfortable to use and are durable.
Finishing Techniques
Finishing techniques are an essential part of the pottery-making process, as they determine the final appearance and texture of a piece. There are many different methods of finishing pottery, each with its unique advantages and disadvantages. Some common techniques include relief carving, incising, stamping, and glazing.
Relief carving: This technique involves carving away the background material around a design, leaving the design in relief. Relief carving can be done in stages, with deeper cuts made after the first layer of clay has been fired.
Incising: This involves cutting into the surface of the clay with a sharp tool to create lines or patterns. Incising can be done freehand or using a stencil or template.
Stamping: This technique involves impressing a pattern or design onto the surface of the clay. Stamping can create repeating patterns or textures on the surface of the pottery.
Glazing involves applying a layer of glaze to the surface of a finished pottery piece. Glazing serves several purposes, including adding color, texture, and shine to the surface of the piece, as well as making it more durable and resistant to water and other environmental factors.
In this guide to handbuilding pottery by Ita Reyna, we have explored the techniques and tips for creating stunning hand-built pottery. These techniques can be used alone or in combination to achieve the desired result, and skilled potters often experiment with different methods to create unique and beautiful pieces.
If you've ever had an interest in creating your own handcrafted pottery pieces, then attending Ita's pottery class may be just what you need. With her years of experience in the art of pottery, Ita will guide you through every step of the process and help you create unique pieces.