ceramics basics

Ceramics is one of the oldest works by humans. Since 24,000 bc when people learned that clay could be mixed with water and fired, ceramics has been a part of our society. The first kilns to be used for this were simply holes dug into the ground. The objects we have remaining from this time are human and animal figurines. By approximately 10,000 bc, with the advent of advanced settlements, people were using clay to make tiles, (in Mesopotamia & India), to make pottery vessels for food and water, and to create clay bricks. It is estimated that the first glaze was discovered in Egypt around 8000 bc when the glass on the pots was overheated in the kiln.

In the 1500s, new materials allowed resistance to high temperatures. This provided the means for creating ceramics on an industrial scale. As technology and industry has grown, many new uses for ceramics were discovered including porcelain electrical insulation, tiles which can withstand extreme heat such as for spaceships, high temperature superconductors, & waterproofing.

Many societies have proven to have a lasting influence on ceramics including, (but not limited to), Greece, Korea, Japan, China, The Middle East, & the Southwestern US. In ancient Greece, potters threw on an ancient pottery wheel to create cups, vases, and plates of different shapes. These works, made in red clay, were then decorated with black slip which is either used to paint the figures, or is scraped from the pot to create a design. Red Figure Pottery Black Figure Pottery

In China & Korea potters refined their craft to the point that a vase 4 ft high with a millimeter defect, (invisible to the untrained eye), would be destroyed as it did not meet their standards of perfection.

However, no matter the society, every ceramicist knows the basic ways clay can be used. 1. PINCH – many handmade objects/ sculptures are made using this method as it lends itself to details/different forms.

2. COIL – many handmade vessels are made using this method as it lends itself to a circular format.

3. SLAB – many handmade boxes/containers are made using this method. As well tiles are made from this format.

4. POTTERY WHEEL – used to make non handmade vessels. Often used for mass production of sets.

and finally, 5. MOLDS – used to make non handmade vessels. Often used for mass production of sets as well as for decorations and details.

Throughout the year you will learn about these techniques and how to practice them. As well you will learn to see the difference between: leatherware greenware bisqueware & glazeware

And finally, you will learn about the art of contemporary and past ceramics artists.