Pottery Basics

Choosing and using a pottery wheel and kiln

Be it a Greek amphora at the Louvre or a piece of Pueblo pottery from Arizona, there's something about pottery that thrusts you directly into the environment in which it was made. You experience the tactility of it, the fact that it was fashioned by hands, and suddenly you can imagine yourself in the place and time of the potter who made it.

Pottery making is the earthiest of all arts, immersing you in touch and sound and sight and smell. It is truly getting back to basics: both to the clay from which we came (according to countless mythologies), and to the original, functional art of civilizations from centuries past.

Wheels, kilns, and clay Of course it's now the 21st century, and taking up pottery requires some knowledge of related technologies. You'll probably want to start with one of our beginner pottery wheels. A pottery wheel can be manual or electric. If you enjoy the traditional aspects of pottery, then kickwheels would appeal to you. They generally provide a more natural feel; however, they're also very heavy and difficult to move. We usually recommend that beginners go with one of our electric pottery wheels. As for kilns, electric pottery kilns are easier for novices to operate and will provide more consistent results. Gas kilns require more attention and venting, and basic bisque firing is easier to do with an electric pottery kiln. If you're doing more advanced techniques such as reduction firing, then a gas kiln would be appropriate. Choose a clay that's easy to work with and that has firing characteristics suitable for the kiln you've purchased. For example, earthenware is a low-fire clay, while porcelain is a high-fire clay. The less grog (ground up fired clay) and sand in a clay body, the softer and more plastic it will be - but it will also be more prone to shrinkage.

For information about other pottery accessories you should have, see our Necessary Pottery Supplies article.

How to use a pottery wheel and kiln

This is going to be messy. Set up your pottery wheel in a mess-friendly space, and wear old clothes, an apron, and - at least at first - some goggles.

Pottery is a very sensual art that's difficult to explain with just words, but here are some basic steps to follow:

• Knead or wedge the clay beforehand to make it homogeneous and remove air bubbles
• Use a chair that allows you to lean forward in a comfortable position
• Toss the clay onto the center of the wheel with a little force so that it sticks; if your pottery wheel is absorbent, dampening it beforehand will help create a better "grip"
• Set a comfortable speed, and wet the clay with a sponge as you work with it

You'll quickly find that the slightest touch can alter the shape of your clay body. Use both hands to create a cone shape, press a finger in the middle to create an opening, and then slowly "pull" the clay upwards. If you're like us, you'll find it exciting to see the clay respond as if it were a living thing.

After you've created some monstrous beginner's form, it will need to be fired in a kiln. Some electric kilns have "kiln sitters" that will shut the kiln down automatically, otherwise you'll need to use pyrometric cones and watch for when the proper temperature has been reached. Kilns emit fumes, so keep yours in an area away from your workspace that has sufficient ventilation.

Learning how to use a pottery wheel and kiln takes time. You might also consider taking pottery classes at your local community college or art school.