What is pottery and how is it made?

Pottery is the art and craft of creating objects from clay, which are then fired (baked) at high temperatures to harden them into durable, ceramic forms. 

Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Shaping the Clay:

Handbuilding:

This involves shaping the clay by hand, using techniques like pinching, coiling, or slab construction. 

Potter's Wheel:

A rotating wheel allows for the creation of symmetrical forms by throwing clay on the wheel. 

2. Drying and Trimming:

Drying: The shaped clay pieces are allowed to dry, but not completely, to a "leather-hard" state where they can be trimmed and cleaned up.

Trimming: Excess clay is removed to refine the shape and create a smooth surface. 

3. Firing (Bisque Firing):

Bisque Firing: The dried pottery is fired at a lower temperature to harden the clay, but before glazing. 

4. Glazing:

Glaze Application:

A glassy coating, called glaze, is applied to the bisque-fired pottery to add color, water resistance, and a smooth surface.

Glaze Firing:

The glazed pottery is fired again at a higher temperature, causing the glaze to melt and fuse to the clay, creating a durable, waterproof surface. 

5. Decoration (Optional):

Decoration: Pottery can be decorated with various techniques, such as painting, carving, or applying decals before or after the glaze firing.