Working with ceramics requires creativity for the most part and scientific knowledge. Firing is an essential step in the ceramic process. Firing is the process of applying controlled and sustained heat to the clay in a kiln. This process subjects the clay to several physical and chemical changes. It’s important to understand the firing process to you get better results. Here are some of the basic you need to know. There are many types of firing and each produces a different r

Ceramics is wonderful for your soul and spirit, yet it can be a strain for your neck and back. It is easy to hurt your back while hunching over the potter’s wheel or bent over a table decorating your pot. Sometimes picking up a heavy bag of clay can put a strain on your body and cause soreness in the back and neck. To make sure everyone stays fit and healthy at the studio here are some general recommendations for warming up and stretching your body before you start your work

The expression "Islamic art" is a term used to describe visual arts, created by Muslim and non-Muslim artists after the 7th century, who lived in the regions occupied by Muslims and cultures of Islam. Examples of Islamic art can be seen in forms such as architecture, architectural decoration, ceramic art, lusterware, faience mosaics, relief sculpture, wood and ivory carving, friezes, drawing, painting, calligraphy, book-gilding, manuscript illumination, lacquer-painted bookbi

As more and more people come into the studio, we start to see more creativity and get a lot of inspiration. One of the best ways that our members show off their creative talents is in how they decorate their ceramics. There is a lot of anticipation and patience when making the shape and form of a ceramic object, but decorating the object, is perhaps, the most rewarding aspects of working with clay. Paper resist is one of the most basic decoration techniques, but can give you

Spring is here and soon the summer heat will be upon us. Does reaching for a hot cup of tea in the heat seem like a crazy idea? The short answer is No; you will feel cooler as your body starts to sweat more and that sweat must be able to evaporate for you to feel that cooling effect. Good news for us, its means making more teapots. Making a teapot can be a challenge. A few of the challenges that you may come across could be where to place the handle and spout. Also deciding t

When appreciating a ceramic object, most people will assess the form of the object, whether it is a functional clay pot or a sculptural ceramic piece. Form is one of the main characteristic of a ceramic object and can influence how we notice other characteristics like the glaze, the balance or the weight of the object. For example, a teapot in the form of a cylinder maybe better suited for its function than a pyramid shaped teapot. Also, a white cube maybe be perceived to be

Pottery is a uniquely powerful artistic avenue that can serve as a deeply beneficial therapeutic activity. Pottery is therapeutic and relaxing. While spinning clay or sculpting, your mind and body are in natural synergy, focused on your creative ambitions and goals. This thoughtful artistic activity can engage the mind and relieve you of outside worries. Creative expression can give you a new language for dealing with emotional issues. The process of pottery creation can be d

Coiling is a method of creating pottery. It has been used to shape clay into vessels for many thousands of years. It ranges from Africa to Greece and from China to New Mexico. They have used this method in a variety of ways. Using the coiling technique, it is possible to build thicker or taller walled vessels, which may not have been possible using earlier methods. The technique permits control of the walls as they are built up and allows building on top of the walls to make

What is Wedging? Wedging prepares the clay for optimal use. Wedging makes the clay more pliable, ensures a uniform consistency, and removes air pockets as well as small hard spots in the clay before you use or reuse the clay for a project. When reclaiming clay, wedging ensures all the clay is incorporates together. Wedging the clay before throwing makes the clay more supple. There are a few different ways to wedge clay. Types: Kneading- essential to even out the clay body a

We met with Roberta to talk to her about her sculpture exhibition “The big heart of women” currently being exhibited in Heritage House N. 13 Alserkal Cultural Foundation at Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Bur Dubai. This is what she had to say about these beautifully intricate sculptures. “These sculptures speak about women. About the feminine universe. These Ladies aim to send a message of consciousness saying that even if your hair are standing on end, and everything get