The Challenges in Making Pottery: What You Need to Know?

Pottery making is a fascinating art form that has been practiced for thousands of years. While it can be incredibly rewarding, it also comes with its own set of challenges. If you’re new to pottery and exploring pottery classes in Seattle, understanding these difficulties can help you better prepare and improve your skills. Here are some common challenges in pottery making and how to overcome them.

1. Working with Clay

Challenge

Clay can be tricky to handle. It requires the right amount of moisture and consistency. If it's too wet, it can be hard to shape. If it's too dry, it can crack or become brittle. Finding the perfect balance is often a matter of trial and error.

Solution

Regularly check the moisture content of your clay. Use water to keep it at the right consistency and cover it with plastic when not in use to prevent it from drying out. Additionally, using a clay that is appropriate for your skill level and the type of pottery you want to make can help. 

2. Centering the Clay on the Wheel

Challenge

Getting the clay perfectly centered on the pottery wheel is important for creating even and symmetrical pieces. This can be particularly tough for beginners because it requires a combination of strength, coordination, and sensitivity to the clay’s movement.

Solution

Practice is key. Start with smaller pieces of clay and gradually work your way up. Use both hands to steady the clay and keep your movements smooth and controlled. An effective technique is to apply pressure with the heel of your hand while keeping your arms anchored to your body to reduce unwanted movement.

3. Shaping and Throwing

Challenge

Shaping the clay into the desired form, whether it's a pot, bowl, or vase, requires precision and control. Uneven pressure can lead to wobbly or misshapen pieces. Additionally, maintaining an even wall thickness is essential to avoid weak spots.

Solution

Take your time and be patient. Use tools like ribs and sponges to help shape the clay and practice different techniques to find what works best for you. Watching tutorials or taking classes can also be beneficial. Working on your hand positioning and pressure consistency will improve your shaping skills over time.

4. Drying and Cracking

Challenge

As clay dries, it can crack if it dries too quickly or unevenly. This is especially true for larger or thicker pieces. Cracking often occurs because different parts of the piece dry at different rates, causing stress within the clay.

Solution

Dry your pieces slowly and evenly. Cover them loosely with plastic and keep them in a cool, dry place. You can also use a damp cloth to slow down the drying process. For larger pieces, consider drying them in stages, allowing each section to firm up before moving on.

5. Trimming

Challenge

Trimming excess clay from the bottom of your piece can be tricky. If not done correctly, it can lead to an uneven base or even collapse the piece.

Solution

Wait until your piece is leather-hard before trimming. This is when the clay is firm but still slightly flexible. Use a trimming tool and a steady hand to remove excess clay, starting from the outer edge and working your way in. Using a turning wheel or banding wheel can help provide better control.

6. Glazing

Challenge

Applying glaze can be tricky. It needs to be even and the right thickness. Too much glaze can cause drips, while too little can result in a dull finish. Additionally, glazes can behave unpredictably in the kiln, leading to unexpected results.

Solution

Stir the glaze well before applying it. Use a clean brush or dipping technique to ensure an even coat. Test different glazes on small pieces to see how they turn out before applying them to larger works. 

7. Firing in the Kiln

Challenge

The firing process is critical and can be unpredictable. Temperature control is important, and mistakes can lead to cracks, explosions, or color changes. Firing too quickly or at the wrong temperature can ruin your pieces.

Solution

Learn how to use your kiln properly. Follow the recommended firing schedule for your clay and glaze. Start with lower temperatures and gradually increase. Keep a firing log to track your results and make adjustments as needed. 

Conclusion

Pottery making is an art that requires practice, patience, and persistence. While there are many challenges, each one offers an opportunity to learn and grow. By understanding these difficulties and how to address them, you can improve your skills and create beautiful, lasting pieces. When looking for pottery classes in Seattle Feelartistic Studio is the name to count on. We offer classes for all age groups and pottery summer camps for kids. You can visit the website for more information!