Pottery Making Illustrated Articles (Simple)

Intriguing and unpredictable patterns emerge when you incise and stretch a clay slab that’s covered with colored slip.

My forms have evolved, my motifs have changed, and my firing styles have shifted, but I always find myself returning to using wax on my pots; both because the results are clean and crisp, and because I enjoy the process of applying it to the pot.

I am inspired when I see a texture, pattern, color combination, or form in a new light. Everything has the potential to inspire, but it’s exciting to discover new inspiration during our routine, everyday adventures.

All text excerpted from Lili Krakowski’s article, which originally appeared in the Summer 1998 issue of Pottery Making Illustrated. Drawings adapted by Robin Ouellette.

In this issue, we celebrate wheel throwing and all the future planning that it requires.

Drawing influence from old enameled camping percolators, the tall brown insulated diner coffee pots from my childhood, and a traditional Arabic coffee pot that lives in my home.

Informed by the color palette often used in ‘90s cartoons, the curves in the ergonomic design of an athletic shoe, and a structure reminiscent of Memphis Group architecture.

I recently discovered several remnant pieces of wood molding in my garage. I was intrigued by the concave and convex curves and ridges on the profile. It sparked my curiosity. What if a clay bowl were grooved along the rim with this profile?

To create a ceramic frame, wall tile, or a plate or platter with a decorative molded edge, I use a pottery trimming tool like a router for woodworking.

I remember the first piece I wood fired. It had a wood ash and iron-saturated glaze interaction that amazed me.

The teapot may be the quintessential ceramic craft object. To make one is to unfurl an entire Russian doll’s contents of challenges with the multiple components, asymmetrical balance, and functional considerations.

The tondo artwork frame provides a unique window for the artist to fill. No corners, just a spy-glass viewpoint.

These vases are an amalgam of my interests in functionally displaying flowers while experimenting with themes of structure, volume, restriction, compression, and deformation.

My work is fired with wood in a train-style kiln with a reduction-cooling process.

This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions for sculpting a bas-relief medallion. My inspiration for the project was drawn from 19th-century bisque reliefs.

This issue celebrates handbuilding techniques with several unique approaches to forming pots.

Collaborative ventures in the pottery industry can be beneficial partnerships between individuals, studios, suppliers, educational institutions, or community organizations that share common goals.

This article offers a variety of handles that will add to the uniqueness of your cups as well as ensure they effectively serve their purposes.