Pottery Making Illustrated Articles (Simple)

As an observer of nature, I pay attention to how things look and how they make me feel. These experiences guide me when I am starting a piece.

In addition to the templates found in articles by Margaret Kinkeade, Corinne Lent, and Sunshine Cobb, the above templates can be scaled-up on a copy machine to fit any dimensions you prefer for handbuilding functional vessels.

The objects that we surround ourselves with might say more about us than we have ever imagined.

Besides being adorable and practical, I had the most fun working out the match-striker design. I had a picture in my head: the perfect match striker.

When making work, I strive to highlight the beauty of art that we can hold, live with in our homes, and touch to our lips. The rituals surrounding the simple moments of everyday life are where the most meaningful connections to art can be found.

One of my favorite handbuilding projects is my ceramic casita shrine shelf. They designate a special space in your home that you can visit whenever you need to escape, meditate, or give energy to a person or idea that’s been on your mind.

Interlacing drawing with tactile handbuilding techniques in the vessels that I make allows me to participate in that ongoing conversation at my table as well as in other homes where my work is found/used.

This box design was just a starting point for me. The techniques I used in this one piece opened a variety of paths that can be translated endlessly into other pieces.

Hands can activate the story of a body. Like developing the gaze on a face, positioning the hands can take me quite a long time as I play and explore the myriad possibilities that could actuate the gesture in unique and unexpected ways.

My forms are relatively uncomplicated, and I take inspiration from everything from the proportions of paper coffee cups to estate-sale treasures.

No matter which one, writing a well-focused how-to guide will draw attention to you, your process, and your ceramics.

I love surface pattern and working with slips and oxides and am able to use these materials to get creative with the paintbrush when making my clay games.

The artists in this issue, who all focus on handbuilding as their primary forming method, did just that, and their efforts lay on the pages that follow.

Illustrated clay measuring devices.

A good citrus reamer is an indispensable kitchen tool. From making cocktails to citrusy desserts to salad dressings, my ceramic reamers are some of my most unexpected kitchen treasures.