Four Reasons to Learn Handbuilding
Pottery making is usually broken down into two main categories: Wheel-thrown and handbuilt ceramics. Wheel-thrown ceramics is pretty self-explanatory because it just refers to the single technique of working on the pottery wheel. Handbuilding, on the other hand, covers multiple techniques, including ceramics made from slabs of clay, pinch pots, coiling, and more.
Four Reasons Why Handbuilding Might Be Right for You
Handbuilding is very rewarding because it offers a unique mix of wide creative license along with the ability to achieve repeatable, consistent results.
You can be successful at handbuilding right away. The pottery wheel requires us to remember and practice fundamental steps again and again, but you can sit down with your clay and an inspiration, and with just a few key concepts can create something beautiful the first time you give it a try.
Handbuilt projects can be completed over time—as long as you keep your piece at the proper stage of workability, you can come back to it and continue to create.
You can combine multiple handbuilding techniques in a single piece. You can even add handbuilt elements to your wheel-thrown pottery, creating a completely unique artistic statement or customizing a piece for a specific functional purpose.
Most of the one-time workshops Mud Lily offers explore a single handbuilding technique in a single setting. This allows you to learn while you enjoy a relaxing experience. Or take a 4-session handbuilding class: You’ll discover multiple techniques and become proficient in using the cool handbuilding tools and equipment we have at the studio.
Let’s give a big round of applause to handbuilt ceramics!