The Making Process
Each ceramic piece follows a careful journey from raw clay to finished, functional pottery. Here’s how my pieces come to life in the studio.
1. Clay preparation
I work primarily with stoneware clay, chosen for its strength and workability. The clay is wedged to remove air bubbles and prepare it for throwing.
- High-quality stoneware clay body
- Wedging removes air bubbles that could cause cracking
- Clay is prepared in batches for consistency
2. Wheel throwing
Most of my pieces begin on the potter’s wheel, where the clay is centred and shaped through the rhythm of spinning and gentle pressure.
- Clay is centred on the wheel head
- Walls are pulled up slowly and evenly
- Forms are shaped through gentle pressure and tool work
- Each piece keeps the organic qualities of hand throwing
3. Trimming & finishing
Once leather-hard, pieces are trimmed to refine their form and create foot rings for stability.
- Excess clay is removed from the base
- Foot rings are carved for proper sitting
- Surface textures may be added at this stage
- Final form adjustments are made
4. First firing (bisque)
Dried pieces undergo their first firing in the electric kiln to transform clay into ceramic.
- Temperature: approximately 1000°C
- Duration: 12–16 hours including heating and cooling
- Creates porous ceramic ready for glazing
- Pieces become much stronger but still absorbent
5. Glazing
After bisque firing, pieces are carefully glazed using techniques that enhance both beauty and functionality.
- Pieces are cleaned and prepared
- Glazes are applied by dipping, brushing, or pouring
- Multiple layers may be used for depth and variation
- All glazes are food-safe and lead-free
6. Glaze firing
The final transformation happens in the glaze firing, reaching stoneware temperatures for strength and durability.
- Temperature: cone 10 (approximately 1280°C)
- Duration: 14–18 hours total cycle
- Glazes mature and become glassy
- Clay and glaze fuse completely
7. Final inspection
Each piece is carefully inspected for quality before leaving the studio.
- Visual inspection for glaze defects
- Testing for functionality (pouring, stability)
- Minor imperfections that add character are preserved
- Only pieces meeting my standards are offered
The whole journey from clay to finished piece typically takes 2–3 weeks, most of that spent in careful drying and firing cycles.