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Traditional Trades Series POTTERY Research

Pottery: All fired ceramic wares that contain clay when formed, except technical, structured and refractory products. A pottery is the name of a place where pottery ware is made. Pottery is also the art/craft of the potter/the manufacture of pottery ware. There are 3 major types of pottery ware: -Earthware -Stoneware

-Porcelain

The essential methods used by a potter: A clay body is formed into objects of a required shape and heating them to high temperatures in a kiln which induces reactions that lead to permanent changes including an increase in strength which causes it to harden, setting it into its shape. A clay body can be decorated either before or after firing. Before some shaping processes the clay must be prepared. Kneading helps to ensure an even moisture content. Air trapped within the body needs to be removed. This is called de-airing and can be accomplished using a machine called a vacuum pug or manually by wedging. After shaping the clay is then dried and fired. There are three major Pinch Pots The potter will knead a small lump of clay and then presses it into the shape of a pot, bowl, dish or cup. methods to traditional pottery: Using Coils The potter creates a coil by rolling the clay in their hands repeatedly until it makes a long coil just thicker than the width of a pencil. The coil is then rolled on top of itself so you could create a cup or pot shape. Lastly, the pot is scraped smooth on the inside and outside so that the walls are sealed and the pot looks smooth. Using a Potters Wheel This method uses a centripetal force to create uniform ceramics. For this a lump of clay is kneaded and placed in the centre of the wheel and a cone shape forms with it. The potter wets their hands and begins to shape the object by applying pressure to the sides and top of the cone. A hole in the top can then be opened by the potters thumb or finger while the pot is spinning to create the inside of the item.

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Pottery must then be fired at a temperature high enough to mature the clay meaning that the piece is hardened enough to hold water. An integral part of the firing process is the use of the liquid glaze (this can be painted onto the item or the item could be dipped in the glaze), this changes the chemical composition and fuses to the surface of the fired pot This pottery is then called vitreous meaning it can hold water USE Used for trimming the top edges of ware while on the wheel Used for cutting large lumps of clay and in removing thrown ware from the potters wheel Hard ones are inflexible but Soft ones are flexible and can be bent into desired angles and curves.

There is a large amount of equipment used for pottery: EQUIPMENT PIECE Potters Needs Cut-Off Wires Fettling Knives

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Ribs and Scrappers

Loop, Wire and Ribbon Tools Wooden Modelling Tools

Used to remove fettle and trim slabs and thrown pots. Used in throwing. Can help shape and smooth pots as they are being formed on the wheel. Usually made from hardwood or rubber. Some potters use scrappers and ribs interchangeably for tasks. Used for trimming green ware and for use in hand building Used for modelling and trimming while throwing on the wheel

There are a number of risks involved in pottery: -Risks to muscles and joints -Repetitive Strain Injury -Back Injuries -Carpal Tunnel Syndrome -Tendinitis -Bursitis -Tennis Elbow -Risks from materials -Ingestions -Inhalation -Absorption through the skin usually through cuts or abrasions Therefore safety precautions are taken by pottery to prevent injuries and harm: -Do not smoke eat or drink when working with ceramic tools -Do not wear contact lenses when working in a dusty environment -Wear a smock or apron -Use gloves -Do not handle materials with open cuts or wounds

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