From Wet Clay to Finished Form
01 · Wheel-Thrown Clay
Forming the Initial Shape
Each piece begins as a separate amount of clay shaped by hand on the wheel. As the wheel turns, the clay is centered, opened, and gradually pulled upward.
At this stage, the walls and basic proportions are formed, but the piece remains soft and unfinished. Small variations produced by the pressure and movement of the hands remain part of the initial form.
02 · Leather-Hard Clay
Trimming and Refining the Form
Once the clay has partially dried, the piece becomes firm enough to trim. Excess clay is removed, and the profile, base, edges, and proportions are refined.
The trimmed piece now shows the approximate outline of the finished object, although the clay has not yet been fired. Stamped text, carved lines, and other impressions are also added during this stage.
03 · Bisque-Fired
The First Firing
The trimmed and fully dried piece is fired for the first time. During the bisque firing, the clay becomes permanently hard and begins to shrink.
Its surface also changes from soft, compacted clay to a dry, porous ceramic body. The fired piece is slightly smaller, lighter in appearance, and no longer able to return to clay.
04 · Glazing and Surface Decoration
Applying the Surface
Glaze and painted decoration are applied by hand to the bisque-fired surface. Stripes, motifs, and changes in color are developed during this stage.
Before firing, the glaze remains visibly thick and opaque. Brush marks, raised edges, and slight differences in application may still be seen on the surface. Its final color and finish will only appear after the last firing.
05 · Glaze-Fired
The Finished Piece
During the final firing, the glaze melts and bonds with the ceramic body. The piece shrinks again slightly, while the surface develops its finished color, depth, and smoothness.
The difference between the original clay form and the finished ceramic object is now substantial. Trimming has clarified the shape, firing has hardened and reduced the body, and the glaze has transformed its color and texture. What began as soft clay has become a finished ceramic piece with a smooth, permanent surface.
Making Notes
Clay, glaze, and fire each leave their own traces. The studio practice grows through observation, adjustment, and continued making.
Clay & Form
Shaping forms through throwing, trimming, and refinement.
Glazing
Building surfaces through layers, movement, and interaction.
Kiln Firing
Heat transforms clay and glaze, revealing results that cannot always be predicted.
Finished Pieces
Objects shaped by process, ready to become part of everyday life.
