Techniques for making ceramics

Ceramics encompasses a wide range of techniques, each unique in their process and finished appearance. These techniques give options for artists' preferences, styles, and give flexibility for finished outcomes of their creations. Natasha Swan Ceramics, for instance, predominantly employs pottery, but it's important to explore other methods within the ceramic world.

1. Pottery/Wheel-Throwing: This is the process of shaping clay on a spinning wheel. It offers precision and uniformity in forms, making it ideal for functional objects like plates or cups. Here at Natasha Swan Ceramics we use this method for creating all of our pieces.

2. Hand-Building: Hand-building techniques include pinching, coiling, and slab construction. This approach allows for more organic, irregular, and sculptural forms however it can be used for functional ware also.

3. Slip Casting: In this method, liquid clay (slip) is poured into moulds to create intricate shapes and details. It's most commonly known for its use in mass production but it is also used by independant makers.

Natasha Swan Ceramics, while predominantly using pottery and wheel-throwing techniques, from time to time incorporates elements from other methods, depending on the project. We specialise on working on the potters wheel, a knowledge of how clay works and responds to touch helps us work in other areas however it is recommended to have one main area of focus for learning as there are so many possibilities for expression within each making method.