Pinch, coil, and slab building methods can all yield functional clay forms. Each method addresses specific structural issues. A pinch form is created by shaping one piece of clay. Coils add verticality piece by piece as they are layered and…
A handle might look good and solid while the clay is still soft, but then start to separate as the piece sits. Decorative elements or appendages or coils or forms made of multiple parts can do the same thing. You…
If you have a small clay bowl, it could have a balanced exterior and yet have a thick base, a paper-thin rim, and a heavy wall. These discrepancies can creep in as you pinch, press, and smooth the form. One…
It’s easy to think of water as a magic ingredient that makes working with clay simpler. Sometimes that’s true; adding a bit of water might soften a tough seam or smooth out an uneven surface. Sometimes, however, it just makes…