Differences between Pottery and Ceramics

  
I will confess straight up that I do not know the compounds that make the clay for either pottery or ceramics. That is for the professionals. I am an amateur. A very basic amateur. But I can tell you that there is a difference between pottery and ceramics, sometimes noticeable and sometimes not so.

 First, the potter is the one who is molding the clay to form. Here, at the left, the lady is beginning to put the clay on the wheel, which is controlled with a foot pedal. The right photo shows the lady starting to form a piece of clay.


Below, pieces have been molded to form and are set out to dry.

Because of this hand process, each piece is unique.

The potter then paints the piece to give its unique look. This picture was taken from the showcase at Sun City Center's Main Clubhouse.

Looking at one of the pieces closely, you will find that some pieces can be hand stamped before the painting process. Shown at right.

 With ceramics, the mold has already been set and you, the ceramist, are cleaning the greenware and painting it. You have nothing to do with the creation of the form. And everything to do with the painting of the piece. Please note, that some potters also intricately paint their pieces the same as the ceramist does.

 The turtle picture shows the greenware (dark grey). Once it is cleaned and fired it becomes the bisque (ivory turtle). Cleaning is an important part of the ceramic piece. How well the piece is cleaned is vital to make sure there are no visible lines from the mold. This determines how well the piece will be received from an interested person.

After the piece is cleaned, fired and made into bisque, then the ceramist paints.

I started painting this teapot in January.

 Once all the paint was on and I was satisfied with the finished paint, the teapot was glazed. This is done so it can be food safe. It also gives it that glossy look.

The finished product

And then couple it with hand painted ceramic mugs.

I am now working on two tea bag holders (in pink) to go with the set. It will be a gift. So, you say you can not paint free hand. Well, neither can I. I did not make these mugs, another person in the club did, and I do not know if she painted them free hand, or used one of the tricks that people use.

Now as you look at various pieces, you should be able to tell the difference between a potter's piece (hand formed and each piece is unique) and the ceramist's piece (more uniform is shape). For me being involved with one or the other, to make the pottery is too messy for me. I would rather clean and paint. Each are different and each have their followers.

Tomorrow, the design trick.

Until then...have a great day!