Clay is a versatile and fun medium to work with, and there are many different techniques you can use to create beautiful and unique pieces. In this blog, we'll share some tips and techniques for hand-building.
First, let's talk about hand-building, a term that refers to any method of shaping clay by hand. Some common techniques include pinch pots, coil pots, and slab construction.
Pinch pot, is a technique used to create a wide range of pieces - may it be bowls, vases or even small figurines. It is an easy technique where you need to pinch the clay. You start with a small amount of clay and start to roll it using our hands making it a perfect clay ball. Create a hole in the center of the ball using your thumb. Gradually, with your fingers work your way around the ball by pinching and shaping it as you go.
Yet another popular method of hand building technique is Coil pots. Grab a small amount of clay, start making coils by rolling your palms against the clay on a hard surface. Make sure to use your fingers and shape the strip into a coil. On a flat surface, place the coil and use your fingers to shape it by pressing the clay not to hard that the shape disorientates. Additional coils can be added to build up the sides and remember to smooth the joint as you go on.
Plates, bowls or even sculptures could be created using the technique of slabs. This involves wedging your desired amount of clay and rolling them out into a flat sheet called slab. To make the slab with even thickness, you can use rolling pin or a slab roller. This is a place where you can get really creative by using cookie cutters/ templates or your own hand-drawn patterns to cut out shapes from the slab. You can use these shapes to create your next favorite art piece out of clay.
These are few works of mine, I created with hand building techniques.
The mantra for working with clay is practice, patience and creativity.
Hope that these tips nudge you to begin your clay journey!
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