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Our mission is to promote education on visible arts, including modern art, pottery, ceramic and clay sculptures, and pottery design.

We accomplish our mission through educational articles. We want to help you create your own art and learn how to evaluate and appreciate it.

Ceramic Art Must Reads

Ceramic Art

Unlocking the Secrets of Crafting Perfect Hard Slab Pottery

Unlocking the Secrets of Crafting Perfect Hard Slab Pottery

Ceramics known as “hard slab pottery” are made by molding and shaping clay slabs into certain shapes. Hard slab pottery can be made using a variety of processes.

  • Quarts to Liters Converter
    As a ceramic artist, having tools that simplify your process allows you to focus more on creativity. Our Quarts to Liters Converter is designed to do just that. Quarts to Liters Converter Quarts: How to Use the Converter Using this tool is straightforward: Conversion Quarts To Liters How Many Quarts In A Liter Unit Conversion: … Read more
  • Quarts to Gallons Converter
    In the pursuit of ceramic art, accurate measurements are essential, especially when working with larger quantities of materials like glazes and slips. To assist in this aspect of your work, we present a straightforward Quarts to Gallons Converter. Quarts to Gallons Converter Quarts: Using the Quarts to Gallons Converter Our converter is intuitive and easy … Read more
  • Gallons to Liters Converter
    For ceramic artists, managing glaze and slip volumes is a part of the creative process. To assist you in getting these measurements just right, we’ve created this Gallons to Liters Converter. Gallons to Liters Converter Gallons: How to Use the Converter This converter is designed for simplicity: Unit Conversion: Gallons To Liters Converting Gallons To … Read more
  • Liters to Cups Converter
    In ceramic art, where every detail matters, getting your measurements right is crucial. That’s why we’ve developed this simple yet effective Liters to Cups Converter to help you accurately measure your materials. Liters to Cups Converter Liters: Using the Liters to Cups Converter This tool is straightforward: How Many Cups In A Liter? 5.7A21 Converting … Read more

Firing Techniques

  • Firing Clay | Money Saving Tip
    Firing clay turns raw clay into ceramic through high-temperature heating. This occurs in a kiln. Clay is fired in two stages: bisque firing and glaze firing. The first fire is a bisque firing, which is slower.
  • Ceramic Firing Techniques
    Methods Firing is the method for making ceramics that can endure a lot of pressure. Firing takes place in an oxygen-rich environment. When it comes to firing pottery, there are two primary methods. The use of kilns and open firing are the two methods. The crucial step in the ceramic process is firing. It’s the … Read more
  • Pit Firing Techniques
    Using The Method It is an ancient method for firing pottery. Pit Firing goes back to 25,000 to 29,000 BCE. Unfired pots are grouped together in the ground and are surrounded by combustible materials. The pit is set on fire. After cooling, pots are cleaned and sometimes waxed, creating a smooth glossy finish. Random patterns … Read more
  • Raku Firing Technique
    Using The Raku Method Raku firing is a low-temperature firing method. The pottery is removed from the kiln while the pots are hot and the glaze is still molten. Raku is typically made from stoneware clay. Raku firing is bisque fired at 900 °C or 1,650 °F. And glaze fired between 800 to 1,000 °C … Read more

Ceramic Glazes

  • The Art of Pottery Glazing: Exploring Materials and Techniques
    These are materials and essential components in the ceramic art, determining color, texture, and finish of the final piece. Pottery glaze materials Pottery glazes typically consist of silica, feldspar, whiting, kaolin, and various colorants. These ingredients meld together during firing, creating a glass-like surface. Understanding the properties and interactions of these pottery glaze materials can … Read more
  • Flawless Finishes: Identifying and Eliminating Clay and Glaze Defects
    There are a range of issues that can arise during the pottery-making process. Clay and Glaze Defects Pottery often manifests as pinholes, blisters, crazing, shivering, and even color inconsistencies, affecting the final product’s aesthetics and functionality. Recognizing and addressing these imperfections is crucial for producing high-quality ceramics. Clay and Glaze Defects can be a potter’s … Read more
  • Exploring the Art of Special Pottery Glazing
    It’s an intricate part of pottery that elevates its visual appeal. Pottery Glazing, when done using unique methods, can turn an ordinary piece of clay into an extraordinary work of pottery. Artists often search for and experiment with Special Pottery Glazing Techniques to make their pieces stand out. Why did the potter get kicked out … Read more
  • How To Use Underglaze: Mastering the Art of Underglaze
    It’s a colored ceramic material applied to bisqueware pottery. To use underglaze, prepare the bisque-fired piece and ensure it is clean. Apply the underglaze using a brush, sponge, stencil, or other techniques to create desired patterns. Once dry, apply a clear or tinted glaze, then fire the pottery to seal the underglaze and create a … Read more

Clays

  • Mixing and Matching: An Exploration of Clay Body Recipes
    Recipes provide precise mixtures of clay and other ingredients to achieve specific textures and firing outcomes. Starting with the right clay body recipe is crucial, as it can be tailored for sculpting, throwing, or hand-building, ensuring optimal consistency and workability. The world of pottery thrives on such tailored clay recipes. From the Alfred Grinding Room, … Read more
  • Unlock the Secrets of Mixing Clay Powder with Ease
    I believe it’s a fundamental skill in pottery. When learning how to mix clay powder, it’s essential to ensure even distribution for consistency. Start by sieving the powder to remove lumps. Gradually add water, stirring continuously to achieve the desired texture. Remember, the key to a smooth finish is ensuring no air bubbles remain in … Read more
  • The Art of Clay Mixing: Unlocking the Secrets of Ceramic Creation
    Yes, it’s a fundamental skill in pottery, ensuring consistency and workability. How to mix clay enthusiasts often blend different clay types to achieve desired textures or to prevent defects. Mixing involves several steps: 1 Choose Compatible Clays When I dive into the world of pottery, one thing that stands out is the importance of choosing … Read more
  • Unearthing the Different Varieties of Clay: A Comprehensive Guide
    Types of clay vary based on composition and usage. Clay types for pottery include earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, and ball clay, each with unique properties and applications. From sculpting to ceramics, understanding the different types of clay is essential for artisans. Clays Used in Pottery Making Clays Not Typically Used in Traditional Pottery Making 1 Porcelain … Read more

Ceramic Artistry

  • The Art of Kiln Candling
    Candling is the initial phase in the firing process, particularly crucial for greenware, which is unfired or raw clay. During candling, the kiln is set to a low temperature, usually between 100°F to 200°F, for several hours. The primary purpose of this step is to ensure that all the remaining moisture in the clay is … Read more
  • The Intersection of Function and Art in Pottery
    It is a captivating blend of practicality and aesthetics, offering both utility and visual appeal. It transforms everyday items like furniture, kitchenware, and clothing into artistic masterpieces. The key is the infusion of artistic flair into utilitarian objects, making them not just useful but also visually stunning. This form of art is accessible, as it … Read more
  • The Alchemy of Earth and Fire: Why Some Pottery Pieces Are Worth More Than Gold
    It’s is a multifaceted concept that goes beyond mere price tags. At its core, it’s a blend of craftsmanship, artistry, and cultural significance. Each piece tells a story, of the artist’s vision, the intricate techniques used, and the cultural context from which it originates. The material, age, and rarity also contribute to its monetary worth. … Read more
  • What Makes a Ceramic Art Piece Visually Pleasing: A Journey Beyond the Kiln
    It’s a combination of various artistic elements that engage the senses and evoke emotion. Balance and proportion create a harmonious look, while the choice of color and glaze can set the mood or tone of the piece. Texture and surface treatment add tactile interest, inviting the viewer to touch and explore. The form and shape … Read more
The Supreme Artistry: Exploring the Highest Form of Art

The Supreme Artistry: Exploring the Highest Form of Art

The expression or application of human creative ability and imagination is called art. The highest form of art is subjective and varies depending on one’s perspective. Some may argue that classical music, opera, and ballet are the highest forms, while others may argue that painting, sculpture, or literature are the highest forms.

Artistic Philosophy

  • From the Streets to the Gallery: How Graffiti Tagging Has Influenced Contemporary Art
    It’s a stylized signature or symbol created by a graffiti artist, often using spray paint or markers. It is typically a quick and simple design used to mark territory or establish the artist’s presence in a particular area. Tags can range from simple monikers to elaborate designs incorporating letters, numbers, and graphic elements. Understanding the … Read more
  • Defining Graffiti Art: Is it Art or Vandalism?
    It’s a form of art that involves creating visual or textual content on public surfaces, such as walls or buildings. Whether graffiti is considered art or vandalism depends on factors such as location, intent, and quality. Graffiti has a rich history, ranging from ancient civilizations to modern urban street culture, and has influenced mainstream art … Read more
  • The Mysterious Art of Banksy: Why He’s So Famous
    Banksy is famous for his anonymous street art and social commentary. He uses a unique style of graffiti to make political statements and challenge societal norms. His work often includes stenciled images and provocative messages that capture the public’s attention and inspire conversation. The mystery surrounding his identity has only increased his notoriety. The top … Read more
  • The Power of Art: Escaping Shallowization
    Art has been a part of human history for a long time, starting from the cave paintings of early humans to the masterpieces of the Renaissance and beyond. As it shapes our culture and provides a potent outlet for creative expression, art is still significant in modern society. The need for artistic expression has never … Read more

Art Education

  • The Color Wheel
    How to Use a Color Theory Wheel It’s a visual representation of colors arranged according to their chromatic relationship. Here’s how to use it effectively: Understanding the Basics Primary Colors: These are the three basic colors, Red, Blue, and Yellow, from which all other colors are created. They are equidistant on the color wheel. Secondary … Read more
  • Art Techniques Through History
  • Art History Timeline
  • Unlock Your Creative Potential: The Advantages of Using Grid Paper for Art
    Advantages are numerous and cater to both beginners and professionals. Grid paper serves as a structural guide, aiding in the even distribution of elements, which is particularly useful for planning compositions and sketches. It helps maintain proportion and scale, eliminating the guesswork involved in freehand drawing. The grid lines can also be a tool for … Read more

Meet The Artabys Team

Our mission is to promote comprehensive education on visible arts, including modern ceramic art, pottery, ceramic and clay sculptures, and pottery design. We also feature educational articles on modern art, ancient art paintings, and drawings because this knowledge can applied to modern ceramic art. We want to help you create your own art and learn how to evaluate and appreciate it.

Hello there! I am Ed Shears, a professional ceramic artist and author at Artabys.com, a website dedicated to promoting visual arts education and awareness. I am responsible of all content of this site. My passion lies in creating unique ceramic wall art that breaks away from the traditional pottery made on a potters wheel. Contact: Ed@Artabys.com or LinkedIn

Meesh Switch is a multi-talented artist, author, webmaster, art critic and product manager at Artabys.com. With years of experience in the art world, Meesh is passionate about promoting visual arts education and supporting talented artists. Mentions: Meesh at PebasDesign.com Interior design ezine. Contact: Meesh@Artabys.com

Hello, I’m David Jackson, an artist and editor for Artabys.com. As a publisher for Artvilla.com, The Magazine of Modern Art, Poetry, and Music since 1992, I have extensive experience in the art industry. My latest artwork can be seen at SaleforArt.com, where I showcase my diverse range of contemporary art. Contact: David@Artabys.com or LinkedIn

Modern Art Visual Arts Education

Vases And Bottles Advanced Wheel Throwing Tall And Slender Forms

Throwing a Round Bellied Vase with Flared Top – Matt Horne Pottery Making a tall vase – Throw with me (#Shorts) Throwing an Angular Porcelain Vase on the Potter's Wheel Throwing a Tall Long – Necked Vase – Matt Horne Pottery Throwing Three Bottle Forms On The Pottery Wheel 05 How to Make Tall Bubble … Read more

Unveiling the Mystery of Engobes – What Are They?

They are a specialized type of ceramic slip applied to pottery. They are unique mixtures of clay and other components that can be applied to the pot surface, both for aesthetic and functional reasons. Engobes have been part of the ceramic world for centuries, offering potters another medium to express their creativity. Engobes are essentially … Read more