Our Mission
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
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.
- Clay Shrinkage CalculatorOur clay shrinkage calculator is a handy tool for any ceramic artist or potter. Simply input the finished dimensions of your pottery piece and select the type of clay you’re using. The calculator will then give you the dimensions you need to make your piece before firing to account for clay shrinkage. It’s an easy … Read more
- Clay Stains on Clothes: Unveiling the Myths and Realities of Stain RemovalThey can be a real headache, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities, pottery, or have kids who love to explore. These stubborn stains can ruin your favorite garments if not treated promptly and effectively. Whether it’s red clay from a baseball field or white clay from a pottery class, these stains require special attention. This … Read more
- Maximizing Efficiency Through Advanced Kiln OperationsIt goes beyond the basics of simply firing clay and involve a deep understanding of temperature controls, firing schedules, and atmosphere manipulation. Professionals often use computer-controlled kilns to achieve precise results, manipulating variables like oxidation or reduction atmospheres during the firing process. Specialized techniques such as salt firing, soda firing, or wood firing require advanced … Read more
- The Best Aprons for Potters: The Perfect ApronThey are sturdy, made of durable material like canvas or thick cotton. They should have deep pockets for tools and an adjustable fit. Ideally, they cover both the chest and legs, protecting against clay splashes. According to David Jackson, Artist and Editor of Artvilla.com, “They are a potter’s trusty sidekick. A good apron has been … Read more
Firing Techniques
- Firing Clay | Money Saving TipFiring 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 TechniquesMethods 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 TechniquesUsing 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 TechniqueUsing 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 TechniquesThese 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 DefectsThere 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 GlazingIt’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 UnderglazeIt’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 RecipesRecipes 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 EaseI 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 CreationYes, 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 GuideTypes 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 CandlingCandling 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 PotteryIt 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 GoldIt’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 KilnIt’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 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 WheelHow 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 ArtAdvantages 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