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.
Ceramic Art
- Unlocking the Mystery of Peepholes on Kilns
Peepholes are small openings in a kiln that allow the potter to see inside the kiln during firing without opening the door. Opening the door can cause temperature fluctuations that can damage the ceramic pieces inside. Using peepholes, the potter can monitor the firing process & make adjustments as needed without disrupting the kiln’s temperature. … Read more - The Right Time to Open a Kiln
A kiln can be opened once it has completed its firing cycle and has cooled down to a safe temperature. The length of time required for a kiln to cool depends on various factors. Such as the size and type of kiln, the firing temperature, and the type of material being fired. It is recommended … Read more - The Art of Kiln Candling
Candling a kiln refers to a slow and controlled heating process used to dry out greenware, which is unfired pottery. During this stage, the temperature in the kiln is slowly raised to less than the boiling point of water for several hours to allow moisture to escape without damaging the greenware. Unlocking the Secrets of … Read more - Keeping an Eye on the Kiln: The Benefits of Monitoring While Firing
Leaving a kiln unattended is not recommended as it can be a fire hazard. Kilns operate at high temperatures and can cause a fire if something goes wrong. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, use the proper materials. It’s important to have a fire extinguisher nearby and be aware of the signs of potential … 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 of Ceramic Firing 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 … Read more - Pit Firing Techniques
Using The Pit Firing Method Pit Firing 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 … 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
- Unfired Clay: Unlocking the Secrets of Glazing for Perfectly Finished Ceramics
I do not recommend to glaze unfired clay. Glaze is a type of coating that applies to clay after firing. If glaze applies to unfired clay, the moisture in the clay can cause the glaze to crack or blister during the firing process, ruining the piece. It is important to let the clay dry completely … Read more - Exploring the Contrasts Between Glaze and Underglaze
Glaze & underglaze is used in ceramic arts to add color & texture. Glaze is a thin layer of liquid clay applied to the surface & then fired to form a hard, glossy coating. Underglaze is applied directly to the raw clay before glazing & is protected by the glaze layer. Underglaze provides a long-lasting … Read more - The Differences Between Slip and Underglaze
Slip and underglaze are both materials used in ceramics, but serve different purposes. Slip is a liquid mixture of clay and water used for forming ceramic pieces and as a base for glaze. Underglaze, on the other hand, is a colored material applied to the bisque-fired clay before the final glaze firing. It creates a … Read more - A Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Water to Glaze
Water can be added to glaze to thin it out and make it more fluid. The amount of water added will depend on the desired consistency and the specific glaze recipe being used. Too much water can dilute the glaze and affect its final appearance and performance, so it’s important to add it gradually and … Read more
Clays
- The Beauty and Strength of Bone China
Bone china is a type of porcelain that is made from a mixture of clay, feldspar, & bone ash. It is known for its thin & delicate appearance, as well as its translucency. Bone ash, which is made from the bones of cows, gives bone china its unique properties. It was first developed in England … Read more - Exploring the Depths of Earth to Find Clay
Clay can be found in various parts of the world, including riverbeds, hillsides, and sedimentary rock formations. It is formed by the weathering of rocks over a long period of time. Types of clay are formed depending on the composition of the parent rock and the prevailing environmental conditions. Clay is also sometimes found in … Read more - The Beauty of Terracotta: An Exploration of Its History and Uses
Terracotta is a type of clay-based ceramic material that has been used for centuries to create various objects, including pottery, sculptures, and architectural features. It is often left unglazed and is fired at a relatively low temperature, resulting in a distinctive reddish-brown color. Unearthing the Wonders of Terracotta Terracotta is a type of fired clay … Read more - Terracotta: An Ancient Art Form with a Timeless Beauty
Terracotta is a type of clay-based ceramic material that is used for making various decorative & functional objects such as sculptures, pots, tiles, & roofing. It is known for its reddish-brown color, porous texture, & relatively low firing temperature. Terracotta has been used for thousands of years in many cultures, including ancient civilizations in China, … Read more
Ceramic Artistry
- Uncovering the Secrets of Valuable Pottery: What to Look For
The value of pottery is based on several factors such as age, rarity, condition, historical & cultural significance, & the reputation of the artist or maker. Marks & signatures can also increase value. To determine the value of pottery, research & appraisals from reputable sources are recommended. A combination of factors must be considered to … Read more - The Timeless Artistry of Robert Turner
Robert Turner Pottery is a ceramics studio founded in the early 1970s in California by Robert Turner, who was inspired by traditional Asian pottery techniques. Turner’s signature style features simple & elegant forms with subtle glaze variations, often using earth tones. His pottery is highly regarded by collectors and is known for its quality craftsmanship. … Read more - The Artistic Legacy of Marguerite Wildenhain: Celebrating a Ceramic Pioneer
Marguerite Wildenhain (1896-1985) was a German-born ceramic artist who settled in the United States after World War II. She was known for her unique style of wheel-thrown pottery and her teachings at Pond Farm, an art school she founded in California. Her work was inspired by her love of nature and her belief in the … Read more - Lucie Rie
Lucie Rie (1902-1995) was an Austrian-born British studio potter known for her elegant and innovative ceramic works. Rie worked in a range of forms and techniques, often incorporating modernist aesthetics & bright colors into her pieces. Her work has been exhibited in museums & galleries around the world, and she is considered a major figure … 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
- 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. Banksy: The … 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 - The Power of Controversy: Why Art Needs to Push Boundaries
Controversy in art sparks public discourse and challenges societal norms and beliefs. It prompts people to reflect on their values and beliefs & often leads to new perspectives & understandings. Controversy can also bring attention to important social & political issues, generating awareness & inspiring change. It drives critical thinking and promotes progress. The Value … Read more - Exploring the Origins of Abstract Art: A Historical Journey
Abstract art emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction to traditional representational art. It was developed by artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich and Piet Mondrian. These artists sought to express emotions, ideas and feelings through the use of color, form and line, rather than depict objects or figures in a realistic … Read more
Art Education
- Exploring the Ancient Artistry of the Lion Man Sculpture
The Lion Man is an ancient sculpture discovered in 1939 in Hohlenstein-Stadel, a German cave. It is around 40,000 years old and is made from mammoth ivory. The sculpture is a combination of a human figure and a lion, with the lower body being that of a human and the upper body and head of … Read more - The Fascinating History Behind the Venus of Lespugue: An Exploration
The Venus of Lespugue is a prehistoric statuette of a woman made from mammoth ivory. Discovered in France in 1922 & is estimated to be around 25,000 years old. The Venus of Lespugue is notable for its exaggerated & stylized depiction of female anatomy, with oversized breasts, buttocks, & hips. It is believed to be … Read more - The Ancient Mystery of the Venus of Willendorf
The Venus of Willendorf is a small, prehistoric figurine discovered in Austria that dates back to around 25,000 BCE. It is made from limestone & stands just over 4 inches tall. The figure has exaggerated features, including large breasts & a prominent belly, & is thought to represent a fertility goddess. The artifact is one … Read more - Exploring the Ancient Artistry of Ambum Stone Neolithic Art
Ambum stone is a well-known example of Neolithic art from Papua New Guinea. The small, carved figurine depicts a cuscus, a type of marsupial found on the island. The sculpture was carved from greywacke stone using stone tools, and is estimated to be over 3,000 years old. Its intricate design and craftsmanship indicate a highly … Read more
Meet The Artabys Team
Our mission is to promote comprehensive education on visible arts, including ceramic artwork, paintings, drawings, sculptures, and pottery design. We want to help you create your own art and learn how to evaluate and appreciate it. At Artabys, we’re also dedicated to supporting talented artists by offering their one-of-a-kind handcrafted or painted artworks for sale, as well as framed prints signed by the artist digitally.
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. My passion lies in creating unique ceramic wall art that breaks away from the traditional pottery made on a potters wheel.
Meesh Switch is a multi-talented artist, author, webmaster, 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.
Hello, I’m David Jackson, an artist and editor for Artabys.com. As a publisher for Artvilla, 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, where I showcase my diverse range of contemporary art.