In the age of social media, wheel throwing has garnered significant attention, captivating audiences with mesmerising videos of spinning clay. It’s understandable – there is something almost magical about watching a skilled thrower create a piece on the pottery wheel. It also requires an impressive amount of practice and dedication to throw large or complex shapes on the wheel.
However, away from the spotlight, handbuilding remains a versatile and essential technique for ceramic artists of all levels. Our wheel throwing pottery courses in Barcelona will always be popular, but we encourage pottery students to explore the creative possibilities of handbuilding, too. It offers a chance to connect more intimately to the material, build a deeper understanding of the medium and lay a solid foundation for your ceramic journey.
The techniques taught on our handbuilding pottery course in Barcelona
Let’s take a look at some of the techniques which are taught in our classes, and see some of the pieces our students have created using these techniques:
Pinching
Pinch pots are a timeless and straightforward form of handbuilding, making them an ideal starting point for beginners in our pottery course in Barcelona. To create a pinch pot, simply take a small ball of clay and gently pinch and shape it into a vessel with your fingers. This intuitive technique allows artists to feel the texture of the clay and respond to its natural properties.
However, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Avoid creating walls that are too thin, as they may collapse during drying or firing. Additionally, be mindful of uneven pressure, which can lead to irregular shapes. With practice and patience, pinch pots can be transformed into elegant vessels or organic sculptures, making them a valuable skill for any ceramic artist.
Coiling
Coiling is another fundamental handbuilding technique that offers artists the freedom to create vessels of various shapes and sizes. To coil, roll out long coils of clay and gradually stack them on top of each other, smoothing and blending the coils together as you build. We encourage handrolling in our pottery courses, but our Barcelona studio also has an extruder which our students can use.
This method allows for sculptural freedom, as artists can manipulate the coils to create dynamic forms and interesting textures. However, coiling requires attention to detail to avoid common pitfalls such as uneven thickness or air pockets. To achieve even walls, ensure each coil is of consistent thickness and firmly attached to the layer below. Additionally, be mindful of the drying process, as uneven drying can lead to cracking or warping. Coiling can be a rewarding technique for creating large vessels of striking beauty and complexity.
Slab building
Slab building offers students in our pottery courses the versatility to create a wide range of forms, from functional vessels to sculptural works of art. To begin, roll out flat sheets of clay and cut them into desired shapes using templates or freehand techniques. Assemble the pieces using scoring and slipping techniques, ensuring tight seams and proper alignment. Slab building allows for precise craftsmanship and intricate detail, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail.
Before you begin, plan the shape you are making. It’s a good idea to use newspaper to cut out templates, measuring to make sure they fit together properly. It will take some time, but it will help you to avoid spending time fixing mistakes. Then, prepare your slabs carefully, rolling them out to the same thickness and smoothing it with a rubber kidney and checking for air bubbles. This can be done by hand, but our studio is equipped with a slab roller as well.
To avoid warping or slumping, ensure the slab is dry enough to work with. It should be able to stand on its own. If you’re planning to create a curved or waving form, you’ll need to support the slab as it dries. Try to avoid bending the slab in different directions as this can lead to cracking as it dries. It’s also important to dry your piece as slowly as possible, as uneven drying can lead to cracking or warping.
Sculpture
Sculptural handbuilding allows artists to transcend the boundaries of function, creating three-dimensional forms. To begin, start with a solid base of clay and gradually build up the form using additive or subtractive techniques. Once you are satisfied with your form, it’s time to remove clay from the inside. Cut your piece in half carefully, and carve out clay until the walls of your sculpture are a consistent thickness. Then, you can rejoin the parts of your sculpture, scoring and slipping to make sure the seam is strong and won’t crack during the drying process.
Sculptural handbuilding offers endless possibilities for creative expression, but it requires careful attention to detail to avoid common pitfalls such as weak points or instability. To ensure structural integrity, build up the form gradually and support delicate areas with armatures or internal structures. Additionally, be mindful of balance and proportion, as these can greatly impact the final outcome. The more you practise, the more you’ll develop techniques to help you bring your creative concepts to life.
Our handbuilding pottery course in Barcelona
In conclusion, handbuilding techniques in ceramics offer a rich tapestry of creative possibilities, providing artists with the foundation to explore the limitless potential of clay. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced ceramic artist, exploring handbuilding techniques will help you to develop a deeper understanding of the possibilities of clay.
So, if you’re interested in honing your skills, consider joining one of our pottery courses. Barcelona has a thriving ceramics scene, and you’ll find yourself part of an artistic community at Corrie Bain International Ceramics Studio. On our handbuilding course, our students have made ceramic jewellery, lamps, tableware, sculptures and even ceramic furniture! We offer weekly classes and weekend intensives in handbuilding, where our expert instructors will guide you through the intricacies of handbuilding, helping you to develop your skills and unleash your creativity.
Find out more about our handbuilding pottery courses in Barcelona.