The Art of Pottery

When one thinks of art mediums the first thing thatcan be your everyday use objects, or it can be
comes to mind is not usually "pottery." But potterydecorative objects. There are three main types of
truly is an art. While today there are many tools thatpottery: earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain.
have been developed to assist the potter, it beganWhat makes them different is what is mixed to
with clay and the potter's hands, and that was it.make the clay and how hot of an oven they are
Today there are more tools available, but thebaked in. Earthenware is made with regular clay and is
process is still one that requires great skill to perfect.baked at lower temperatures. Stoneware is heavier
While anyone could probably take a piece of clay andclay and is baked at a higher temperature to make it
form it into a bowl shape, not just anyone can makestronger. Porcelain is the most fragile and delicate of
that bowl perfectly symmetrical. Nor could anyonethe three. It is made from finer clay and baked at
make it into a proper and most eye-pleasing shape.low temperatures. Each of these three types of
Not just anyone can take a piece of clay and form itpottery produces a different style and strength of
into a vase and have it look beautiful when they arepottery. This is just the basic of the basics when it
done. Pottery is truly an art.comes to pottery, there is much more information
The potter is not limited to bowls and vases; potteryand the more you learn, the more it is proof that
also includes items such as dishes and lamps. Potterypottery is an art.