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What does a potter do? |
by Evan Levy >> more about the author
To answer that question, let’s start with what a potter makes, which is pottery, a general term that includes many kinds of ceramic objects. And what are ceramics? Those are objects made of fired clay, or clay that has been “baked” at a high temperature in a special oven called a kiln!
A potter makes different objects out of clay; these include earthenware (pottery fired at low temperatures, which stays porous until it is gazed) and stoneware (pottery fired at very high temperatures, which is almost non-porous).
Potters shape clay, fire it and then glaze it—they apply a glossy coating that decorates or colors the object and can also strengthen and waterproof it.
What kinds of objects do potters make? Decorative objects, like figurines, and also objects that are used in daily life, like vases, mugs, plates, even jewelry. The objects are often formed on a potter’s wheel.
Pottery is an incredibly old art form. Ceramic objects dating back more than 10,000 years have been found in Asia.
The ancient Greeks are particularly well known for producing beautiful vases, much of it in striking orange and black colors. Much of it showed scenes from mythology.
- Reynolds, Kimberley and Seddon, Richard. “Illustrated Dictionary of Art Terms.” Harper & Row, 1981.