The Art of Making Pottery

Pottery is a meditative, therapeutic activity that engages the tactile sense, mimicking the simple childhood state of exploration through touch. Engaging the mind in this way shifts focus away from outside worries and allows for a more focused and intentional mindset. Studies show that just 45 minutes of pottery making can significantly reduce cortisol levels, a common symptom of mental disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Clinical Depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

When starting to make pottery, there are many decisions to be made including which clay to use, what shape to create and what color glaze to apply. Each decision reveals a new opportunity for creativity and requires a great deal of concentration. This helps to sharpen the brain and can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD.

Once the clay has been formed and glazed, it is fired in a kiln. Kilns are heated using gas, coal or electricity. Large production potters often have multiple kilns firing simultaneously. Depending on the clay used, the firing temperature can range from 1300 degrees Celsius to 1650 degrees Celsius.

This entire process takes a lot of time and effort and is why handmade pottery is usually more expensive than the ceramic knick knacks you can buy at your local big box store. The difference between handmade and slipcasted pottery is that the handmade items are original creations, whereas the latter are mass produced for the retail market. Adding a beautiful piece of pottery to your home or office can really enhance the space and provide an organic, calming and inviting feel.