i never quite know if i am using the right word in the right context so i decided to actually look them up. websters defines these words this way:
clay (klā)
a stiff, sticky fine-grained earth, typically yellow, red, or bluish-gray in color and often forming an impermeable layer in the soil. It can be molded when wet, and is dried and baked to make bricks, pottery, and ceramics.ceramics (/səˈramik/)
pots and other articles made from clay hardened by heat. "an exhibit of Armenian ceramics".
the art of making ceramic articles. "sculpting, drawing, ceramics, and fiber art".
the material from which ceramic articles are made. "tableware in ceramic".
pottery (/ˈpädərē/)
pots, dishes, and other articles made of earthenware or baked clay. Pottery can be broadly divided into earthenware, porcelain, and stoneware. "a collection of antique pottery".
the craft or profession of making pottery. "courses include drawing, painting, and pottery"
a factory or workshop where pottery is made. like my house right now. as in, 'i live in a pottery'.
and as for the actual clay...
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| earthenware |
earthenware is the general term for pottery that is not porcelain or some other specific types such as fritware or stoneware. It is, or can be, fired at relatively low temperatures and vitrification (the transformation of a substance into a glass) does not take place, leaving the body (if not glazed) slightly porous.
this is what i think of when someone says they make pottery. personally i find it dark and heavy so it's not really my style.
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| stoneware plate by andrew quient |
stoneware is a vitreous (like glass in appearance) or semi-vitreous ceramic made primarily from stoneware clay or non-refractory (malleability, that is, ease of flattening when subjected to rolling or hammering) fire clay. Stoneware is fired at high temperatures. It is nonporous and so does not need a glaze.
similar to earthenware. functional and durable but limiting when used for sculpture.
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| porcelain sculpture by kate macdowell |
porcelain, a strong, vitreous, translucent ceramic material, biscuit-fired (same as bisque fired, fired to harden the body) at a low temperature, the glaze then fired at a very high temperature.
ah, the love of my life and bain of my existence. a true blank canvas, fascinatingly white. open to endless creativity, limited only by one's skill and imagination.
i work in porcelain. i am still playing with different types since they each have their own attributes. i use different clay bodies for different projects.
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right now: currently i am working on a number of ideas (which is making my head spin). two weeks ago i started a decal class at pottery northwest here in seattle AND am receiving some wonderful one-on-one training in model making with deborah bacianga. it's amazing what she can create with her molds.
deborah has totally changed my perspective on the possibilities so i am beyond thrilled to incorporate slip molds into my life. looks like it's time to set up a real working studio (though i doubt the view from my window will be as nice).
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right now: currently i am working on a number of ideas (which is making my head spin). two weeks ago i started a decal class at pottery northwest here in seattle AND am receiving some wonderful one-on-one training in model making with deborah bacianga. it's amazing what she can create with her molds.
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| deborah bacianga |
deborah has totally changed my perspective on the possibilities so i am beyond thrilled to incorporate slip molds into my life. looks like it's time to set up a real working studio (though i doubt the view from my window will be as nice).
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| view of lake washington from deborah's studio |
so i will posts some pics of the mold making process as we go along and also some pics of what i'm learning in my decal class. for now here is a peek from my desk:
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