The Journey of Pottery Clay: From Earth to Artisan Hands
Clay is considered to be one of the oldest and the most widely used materials for creating various artifacts. Throughout centuries and across geographical locations, talented craftsmen have been transforming grey mud into pieces of art ranging from ordinary cooking pots to refined china vases. However, few of these people have the time to think of the awesome process through which a piece of clay evolves from a raw material to an exquisite artifact in the hands of a talented artist.
The tale begins, in a sense, with the earth – the tangible, physical ground upon which human beings stand. Clay is a natural material occurring in nature as it is formed from the chemical weathering of rocks over extended periods of geological time. The mineral grains of feldspar and mica, and other grains disintegrate gradually through a process of abrasion and chemical weathering and accumulating clay deposits in river, lakes, seas and soil. Clay is a material dominated by hydrated aluminum silicates with additions of other dissolved particles eroded from rocks. Its consistency can vary from a stiff, cemeted mud-stone to a smooth creamy paste.
The clay deposits are mined using open pits mining or dredging method. Excavators and hydraulic equipment are used to strip the depositors, layers of topsoil and overburden to get raw uncompressed clay beds. The clay is then mined, it is then taken through trucks to a processing plant where it is processed. There, the path from the earthly existence to art is truly undertaken.
The process of processing includes improvement of clay through the reduction of unwanted impurities and achieving the required homogeneity and pliability. First, the clay which is in the form of large dry chunks is ground into fine particles by compressors. These particles are then suspended in water in large separation tanks, because water is capable of holding the particles apart so they do not stick together. What is unique to this kind of solution is that sediments and soluble salts can be filtered out while clay particles are allowed to float. Other such interventions may include smashing large lumps of clay, eliminating coloured hues, or throwing in grog (fired and ground up clay). This produces a smooth, elastic clay slip which is then de-watered and placed in packs for distribution to artisans all over the world.
The clay after processing must undergo wedging and kneading before an artisan shapes his or her first pot. Stiff metal wire cutting tools are used to cut the clay slab into manageable portions or lumps. Pushes and folds the clay with vigor to expel air that may lead to a cracking of the clay or even exploding during the firing process. This aerobic massage also moistens skin evenly, and readsjusts clay particles for better shaping characteristics.
The soft clay is then wedged before it is handed over to the artisan who will then create it into a sculpture. From here the functional possibilities are almost endless, Pots, cups, bowls, jars, pipes, bricks, tiles and sculptures can be made by either hand building or on the wheel. or maybe a set of china teacups and saucers, or a box of fancy knick-knacks. With the proper hand tools, glazes, and firing methods that the artisan practices day in and day out, the lifeless clay turns into refined art that is also functional.
The climax of the clay’s adventure takes place in the kiln fire. If the temperature goes up to 2,200°F the clay hardens and becomes a solid ceramic mass that is difficult to penetrate. Such decorations are formed through glazes which melt and fuse with the clay body and produce a ‘glassy’ layer while other decoration with intricate surface designs and colors is created on the body. Finally the artisan waits for hours of anxious expectation; he then carefully transfers the fired masterpieces onto the trolley and the smooth, glistening finish of the products and the ochre colour of the clay give the artisan a feeling of carrying with him the history of clay from the mountainside to the studio.
This, however, does not make clay a lesser material: from simple stone-like shards found in prehistoric times to delicate porcelain vases, clay has been present through all stages of human history. Being an element we can manipulate it allows us to build civilization itself; storing grains, moving water, cooking food. Thus, clay’s travel through eons and landscapes brings it back to the hold of art and artists. And from that vision – a simple fabric turns into eternal elegance.