Since pre-historic man, clay vessels have been formed and used. It is theorized that the first fired clay objects were created by accident. Perhaps, a clay-lined basket was placed too close to an open fire, hardening the clay liner and burning away the reed, resulting in a reusable, more permanent object. Through experimentation with natural clay deposits, early man learned that other shapes and ritual objects could be made permanent by exposure to heat or flame.

As children, we learned several simple methods of clay formation, the same techniques that early man might have used when he first began to shape vessels. Coils (long, thin snakes of clay, slab (flat pancakes of clay) and pinch methods (squeezing thick clay shapes into thin, functional objects) are three of the most popular hand building methods. Every style and type of vessel can be made from these techniques, and combinations of all three offer real creative opportunities.

All clay construction methods require a bit of "glue" to hold each successive layer or addition in place. This glue is called slip and is actually liquid clay. Slip holds pieces together with a type of suction caused by the reaction among the dryer clay of the base form, the new additions and the liquid slip. To clean away excess slip, wipe with a damp sponge.

Coils may be the oldest structured clay formation method. Native Americans still employ coiled building methods and are experts at creating smooth-surfaced, elegant and collectable pottery that resembles wheel thrown. Indian surface painting/carving techniques are world famous for beauty, symmetry, craftsmanship and value. Coils can also be left visible, rather than smoothed. This is an especially good look with thick glazing methods. The "valleys" hold color, while the high ridges of the coils appear thinly glazed, and the resulting contrasts are striking.



Slabs can be formed into cylinders and boxes that function as tumblers, vases, storage containers and the like. Construction is simple: Shapes are cut from flat clay pancakes, rolled into desired shapes and joined with the same slip as that used in coil construction. Again, clean up with a damp sponge.

Creating pinch pots is easy, and the shapes created can be anything from utilitarian to strictly decorative. Pinch method is nothing more than the uniform pressing into a ball of clay, gradually increasing pressure until there is a consistent thickness to the walls of the object. Collaring in the top can be done by removing pie-shaped pieces of the open throat. Overlap the sides of the reductions with slip and press firmly. Smooth with a damp sponge.

Pinch pots can be made in a rather unique way, too. Press a chunk of clay around a dowel, and then gently roll the dowel against a work surface. As the dowel presses the clay, the opening in the chunk opens to form a cavity. Work until you attain the desired wall thickness, and then attach a base with a small slab.

By adding some decorative techniques to the foundation methods of formation, you can create a full spectrum of looks. Medallions of clay attached to the still-damp base form can add personalized texture. Such medallions might be made by first creating uniform balls of clay. Flatten the balls into a coin style then press any texture into the disc surface. Textures that work well are those that are strong enough to remain visible after glazing. Tools might include sticks or twigs, wire, and found objects for pressing designs such as pencil erasers, pen caps, the edges of a ruler, old jewelry and the like.

Another possibility is to create "press molds" that create duplicates of special shapes that can then be added to the surface of your vessel. Pressing any design, object, shape or texture into moist clay can make press molds. Allow the clay to dry, then bisque fire (to condition the clay for glazing). It is then a permanent mold and ready for repeated, long-term use. To use, press small pieces of clay into the recessed design, then remove the moist clay and trim. They may then be added to the surface as topical decoration. Attach with slip while both the pressed shape and the vessel are leather hard.

When glazes are applied over these dimensional objects, interesting color shifts and pools might occur that add even more interest to the surface. For more rustic or primitive looks, using no glaze on the outer surface of the vessel gives a more natural and stone-like appearance. Glazed interiors are recommended if any water is to be used in the container. If planters are created, remember to include a drain hole so excess water can drain away from the plant roots. Matching saucers help prevent water damage to furniture and can be made with slabs that have slightly raised edges.

Most people think quality clay work is created using a potter's wheel. But hand building is thought by many clay artisans to be far more original, more connected to the elemental qualities of the clay itself, and more Zen. There is no mechanical intervention, nothing between the raw "dirt" and the art or functional object--creativity at its primal best.

Explore the possibilities of clay work by enrolling in a regional university class or neighborhood studio workshop. You will experience how addictive clay can be.