Ceramic techniques are the various methods used to work, decorate and fire clay. These techniques not only help to create beautiful and functional pieces, but also reflect deep cultural traditions and the artist’s personal creative goals.
Ceramics allows artists to experiment with materials, textures and colours, opening up endless possibilities for expressing creativity.
You can book ceramics classes not only for yourself but also for your friends and family.
Applying glazes – decorating techniques
The use of glazes is one of the main ceramic techniques that gives the products a protective layer and an aesthetic gloss or matt finish. Glazes are a mixture of minerals, clays and oxides which, when fired, produce a variety of colour and textural effects.
The most popular types of glazes:
- Glossy glazes: create smooth, shiny surfaces.
- Matte glazes: Gives a subtle, elegant finish.
- Translucent glazes: Allows you to see the texture or design underneath the glaze.
- Special Effects Glazes: Can create metallic sheen, cracks or colour gradients.
Glazes are used not only for decorative purposes, but also to protect the product from moisture and mechanical damage. Artists often combine several types of glazes to create complex and unique surface effects.
Raku – the burning process
Raku baking is a technique in which the wares are fired very quickly and cooled rapidly with sawdust or other organic material. This technique produces dramatic surface effects such as natural crackle lines, deep black surfaces or unexpected colour gradients.
The process of Raku involves several steps:
- Heat the product in an oven to about 900-1000°C.
- The red-hot product is placed in a container with sawdust, paper or straw.
- The organic material is ignited and the container is covered to restrict oxygen.
- The work is rapidly cooled to create unique surface effects.
Raku ceramics have a strong symbolic link to Japanese tea ceremonies and are highly valued for their authenticity and visual distinction. In modern ceramics, this technique is also used for experimental artistic projects.
Handmade ceramics
The handmade ceramic technique is one of the oldest and most valued methods. In this technique, the clay is shaped by hand without mechanical tools, making each piece unique. Handmade ceramics allows makers to create products that reflect their personal vision and creative energy.
Benefits of handmade ceramics:
- Organic shapes: clay is often irregular, but this gives it a special charm.
- Uniqueness: each piece is unique and unrepeatable.
- Flexibility: The technique allows experimentation with shapes, textures and decorations.
This technique is often used to create decorative vessels, sculptures or unique interior elements. Handmade ceramics are growing in popularity because of their sustainability, authenticity and the possibility of making personalised pieces.
Casting techniques
Casting is a modern ceramic technology that allows the creation of many identical products. It involves pouring clay into plaster moulds, which ensure a precise contour and a smooth surface for the product.
Application of casting techniques:
- Serial production (plates, cups, bowls).
- Precision of design elements.
- Surface detail and uniformity.
Casting is particularly popular for identical ceramics, but artists often combine it with handmade elements to add uniqueness.
