One fundamental way to begin creating pots from clay is through a simple hand-building technique known as the pinch method. This technique involves manipulating a ball of clay with your hands to form the desired shape.
Forming a Pot Using the Pinch Method
The process starts with a prepared ball of clay. By using your fingers and thumb, you can gradually open up the center and thin the walls, transforming the solid ball into a hollow vessel. The key is patient and consistent manipulation of the clay.
Here are the basic steps for forming a pot using this technique, as described in the reference:
- Place the ball of clay in your left hand.
- Insert your right thumb into the center of the sphere, stopping about ½” from the bottom.
- Widen the thumb hole gradually by continuously turning the sphere while you simultaneously pinch the sides.
- Periodically smooth the walls and reshape the pot as you go.
This method allows you to create various forms by carefully thinning the walls and shaping the rim as you work.
