How to Carve Ceramic Vessels
Carving is a technique used by pottery makers to add subtle details to their work. Even if you are just beginning to learn to throw pots on a potter's wheel, you can create highly artistic ceramic vessels by carving intricate designs into the clay once the pot has been formed. Although carving your ceramic vessel takes extra time and effort, the artistic payoff makes carving a valuable addition to your pallet of techniques.
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Instructions
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Dry your ceramic vessel for 24 hours after forming, before beginning to carve. Your vessel should be in the "hard leather" stage, where the semi-dried clay feels stiff and leather-like.
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Place the clay vessel in the center of your potter's wheel. Secure it in place by applying a small amount of water to the bottom of the vessel, and pressing it firmly onto the base of the wheel.
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Turn on the wheel or, if you have a kick wheel, begin to pedal until the wheel comes up to speed.
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Select a metal loop tool. Different sizes of loop tools will create different size and shaped carving marks. Experiment with different tools to find the texture and shape you like.
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Press the cutting edge of the loop tool against the side of the rotating pot. Hold your wrist firm to prevent the tool from catching in the clay. If necessary, support your wrist with your other hand.
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Experiment with the angle and depth of the cutting tool to create different effects. Hold the tool in place to create round ribbons or move the tool up and down the pot to create intricate spirals.
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Turn off the wheel when you are done carving. Remove any clay pieces from the surface of the vessel with a small brush. Take care to avoid leaving finger marks in your finished vessel. Allow your pot to dry thoroughly before firing.
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References
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