The art of coiling a pot is a pleasurable and satisfying task, one suited to even the most inexperienced of beginners. There are certain preliminary tasks to attend to, such as ensuring that your clay and tools are all prepared beforehand, and there is enough water for the project, a bowl of slurry and plastic wrap large enough to encompass the vessel during stages when it needs to stand and stiffen.
Building Up From a Substantial Base
The preliminary steps begin with a large disc, or slab of clay, which must be the size of the base of the pot. A coil is added all around the edge of the disc, and a thin sausage of clay is pushed in between the base and the coil, and smoothed over with a wooden tool similar to a tongue depressor. Another coil is then added to the preceding coil, and so on. Thick clay slurry must be painted on at each interval to further intensify the strength of the clay wall.
After three successive coils have been added on, the inside and outside walls must be ‘scored’, either with a finger or wooden tool, to meld the coils together. To do this, simply pull the tool vertically over the horizontal coils, thus forcing the soft borders to run into each other. This process must be repeated as the walls progress higher, and at intervals of 3-4 coils.
Applying Finishing Touches
A kidney-shaped metal or wooden tool can be used to further smooth the coils on the outer wall. A wooden paddle can also be employed at this stage to further strengthen the walls, and if twine or wool is wrapped around the paddle the result will be a textured pattern, which can add to the aesthetic value of the vessel.
As the walls of the pot become stronger, the potter can begin the process of completion. It is at this stage that the narrowing of the neck (if such is the design of the pot), can commence. Coils will get shorter as the neck begins to taper. Upon completion of the neck, a small rim must be added to the edge, to ‘finish’ the pot, which must now be set aside to dry.
Smoothing Rough Edges
Once the pot has reached the ‘leather-hard’ stage, any surface abnormalities can be addressed by removing with a rasp or smoothing tool, and a wet sponge will even out any rough edges left behind. It is at this stage that any carving or other decoration can be added, although this must be done with care. The pot must be left to dry out completely, so that it can be placed in the kiln for firing.
A huge sense of accomplishment comes with the completion of any clay vessel, irrespective of the method used to create it, and the beauty of coiling is the ease and satisfaction that comes with seeing the work in progress. When the correct principles are applied, even the ‘greenest’ novice will experience the sense of achievement that is brought about by the creation of something which is made out of the earth, as it develops into a work of art.
Suggested Reading
- The Joy of Coiling in Clay - The Preparation
Mellissa Bushby - Mellissa Bushby is an author, illustrator and ceramicist. She studied Fine Art for four years, and her newest book release is January ...
Join the Conversation