How to Coil Built Pottery
To coil build pottery, start by rolling and layering coils on top of a base slab to build up the walls of the pot.
Take breaks between layers to allow the clay to dry and prevent collapse.
Make sure to join the coils at different positions to avoid cracking.
Score and apply clay slip to ensure a good join.
Blend the inside and outside of the coil for a better seal.
Add more coils, properly joined, to build up the walls.
Remove excess clay for a smooth join.
Use tools for shaping and blending, and choose the right consistency for the clay.
Consider using a mould or former for angled walls.
Coiling allows for various shapes and designs, including decorative holes.
The choice between coiling and using a wheel depends on the size of the pots.
Slip and score are essential for joining the coils together.
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Did You Know?
1. The famous artist and potter George Ohr, also known as the “Mad Potter of Biloxi,” was known for his unusual coil built pottery. He often used long coils of clay to create tall, twisty, and abstract forms that were distinctly different from traditional pottery designs.
2. The coil building technique has been used for thousands of years, with examples of coil built pottery dating back to as early as 6000 BCE. It was a popular method among ancient civilizations such as the Native Americans, Greeks, and Egyptians.
3. While coil building allows for great freedom and creativity in pottery making, it also requires skill and patience. Building a coil pot involves adding individual coils of clay on top of each other, carefully smoothing and blending them together to create a seamless form.
4. In some indigenous cultures, coil built pottery carries great symbolic and spiritual significance. For example, the Pueblo people of the American Southwest create coil pots that are believed to embody the spirits of various animals or deities, making them important ceremonial objects.
5. Utilizing the coil building technique can result in unique, one-of-a-kind pottery. Due to the organic nature of the process, no two coil pots will ever be exactly the same, making each piece truly special and carrying a distinct touch of the artist’s hand.
Introduction To Pottery Coiling Technique
Pottery coiling is a fascinating technique that allows artists to create pots of various shapes and sizes without the use of a wheel or kiln. Instead, coils of clay are rolled and layered on top of a base slab to build up the walls of the pot. This method has been used for centuries by different cultures around the world, showcasing its versatility and enduring popularity.
The coiling process begins with arranging the first coil onto the base, ensuring that it is long enough to go around the circumference. It’s important to score the base and add slip to create texture and act as a glue to hold the coil in place. Subsequent coils are added on top, carefully joined to create a strong and structurally sound pot. The use of plastic covers helps prevent the clay from drying too quickly during the building process.
Key Benefits And Strengths Of Coiling Method
Coiling is a technique in pottery creation that offers several benefits and strengths. One significant advantage of coiling is the ability to create stronger and thicker walls compared to wheel-thrown pottery. The layering of coils results in a more robust structure that can withstand the test of time.
In addition, coiling allows for greater creativity in shaping the pot. Unlike wheel-thrown pottery, coiling is not restricted by rotational symmetry, giving artists the freedom to explore various shapes and designs.
Coiling is one of the three main hand-building techniques in ceramics, along with pinch pots and slab building. By mastering coiling, artists can expand their repertoire of skills and create a diverse range of pottery forms. This technique provides an avenue for artistic expression and allows artists to explore their creativity in exciting ways.
Coiling In The Context Of Hand-Building Ceramics
In the realm of hand-building ceramics, coiling holds a significant place. This technique allows artists to create pots without the need for electricity or complicated equipment. By relying solely on their hands and basic tools, artists can shape the clay into their desired forms. Coiling also offers a level of intimacy and connection with the material that may be lacking in other methods.
When engaging in coiling, it is essential to take breaks and allow the clay to dry between layers. This practice prevents collapse or sagging, ensuring a successful end result. Additionally, joining the coils at different positions is crucial to avoid cracking or separation. By scoring and slipping the clay, a good join can be achieved, promoting a strong bond between the coils.
- Take breaks and allow the clay to dry between layers.
- Join the coils at different positions to avoid cracking or separation.
- Score and slip the clay to achieve a strong bond between the coils.
“Coiling allows artists to create pots without the need for electricity or complicated equipment.”
Important Tips For Successful Coiling
To achieve successful coiling, it is important to keep in mind the following tips:
- Blending the inside and outside of the coil helps create a better seal, leading to a more cohesive pot.
- Adding more coils to build up the walls is vital, ensuring they are properly joined without being squashed or weakened.
- Pay careful attention to detail and precision to achieve a strong and visually appealing final product.
Another important consideration is managing excess clay from the coil. Here’s how to handle it effectively:
- Overlap the excess clay on top or to the side and then remove it to create a smooth join, eliminating any unsightly protrusions.
Moreover, covering the coils with plastic during the building process is essential. This will prevent the clay from drying too quickly, ensuring a workable consistency and enabling smoother construction.
Remember these key points for successful coil building:
- Blend inside and outside of the coil.
- Add more coils for sturdy walls.
- Manage excess clay effectively.
- Cover coils with plastic during construction.
Smooth join of the excess clay contributes to a better overall finish.
Tools And Techniques For Shaping And Blending Clay
The shaping and blending of clay in coiling can be achieved using various tools and techniques. A modelling tool, finger/thumb, and rib tool are indispensable for shaping and smoothing the clay, ensuring a refined and polished appearance. These tools help artists shape the coils and blend them seamlessly into the existing structure, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing pot.
Furthermore, clay coils can be created using hands or a clay extruder. A clay extruder offers convenience and precision, producing coils of consistent thickness and length. This tool is particularly useful when working on larger projects that require uniform coils. However, hands can also be used to create coils, allowing for a more organic and tactile experience.
Creative Possibilities And Considerations For Coiled Pottery
Coiling opens up a world of creative possibilities for pottery artists. The technique can be used to create not only round pots but also squares, rectangles, and other non-circular shapes. The addition of decorative holes further enhances the artistic aesthetic of the pottery, adding depth and texture to the design. Additionally, unique coil layouts, such as spirals and intricate patterns, can be utilized to create visually striking pieces.
Color can also be incorporated into coiled pottery through the use of pottery painting ideas. By applying glazes or paints, artists can add vibrant hues and unique designs to their creations, further enhancing their artistic vision. The combination of shape, texture, and color allows for unlimited opportunities for self-expression and creativity.
In considering whether to use coiling or a potter’s wheel, the size of the desired pot plays a significant role. Coiling is well-suited for larger pots that may be challenging to create on a wheel. It offers more flexibility in shape and design, allowing artists to push the boundaries of their creativity. However, the choice ultimately depends on the artist’s preference and the specific requirements of the project.
In conclusion, pottery coiling is a versatile and captivating technique that allows artists to create pottery without the need for a wheel or kiln. Coiling offers numerous benefits, including stronger and thicker walls, increased creative possibilities, and a close connection with the materials. With the right tools and techniques, artists can shape and blend clay to create beautiful and unique pottery that showcases their creativity and skill.
- So unleash your creative skills and dive into the world of coiled pottery today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the coil method of making pottery?
The coil method of making pottery is a technique where a potter uses a pliable material, such as clay, to create long, flexible cylinders known as coils. These coils are then carefully stacked one on top of another to construct various shapes and forms. The potter’s skilled handwork allows for the creation of intricate and unique pottery designs by manipulating and connecting the coils in a variety of ways. This method has been utilized for centuries and continues to be cherished for its versatility and artistic expression in the world of pottery.
What is an example of coiling?
An excellent example of coiling can be seen when a climber expertly wraps a rope around their arm to create a secure coil. The coiling technique ensures that the rope can be easily carried while also allowing for quick deployment when needed during the climb. Additionally, electrical cords are often tightly coiled for storage, preventing tangling and making them easier to manage when needed. Coiling not only serves practical purposes but can also be found in nature as a survival mechanism, as demonstrated by the spiral coil formed by a spider when creating its web to catch prey.
What is traditional coil pottery?
Traditional coil pottery is a ceramic technique that has been practiced in the Americas since 2500 BCE. This method involves rolling a coil and shaping it into a base, then gradually building up the walls of the pottery vessel. It is believed that this technique may have originated from ancient basketmaking methods, as both involve the use of coiling to create structures. This method of pottery-making is significant as it showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient American cultures in creating practical and artful vessels for various purposes.
What are some tips for achieving even and tight coils when building pottery?
To achieve even and tight coils in pottery building, here are a few tips. Firstly, it’s important to prepare the clay properly by wedging or kneading it to remove any air bubbles. This helps ensure consistent density throughout the coil. Additionally, keep your hands and workspace moist as you work with the clay to prevent it from drying out too quickly.
When building with coils, it’s essential to apply even pressure and maintain a consistent thickness. Use your hands to gently roll the clay between your palms, gradually lengthening the coil while keeping it uniformly thick. Another useful technique is scoring and slipping, which involves scoring the surface of both coils that will join together and applying slip (a mixture of clay and water) to create a strong bond. By employing these methods and practicing patience, you can achieve even and tight coils in your pottery building.
