Planning to use terracotta clay for your next earthenware project? While working with this material is rather straightforward, it can get overwhelming, especially for beginners. This guide will teach you more about this earthenware clay and its place in the artistic world.
A Brief History of Earthenware Pottery
Earthenware is the oldest type of pottery, dating back to the Paleolithic era. For millennia, it was the only kind of pottery developed until the first appearance of stoneware in the Bronze Age.
Earthenware is easily recognisable by its red tinge, characteristic of terracotta, which is a feature that can be seen back in ancient pottery. Because earthenware clays exist naturally and can be shaped and moulded without the use of other materials, they were practical to use for sculpting even in the early days of civilisation.
Since its discovery, earthenware pottery has held major significance for art, carrying the mark of countless cultures from around the world. From ancient Greece to the Liao dynasty, earthenware pottery is still made and broadly used to this day.
What Is Terracotta Clay?
Earthenware clay is one of the most commonly used types of clay. Mainly composed of iron, it is also referred to as terracotta clay, which stands for ‘baked earth’. It is often left unglazed because of its natural reddish-brown colour, but if oxidised, it fires true red. There are many reasons to pick terracotta clay, as it’s versatile and a popular choice for making anything from planters to jewellery.
Some of the main characteristics of terracotta clays are:
- Low firing temperature (between 1000°C – 1150°C based on the desired finish);
- Porous material;
- Can be left unglazed or glazed for a unique finish;
- Relatively smooth and soft texture;
- Easily shapeable by hand or with tools.
Why Work with Terracotta Clay?
Terracotta clay is an ideal choice for beginners. Its plasticity allows it to be easily shaped and moulded into any form. It’s affordable, versatile, and possesses unique properties.
Over the numerous millennia, this material has evolved in use and practice. From being used to make sculptures and large architectural landmarks, today terracotta clays are more commonly used for practical projects such as making pots for plants, durable roof tiles, and even day-to-day items.
Benefits of using terracotta earthenware clay:
- Porous nature: Terracotta allows water absorption and retains moisture. It’s a specifically useful characteristic when making planters because it keeps plants hydrated for longer and prevents root rotting.
- Safe composition: Terracotta clays are non-toxic, which makes them safe for daily use. However, it’s still highly recommended that kitchenware made of terracotta clays be glazed before use.
- Heat Retention: Terracotta cookware retains heat and distributes it evenly, resulting in evenly cooked and tastier food. This also reduces food poisoning risk, since there won’t be any undercooked parts left in the food.
- Easy finish: Due to the terracotta clay’s porosity, earthenware can be dried naturally or fired in a kiln to increase its durability. Its vibrant red colour stands out on its own, and it doesn’t need a glaze to be aesthetically pleasing. Although by using a glaze, artists can change the colour to their liking.
- Sustainability: Terracotta is a completely natural material. Using it for crafts can have a smaller environmental impact compared to other materials. And unlike polymer clay, terracotta is fully biodegradable.
The Process of Working with Terracotta Clay
Earthenware clay is an organic material extracted from natural minerals. It can be found in ponds and dug out using hands or a shovel. Today, refined terracotta clay can be found in craft stores, ideal for DIY enthusiasts.
Before starting a project with terracotta, it’s essential to prepare it correctly. First, cut the dough to a desired size using a wire for an even divide. Then, wedge and knead the cut dough to remove any air bubbles that may affect the final product. For kneading, you can use your palms to push the dough until it’s smooth and even or use a hammer to add additional force.
After the dough is soft and smooth, it’s time to start the fun part: shaping it into the desired product. There are 2 main ways you can do so:
1. Throwing
You can perform this process by hand with a manual pottery wheel that uses a stick, or with a modern electric pottery wheel. The method is the same whether you go for a manual or an electric wheel. Just place the round dough in the middle of the wheel. After the wheel starts spinning, use your hands to gently mould it into the desired shape. To add texture, use a wet cloth on the outer shell to create a pattern.
2. Handbuilding
If you don’t have a pottery wheel or don’t plan to get one, you can use your hands to shape the clay into the desired outcome. This process takes longer and usually results in an uneven and sometimes even bumpy look.
After you create the desired shape, it’s time to dry it. Because earthenware is porous, it can be left outside for 2-3 days to dry in the sun or be fired in a kiln that uses natural gas.
Terracotta has a naturally beautiful colour, so a glaze isn’t mandatory. However, if you desire a colour other than the usual red, you can use a glaze as a finish or paint a beautiful motif on the creation.
Conclusion
All in all, terracotta clay is an affordable and versatile material to work with. It has remained important in craftsmanship and architecture for countless millennia and is still relevant to this day. Besides providing a great creative outlet, terracotta is a great way to reduce waste while creating beautiful and functional pieces.
