Coiling is a versatile technique that can be used to create a variety of shapes and sizes of pottery. It is often used to create large vessels such as jars and storage pots, but can also be used to make smaller items such as cups and bowls. Coiling can also be used to create sculpture and other three-dimensional forms.
Coiling is a relatively easy technique to learn, and does not require any special equipment or tools. All that is needed is a piece of clay, a rolling pin, and a surface on which to roll out the clay. The most important thing to remember when coiling is to keep the clay moist and workable, as it will become hardened and difficult to work with if it dries out.
There are many different ways to coil clay, but the basic principle is always the same: roll out a long, thin strip of clay, then wrap it around itself in a spiral. The thickness of the coil will depend on the size and shape of the pottery you are making. Once you have coiled the clay to the desired thickness, you can then begin to shape it into the desired form.
If you are making a functional piece of pottery, such as a bowl or plate, you will need to make sure that the coils are smooth and even, so that the finished piece is sturdy and will not crack or break easily. If you are making a decorative piece, you can be more creative with your coils, and can create different patterns and textures by pressing objects into the clay, or by carving into the hardened clay.
Once you have shaped the pottery to your liking, it will need to be fired in order to harden the clay and make it waterproof. Firing can be done in a kiln, or in a pit fired outdoors. Pit firing is the traditional method of firing pottery, and is still used by many cultures today.
After the pottery has been fired, it can then be glazed and decorated as desired. Glazing is a process of adding a layer of glass or other material to the surface of the pottery, which gives it a shiny, smooth finish. Decoration can be as simple as painting a design on the pottery, or as complex as carving intricate designs into the clay.
