Q&A for How to Make a Pinch Pot

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  • Question
    How do you keep a pinch pot from cracking?
    Natasha Dikareva, MFA
    Ceramics & Sculpting Instructor
    Natasha Dikareva is a San Francisco, California based sculptor, and installation artist. With over 25 years of ceramics, sculpting, and installation experience, Natasha also teaches a ceramic sculpture workshop titled "Adventures in Clay" covering concept development, hand-building techniques, texture, and glazing techniques. Her work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts, Abrams Claghorn Gallery, Bloomington Center for the Arts, Maria Kravetz Gallery, and the American Museum of Ceramic Art. She has taught at the University of Minnesota and the American Indian OIC School. She has been awarded the Excellence Award at the 1st World Teapot Competition, Best in Show at the 4th Clay & Glass Biennial Competition, and a Grand Prize at the American Museum of Ceramic Art. Natasha holds an MFA from the University of Minnesota and a BFA from Kiev Fine Arts College.
    Ceramics & Sculpting Instructor
    Expert Answer
    Make sure the wall of your pot is as even as possible in thickness. Otherwise, when the clay dries and then fires, the particles in the thicker areas will be wet. The particles in the thinner areas will be drier, and they'll pull on the thicker areas and that will create some cracks.
  • Question
    What is the best stage of clay for making a pinch pot?
    Community Answer
    You must use wet clay to make a pinch pot. Wet clay is fresh from the bag, easy to mold, and squishy.
  • Question
    What are the ingredients in the clay?
    Community Answer
    Each kind of clay has a different set of ingredients. Find this information on the back of the clay package or on the manufacturers website.
  • Question
    What is the most important thing to remember when working with making a pinch pot?
    Community Answer
    The most important thing is to always keep the clay moist, and to not let air in (unless it's air drying).
  • Question
    Will the clay dry on its own over time?
    Community Answer
    It depends what type of clay it is. If it's air drying clay, then yes. Most other clays would also dry over time, but it would be very brittle without undergoing the proper processes.
  • Question
    Can I use clay from the ground?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but you need to get all the rocks out of it.
  • Question
    Can I use different amounts of clay?
    Community Answer
    Yes, easily. Different amounts of clay will produce a different size of pot. More clay will make a bigger pinch pot, while less clay will produce a smaller pinch pot.
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