I’ve grown up in a house full of artifacts from all over the world. Ever since they were in college, my parents have made it a priority to travel to different countries and see different culture. Every time they travel somewhere, they always bring back artifacts that they pick up during their trips: rugs, paintings, sculptures, woodwork. Of everything they bring back, I have always been most intrigued by the pottery.
Pottery is one of the oldest artforms in the world, with its first discovery dating back to 29,000 – 25,000 BC in the Czech Republic. This invention spread through the world like wildfire, leaving a huge impact on the operational and artistic aspects of cultural. Every civilization has their own style, and every era defines a new subdivision of that culture’s subdivision. Then, with the conquering and/or mixing of cultures throughout time has led to influence on pottery style.
There are all different forms of pottery that hold different functions: from water pitchers, so ornamental pots, to instruments like the ocarina from China and Mesoamerica. Different cultures have different styles based on local resources, life and community beliefs. A great example is the difference between the modern Navajo pottery with traditional symmetric carvings and the bowl from Argyll, Scotland with a more contemporary interior design and no carvings. There are about a million combination of minerals and chemical compounds that can be used to create different glazes and different texture. For example, that bowl from Scotland uses iron oxide and copper oxide to create those deep oranges and greens.
Unlike most of the artforms I write about, I have always taken interest in the art of pottery. Although, it wasn’t till recently that I actually tried making pottery. Looking at all the pottery in my house and what I’ve seen around the world, I was always curious as to what goes into actually making the piece. During the summer of my sophomore year in high school, my mom began going to an art studio that our local township offered. She has always been really into art, so she wanted to try something new at this studio. One day she came home with pottery that she made, and I though to myself, “hey that would be cool to try.” I decided to go with her during my next off day from work to test the waters. I have always been the most intrigued by the pottery wheel, so I immediately jumped on the wheel to try it out. Ever since then, I go with her once a week during each summer to get my pottery game on.
When I started, I was really bad. Like anything else, you have to fall to learn. As you get into it, try new ways to position your hands, use different utensils for shaping, observe the impact of different concentrations of water, you begin to learn and improve intuitively. I’m no pro, but I have greatly improved my game and I find more joy every time I make another piece. Even now, I still learn something new every time I make a new piece.
Anyone can get into pottery. Test the waters, find the methods that you like best, define your style. And if you want to go one step further, do your own research or search for professional guidance. There are so many resources available everywhere if you want to try something new or get some practice for something you love.
Pottery is a really fascinating art form! I think its awesome how you went through the history and then your personal connection to it. I am taking an archeology class and one thing that I have learned is that more than most artifacts, pottery can last for thousands of years.
My grandparents gather art and antique artifacts from all their travels, similarly to your parents, and I have also been inspired by a lot of what lies around their house. I think art is the best way to relax, express yourself, and destress, and its nice that there is so much around us to find inspiration in for making art.
I haven’t done a lot of pottery, but every time I’ve tried making something I always found it pretty fun. The different pictures throughout your article are so cool, they definitely showcase a lot about a culture through the different designs.