Photojournalism- From Mud To Masterpiece: The Everyday Life Of Clay

How can an artistic medium be so beautiful when it is found simply by digging deep into the Earth? Although it doesn't seem like something that can be made into art, it is one of the Cumberland     Valley Potters' favorite mediums to use. During 2nd period Advanced Pottery Class, all the amateur potters are hard at work making their latest masterpieces. although there is so much you can         make and do with clay, Olivia Bittings' favorite part about pottery class is simply "the process of starting with a ball of clay and turning it into a beautiful, personalized piece of art." There are so many different ways to personalize pottery. For example, there are additive and reductive processes that can be used to add or remove clay from a form to allow textures, patterns, and designs to be seen on the piece. Not to mention just deciding whether to hand build or throw the form to begin with!

(On the bisque wear shelf in the Kiln Room you can find an array of thrown and hand built forms.)

Even though making a piece that is unique, structurally sound, and also pleasing to look at is hard, "My favorite part about pottery is how good you feel when you finally make that perfect piece" says Josh Stewart, an AP Pottery student. 

(Josh Stewart glazing his finished tea pot form.)

It is obvious that creating pottery masterpieces is not the easiest thing in the world, and to Colton Gsell, "Just throwing is the hardest part about pottery." But creating beautiful pottery, no matter how challenging it may be, is worth doing to all the students in room 166 every day. 

Trimming a piece after throwing it allows you to make the form lighter and more visually appealing.

Casey Waken throwing with white stoneware.

Wedging the clay before you throw with it helps it get to the correct consistency.

Olivia Bitting glazing low fire textiles.

This form was made by both throwing and hand building processes.

The pottery tool cabinet is what all the students rely of to sculpt their clay masterpieces.

During 9th period Pottery Class, Ms. King helps Rachel Curner, a new potter, develop her throwing skills.

Glaze textiles are made to test the color of the glaze before it is used on a finished piece.

The Kiln Room is where all pottery goes to be fired.

Pottery Photos