The Pinch Pot

The pinch pot is one of the most fundamental objects in ceramics. It's how everyone starts with handling and molding clay and getting used to the tactility that clay offers. Warning: it's messy! It starts with a ball of clay that is molded into a pot that can be used as a mug, or a small decorative item to hold jewelry or change, or just to look pretty. 

---

Assignment:

The assignment is to create a pinch pot with even thicknesses on the sides and a base that allows the pot to stand up straight. You have the option to make a pot that flares out or in, or is smoothed or has original texture of your finger marks.

Steps:

• grab a small tennis ball size of clay, make sure to wedge the clay (about 100 times) before you start to make your pinch pot
• consider what the size will be and start pinching from the bottom, working your way around the ball
• do not create one side and then try to match the other side, remember that ceramics is working 3 dimensionally in the round, so work around the clay
• be sure not to make extremely thick or extremely thin because it will crack when drying or during the bisque fire