Crafting an Eye-Catching Wavy Ceramic Bowl with Coil Building Techniques

Creating a Unique Wavy Ceramic Bowl

Ceramic bowls are a staple in any home for holding snacks, fruit, salads, and more. But a unique handmade bowl can provide visual interest and spark conversation. I decided to experiment with making an eye-catching wavy ceramic bowl using the coil building technique.

Selecting the Clay

When embarking on a pottery project like a wavy bowl, the first step is selecting the right clay. I chose a versatile stoneware clay that would hold its shape well and withstand high firing temperatures. Stoneware has a nice weight and textural quality perfect for bowls.

It's best to wedge clay thoroughly before beginning to ensure consistency. Kneading out air bubbles also prevents cracking and exploding in the kiln later on. I split my clay into grapefruit sized balls for manageability while coil building.

Shaping the Base

With my clay wedged and split into workable sizes, I began shaping the base. Using the palm of my hand, I gently pressed and smoothed the clay into a flat circle about 1/4 inch thick. I wanted a wide base for stability.

Next, I used fettling knives to trim the edges into a neat circle. The ability to subtly adjust shape at this stage would allow me to center coils evenly around the periphery later.

Adding the Bottom Coils

With my foundation set, I made thick pencil-sized coils using a coil roller. This creates even, tubular coils quickly. I laid the first coil perpendicular around the base's edge, gently bonding it by smoothing between coils and base with my fingers and tools.

I continued this process building up, letting coils mushroom slightly before smoothing walls. The benefit of coils is expanding upwards faster than pressing from solid clay. With care, walls maintain even thickness overall.

Achieving an Undulating Shape

As desired height approached, I focused on achieving the signature wavy shape. Targeted pressure at intervals along the coils caused subtle undulations. I marked high and low points with tools, then connected peaks and troughs smoothing into flowing waves.

This step requires patience as changes at one point impact others. Some waves became more dramatic, others more gentle. I welcomed imperfections that made form more organic. The rippling walls created an intricate play of highlights and shadows.

Adding Unique Accents

For added flair, I pulled the mouth into an oval rather than leaving round. After refining the undulating upper coils, I rolled long tapered coils, bonding two opposite each other across the opening. These would support a stem-like accent.

To create contrast against the white stoneware base, I mixed an iron oxide wash. After bisque firing, I would paint wash in crevices for emphasis. The stem and opening would remain contrasting white for a striking look.

Final Touches Before Firing

With form established, I ensured thickness remained fairly uniform for stability and to prevent cracking. Areas feeling thin got additional small pressings of clay for reinforcement. Finally, I smoothed the entire piece with a metal rib for an unblemished surface.

After drying sufficiently my wavy ceramic bowl would undergo a series of test firings to harden before applying decoration. I looked forward to seeing how my shapely bowl would emerge from the fire.

Achieving a Flattering Finish

When my wavy bowl returned from bisque firing, I was pleased with the way it held its shape. The clay had lightened in color as expected, taking on a pleasing toasty hue. My next step was accenting with underglazes and preparing for the final glaze firing.

Underglaze Application

My original vision was to have waves emerge from bold shadows, so application of my iron oxide wash came first. I used small soft brushes reaching into crevices between coils, darkening these spaces to accent undulations. Careful work with underglaze liner tools sharpened edges along ridges.

I left the interior natural along with the footed base and stem supports. On these areas I would apply a clear glaze allowing the white bisque to contrast against blackened troughs. With underglaze complete, it was time to give my whole form a glossy coat.

Achieving an Even Glaze Coat

I chose a reliable clear glaze that melts smoothly at various temperatures. As the final fired surface will showcase my underglaze application, an even glaze coat is critical.

My first step was waxing the footed base to prevent sticking. I flooded interior and exterior in three coats, using horizontal strokes then rotating vertical. This ensured every surface received an unblemished layer before firing.

The Moment of Truth

Placement is key in a final high temperature glost firing. Bowls may be subject to falling ash inside or could stick to shelving. I placed mine on stilts allowing heat flow while preventing contact.

When the lengthy firing cycle finished, opening the kiln causes great anticipation. Had I achieved my vision? As expected, clear glaze allowed my undulating underglaze decoration to take the spotlight. Success!

Tips for Making Your Own Wavy Bowl

Through my journey crafting this wavy ceramic bowl, I discovered techniques key to manipulating clay into flowing shapes. Keep these tips in mind for your own artistic interpretation:

Play with Texture

While smooth bowls have classic appeal, adding waves or ridges makes for tempting tactile exploration. Consider string, lace, or rubber stamp textures blended into flat or protruding areas.

Emphasize Unique Shape

Don't hide charming imperfections - use underglazes or contrasting glaze to showcase slight ripples. Boldly painted interior waves become shadowy depths; dark troughs around exterior draw the eye across the form.

Plan for Balance

While asymmetry has intrigue, bowls require stability. Design footed bases proportional to height and substance at the rim for support. Getting bottom weight right ensures your bowl enjoys years of practical use.

With limitless room for innovation, creating a wavy ceramic bowl makes an engrossing pottery project. Whether traditional or modern in style, the merging of functional ware with artistic flair is always an enlightening journey.

FAQs

What is the benefit of making bowls with coils vs solid clay?

Coils allow clay to be built upwards faster compared to pressing from a solid lump. With care, walls maintain even thickness while achieving taller forms like wavy bowls. Coils also lend themselves to manipulating shape in ways solid clay does not.

Do wavy bowls require special glazes?

Not necessarily. While textured glazes can emphasize waves and ridges, often a simple clear glaze allows decorative techniques underneath to shine. A reliable clear glaze provides a smooth, glossy canvas to exhibit any underglaze or contrasting clay textures in your design.

How important is the right clay choice for this project?

Critical. Porcelain clays may collapse under their own weight in ambitious forms like wavy bowls. Choose durable stoneware clays that hold shape well during handling and firing. Ensure any clay is fully wedged to withstand stresses of manipulation too.

Can I make a wavy bowl on a pottery wheel instead?

While not impossible, waves are very challenging to throw evenly on a pottery wheel. The controlled hand manipulation of coil building lends itself better to intricacies like flowing undulations. But elements like wheel-thrown footed bases can be good foundational additions.