CERAMIST AND POTTER
Education And Training
People interested in trying their hand at ceramics or pottery have several options. They can check with local community colleges for classes. Four-year colleges and universities sometimes offer evening classes for the general public through continuing education programs. People do not need to be full-time students in the school to take these continuing education classes, but they benefit from the college's faculty and equipment when they study there.
Community arts organizations offer classes in ceramics and pottery, as do neighborhood ceramic studios and high schools with adult education programs. These organizations may also run intensive ceramic or pottery programs during the summer.
Types of Clay
Earthenware clay is opaque and slightly porous. It is sometimes white and sometimes has color. When people talk about pottery, they're often referring to earthenware.
Stoneware is nonporous and stronger than earthenware. Because stoneware must be fired at extremely high temperatures, its colors are subdued.
Porcelain clay, which is white, is also stronger than earthenware. When fired, thin porcelain is delicate and translucent. It has the finest texture of the three types of clay. Expensive china is made from porcelain.
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