savityötekniikka

Savityötekniikka refers to the various methods and techniques used in working with clay. These techniques are fundamental to pottery and ceramic art, allowing for the creation of diverse forms and decorative effects.

One of the most basic techniques is hand-building, which encompasses several distinct methods. Pinching involves shaping a lump of clay by pressing and pinching it with the fingers, often used for smaller, rounded forms like bowls or cups. Coil building utilizes rolled ropes or coils of clay that are stacked and joined together to form larger structures, offering flexibility in shaping. Slab building involves flattening clay into sheets, which can then be cut, draped, or joined to create geometric or complex forms.

Another significant category is wheel throwing, a technique performed on a potter's wheel. This method involves centering a lump of clay on the spinning wheel and then using centrifugal force and hand pressure to pull and shape the clay into symmetrical vessels like pots, vases, and bowls. While it requires considerable skill and practice, wheel throwing allows for the creation of thin-walled and precisely shaped objects.

Surface treatments are also an integral part of savityötekniikka. These can include incising or carving designs into the clay, impressing textures with stamps or found objects, or applying slips (liquid clay mixtures) for color and decorative patterns. Glazing, the application of a glass-like coating that is fired onto the ceramic surface, is a crucial step for both aesthetic appeal and functional purposes like waterproofing. The choice of glaze and firing temperature significantly impacts the final appearance and durability of the piece.