4.1: Pinching- The Most Ancient Technique

Fundamentals of Pinching and Its Historical Significance

- Pinching Basics: Pinching is one of the oldest ceramic techniques, dating back to prehistoric times when clay was first shaped into vessels by hand. It involves using fingers to press and shape a ball of clay into a desired form. The simplicity of the method makes it accessible to beginners and ideal for creating organic, expressive shapes. Early civilizations used pinching to make functional items like bowls, cups, and figurines, many of which are now significant archeological artifacts.

- Why Pinching Matters: Beyond its historical importance, pinching teaches the fundamentals of working with clay, such as understanding pressure, thickness, and shaping. It allows you to connect directly with the material, offering a tactile experience that forms the foundation of ceramic artistry. This technique is perfect for exploring creative freedom since there’s no right or wrong way to pinch. Artists often use pinching to create both functional pottery and abstract sculptural forms.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Basic Forms with Pinching

1. Start with a ball of well-wedged clay about the size of your fist. Hold the ball in one hand and use your thumb to press into the center, creating a deep indentation.

2. Rotate the clay while pinching between your thumb and fingers, working evenly to form walls. Use light, consistent pressure to avoid cracking or uneven thickness.

3. Continue pinching and rotating until the walls are roughly 1/4 inch thick. Keep the rim smooth by compressing it gently with your fingers.

4. Refine the shape, adjusting the height and width as desired. For example, shape the base by gently pressing it against a flat surface for stability.

Hand-building with coils is a versatile technique that allows for the creation of a wide range of forms, from traditional vessels to complex sculptures. Here’s how to create four distinct projects using the coil method: an amphora, a hollow sphere, a human bust, and a dog sculpture.

Hand-Building an Amphora

1. Base Creation

- Roll out a slab of clay for the base of the amphora. Cut a circular shape to your desired size.

2. Coiling the Body

- Roll long, even coils of clay. Attach the first coil to the edge of the base, smoothing the inside and outside joints with your fingers or a rib tool to strengthen the bond.

3. Building Upwards

- Continue adding coils, layer by layer. Gently tap the outside with a paddle to shape the amphora's body, tapering inwards as you build up to form the neck.

4. Forming the Neck and Opening

- For the neck, use thinner coils and narrow the opening gradually as you build up. Smooth and refine the neck's shape with your fingers and tools.

5. Adding Handles

- Roll out thicker coils for handles, shaping them into an arch. Attach the handles to each side of the amphora’s neck, ensuring they're securely bonded.

6. Finishing Touches

- Smooth the surface with a rib tool and sponge. Add decorative elements or textures as desired. Allow to dry slowly before bisque firing.

Creating a Hollow Sphere

1. Starting with Coils

- Begin by rolling out even, medium-thickness coils. Form two spiral bases by coiling the clay onto itself, flattening slightly to create two hemispheres.

2. Building the Hemispheres

- Continue adding coils to each spiral, shaping the clay to form two bowl shapes. Smooth and blend each coil to the previous layer to strengthen the structure.

3. Joining the Halves

- Once both hemispheres are leather-hard, score and slip the edges and join them together. Blend the seam carefully inside and out to ensure it's well sealed.

4. Refining the Sphere

- Use a rib tool and sponges to smooth the entire surface of the sphere, maintaining its round shape. Patch any cracks or imperfections.

5. Final Touches

- Add any desired textures or decorative elements. Cut a small vent hole if the sphere is completely sealed, to prevent explosions during firing.

Sculpting a Human Bust

1. Building the Base and Neck

- Create a thick slab base. Start the neck with a thick coil, standing vertically, and attach it to the center of the base.

2. Forming the Shoulders and Torso

- Add horizontal coils to form the shoulders and upper torso. Use a paddle to shape and define the shoulder structure.

3. Sculpting the Head

- For the head, stack coils to form a rough skull shape. Gradually add more coils, shaping the facial features, skull, and back of the head.

4. Adding Features

- Use smaller coils and sculpting tools to define the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. Add hair texture or accessories as desired.

5. Smoothing and Detailing

- Smooth the surface with a sponge and refine the details with modeling tools. Allow the bust to dry slowly before firing.

Creating a Dog Sculpture

1. Establishing the Base

- Roll a slab for the base. Form four thick coils for the legs and attach them to the corners of the base.

2. Building the Body

- Use larger coils to form the dog’s body, layering and smoothing them to create the torso. Shape the body with tools to define the chest and hindquarters.

3. Sculpting the Head

- Stack and blend coils to form the head atop the neck. Use smaller pieces to model the muzzle, ears, and facial features. Detail the expression with sculpting tools.

4. Adding Limbs and Tail

- Refine the legs with additional coils for muscles and paws. Attach a coil for the tail, shaping it to convey movement or emotion.

5. Texturing and Final Touches

- Use tools and stamps to add fur texture throughout the sculpture. Detail the paws, facial features, and other characteristics specific to the breed or desired look.

6. Drying and Firing

- Allow the sculpture to dry thoroughly. Ensure it's completely dry before bisque firing. Consider glazing or painting after the first firing for added color or effects.

Each of these projects can be adjusted in scale and detail to suit your skill level and artistic vision. The coil method is highly adaptable, offering endless possibilities for creative expression.

How to Achieve Symmetry and Balance in Pinched Pieces

- Consistency in Pressure: Apply equal pressure with your fingers while rotating the piece to maintain uniform thickness. Uneven pinching can lead to lopsided or structurally weak forms.

- Visual Symmetry: Frequently check your piece from all angles, using a banding wheel if available, to ensure symmetry. Gently reshape areas that appear off-balance.

- Weight Balance: Make sure the base is sturdy enough to support the upper portion. Test the balance by placing the piece on a flat surface and adjusting as needed.

- Refinement: Smooth uneven areas with a damp sponge or rib tool, being careful not to over-wet the clay, which can weaken it.

Techniques for Adding Texture and Detail to Pinched Works

- Textures: Use tools such as wooden sticks, sponges, or household items like forks or leaves to add patterns to the surface. Press objects lightly into the clay to avoid distorting the shape.

- Carving: Once the piece reaches leather-hard stage, use carving tools to add intricate designs or subtract clay for a textured effect.

- Layering: Experiment with adding small pinched clay elements, such as handles or decorative attachments, for more complexity.

- Slip Decoration: Apply slip (liquid clay) with brushes or sponges to create contrasting textures or patterns. For example, use a darker slip on light clay for visual contrast.

Combining Pinched Elements with Other Hand-Building Techniques

- Hybrid Creations: Combine pinched bowls with coil-built bases or slab-constructed walls to create dynamic, multi-technique forms.

- Transitions: Score and slip all connecting surfaces to ensure a strong bond between pinched and other hand-built sections.

- Experimentation: Use pinching for organic, textured components and pair them with the clean lines of slab or coil work. For example, attach pinched handles to a slab-constructed mug for added character.

- Mixed Media: Incorporate other materials like metal or wood into pinched forms for unique artistic effects after firing.