I am often asked this seemingly simple question, which nevertheless encompasses the entire complexity of my craft: “How long does it take to make a piece of pottery?”. Depending on the day and my mood, this question might elicit a sigh, a wry smile, or a long explanation. In reality, the answer is never quite what the person asking expects.
My favorite answer: it’s about two to four weeks plus seven years!
For the uninitiated, the process may seem simple: take some clay, shape it, fire it, and that's it! But those who have immersed themselves in the world of pottery know that it is a process defined by patience, skill, and a deep understanding of the materials used.
Let's break down this answer. Why seven years?
The most important factor in determining the time needed to make a piece is arguably the potter's experience. Like any trade, pottery is a skill acquired over time. Making a simple mug might take two to three weeks, but it took years to get to the stage of making them. As for me, it took seven years of nearly daily practice to reach my current mug design!
The longer you work with clay, the better you get and the faster you become. Your throwing time decreases, your success rate increases, and your confidence grows alongside your familiarity with the equipment and the raw materials.
In fact, the time required to make an object is not just a matter of minutes or hours: it is a reflection of the potter's journey, a testament to their dedication and passion for their craft. Next time you admire a piece of pottery, take a moment to appreciate the countless hours of work that went into its creation. Because behind every object lie years of refinement and experience.
Okay, but from a practical standpoint, why two to four weeks?
First of all, it is essential to recognize that the time needed to create a piece of pottery is as varied as the pieces themselves. Let's take the example of a plate. Although it may look simple, a plate takes an eternity to dry compared to a small bowl or a mug, for instance. Anything with a wide, flat surface is prone to cracking and must therefore be dried very slowly, either under plastic or in a damp room, to minimize losses. This can take a week or two or more.
Handles. Ah, handles. They may seem like a minor addition, but they can make or break a piece. Creating the perfect handle requires not only skill, but also a good knowledge of drying and joining. When you add anything to a form, both the labor and drying time increase.
Then there is the matter of detail work and glazing. Each brushstroke, each dip into the glaze bucket is a deliberate act that adds depth and character to the piece. It is a process that requires precision and finesse, and cannot be rushed if one wants to achieve the desired result. Some potters dedicate a lot of time to detail work and decoration, such as carving and polishing.
Let’s not forget the firing process, the moment of truth where clay becomes ceramic. Firing takes time, and the temperature must be carefully controlled so that the piece emerges unscathed, ready to take its place in the world. The temperature and firing time vary from potter to potter depending on their firing method. For my part, it takes a little less than 12 hours for the bisque firing and 7 to 8 hours for the glaze firing in my electric kiln.
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