A Work Of Art in New Pottery

“All things bright and beautiful” well describes the craft of potters. Anyone can easily appreciate the handmade vases and bowls they make. Even if they are not perfectly made, there is something very beautiful and over the top about them.

Romance definitely comes to life in modern pottery. These beautiful pieces are copies of old classic designs; however, each copy is still unique. Each one contains the potter’s creative sense and love for life and beauty, humor and romance. The potter shapes each piece at the potter’s wheel before it is placed in the fire to finish strengthening and shaping.

Owning a piece of pottery is like owning a work of art like a Monet or a Degas. The gold coin tray or a basket tray may not be shaped into perfect form however, that is part of their beauty. The elegant curve of a vase or pitcher and the splash of vivid color on a round tray are the mixed work of the potter’s hands and art. While shaping the piece, the potter just goes with their feeling and the finished vase may even shock her. Others are carefully drawn and colors are selected before the clay is picked up.

Pottery is a craft. Before, it was a trade that supplied royals and commoners utensils. Today pottery is an artistic expression. Clay plates, mugs, bowls, trays, pitchers, and jars were necessary items back then. These were usurped by plastics and other materials which could make hundreds of batches of bowls or trays in one day, and plastics or melamine were cheaper, too.

The traditional way of creating pottery was basic but as needs and demands changed, potters improved their craft. They added a variety of additives for beauty and strength. The more complicated and well-designed pieces were for royalty and rich merchants. Stoneware was commonplace in the average household. But these days, whatever make is prized for their distinctive characteristics.

If you order a set of trays or vases, you might not find several of the same kind. There may be a dozen or two but most of generally, these are one-of-a-kind, which sets handmade pottery apart from mass produced pottery. You won’t find a generic set in any shop. Each pottery shop has its own creations; firing the artistic drive of the modern potters who want it the handmade way. This is reminiscent of the art of lyrical poets – they created their poetry and each poem was distinct from the poetry of others.

Modern day houses showing some handmade pottery have a particular style – the modern lines will be softened by the quaint pieces or a rustic themed home can come to life. If you want to your kitchen to have a rustic look you can get colorful pitchers, bowls, mugs, and trays.

When looking for a gift or wanting to give party favors for most occasion, then give handmade pottery. If you want vivid color in your home or want to give a gift that is exceptional, then consider handmade pottery. You will be giving away a work of art that is both lovely and magical.

As a traveling artist, Deci Ruiz has had the pleasure of teaching to children as an invited guest in many schools. She has encouraged the children to play with clay and to try their hands at handmade pottery. Her pottery store is filled with beautiful and playful handmade pottery.