Behind ceramics

Clay

What is clay?

Clay is a natural material that has been used by humans for thousands of years. It is formed when rocks break down into very fine particles that mix with water and minerals.

What makes clay so special is its malleability. When it is moist, it can be shaped into almost anything, and when fired, it becomes hard and durable. It is this transformation that makes ceramics something truly unique.

Each type of clay has its own properties, colours and expression, which gives every piece its own character.

There are different types of clay. Stoneware, which is fired at a high temperature of around 1200 to 1300 degrees Celsius, becomes especially durable. At this temperature, the clay vitrifies and the pores fuse together. The material becomes dense and watertight, with a hard surface.

Because clay is a natural material, small specks or irregularities may appear in the finished piece. This is part of the character of the material and makes each object unique.

How is clay made?

Clay is extracted from the ground and purified to remove stones and other impurities. It is then mixed with water to form a smooth and workable mass.

Different clays are sometimes blended to achieve the desired properties. Before use, the clay is kneaded to make it even and free from air bubbles.

It is then ready to be shaped, either by hand or on the wheel, and is later fired in a kiln at a high temperature.

Where do I source my clay?

I mainly use stoneware clay in different tones such as white, yellow with speckles, grey and black.

The clay I work with comes from carefully selected suppliers in Sweden and Germany. All clays are of high quality and developed to perform well both in shaping and in firing.

Glaze