Exploring the Art of Ceramics

My journey with ceramics is a continuous experiment, from the moment I dig wild clay out of the ground to the thrill of firing it—whether it’s through traditional pit firing or at a professional kiln. What started as a love for creating with my hands has become a deep dive into the craft, where each step offers something new to learn and discover.

I’ve worked with different techniques, like hand-building and wheel throwing. I have created both decorative and utilitarian objects, including jewelry. One of the most exciting parts of my practice is experimenting with wild clay. I often venture out to gather my own clay from nature, processing it by hand to see what unique qualities emerge. Sometimes, the clay is smooth and tough; other times, it feels like it’s straight out of a sandcastle. The unpredictability of working with these natural materials makes the process all the more rewarding.

I love that ceramics, whether using store-bought or natural clay, can surprise you. You never quite know what will happen while drying or in the kiln—things might warp, crack, explode or turn out perfectly. It is a similar feeling to when I take pictures with my Polaroid cameras: all part of a great adventure.

Each piece reflects a part of this journey, whether it’s the textures or the unprocessed clay, the earthy tones I leave unglazed, or the vibrant glazed colors. From start to finish, my approach is about embracing the process, imperfections, and all.

Everyday ceramics

Jewelry

Wild clay

Open pit firing

 

BlancaInClay Instagram project

BlancaInClay is a personal exploration of ceramics and pottery, where I document my love for clay experiments and the creative process on Instagram.