About the Artist Wanying Liang: https://shop.wanyingliang.com/pages/about-the-artist
Creating functional pottery is a rhythm of preparation, intuition, and precise execution. Recently, during the coldest days of winter, I filmed a detailed, member-exclusive video for my YouTube channel documenting the complete creation cycle of my latest batch of pale pink mugs.
For those interested in the technical nuances of the ceramic process, I wanted to share a comprehensive breakdown of how these vessels are made—from the initial wedging of the clay to the final glaze firing.
Phase 1: Preparation and the Wheel
The foundation of any successful form begins before the clay ever touches the wheel. I always test my forms and calculate the exact amount of clay needed per batch, using a small scale to weigh out precise portions.
Wedging and Setup I wedge the clay exactly like kneading dough, always pushing in one consistent direction to align the clay particles and remove air bubbles. Afterward, I pat each piece into a cone shape to make centering on the wheel easier. To maintain a steady rhythm, I prepare the clay in batches of ten—matching the ten throwing bats I keep at my station.
Throwing the Cylinder
Throwing requires anchored stability. I wipe the bat with a sponge, slam the clay down hard into the center, and tuck my elbows tightly into my body to use the full strength of my arms.
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Opening the Well: I press down and pull outward simultaneously. If I plan to trim a foot ring later, I leave the bottom about 1 centimeter thick. (For flat-bottomed vessels, you can go slightly thinner).
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Compression: Before pulling the walls, I always compress the bottom several times. This is a crucial step to prevent S-cracks from forming during drying.
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Pulling and Shaping: Applying even pressure from both the inside and outside, I pull the walls vertically before shaping the final outward curve.
A Studio Tip for Smooth Rims: I cut a small piece from a rubber glove and compress it over the spinning rim of the cup. It leaves the lip incredibly smooth and refined.
Phase 2: Trimming and Surface Alteration
When the greenware reaches the leather-hard stage, the rims naturally dry out first. To ensure the piece dries evenly, I flip the cups bottom-up on the boards until they are ready to be trimmed.
Trimming is where the profile of the mug is truly defined. I secure the cup to the center of the wheel with soft clay wads and work through a very specific progression of tools:
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Rough Cut: A mini metal loop tool removes the bulk of the excess clay.
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Defining the Foot: A sharp, flat-head tungsten tool establishes the crisp edge of the foot.
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Shaping: A curved, serrated tool refines the wall profile and the flat plane of the foot ring.
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Smoothing: A flat tool removes the serrated texture.
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Final Polish: Interestingly, I use a dull trimming tool often found in beginner pottery kits for the final cleanup. Because it isn't very sharp, it is absolutely perfect for burnishing and refining the surface.
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The Finger Finish: A gentle press with a bare finger rounds off the foot ring so it sits softly on a table.
Following the trim, I use a serrated tool to carve organic patterns into the walls. Making these natural, intuitive changes to a basic form is the true joy of handmade pottery; even a simple variation sparks new creative ideas.
Phase 3: The Spirit of the Handle
Handle attachment is a step that is far too often overlooked. I have seen countless beautiful cups let down by a handle with no spirit or character. Even the most ordinary cup shape can be instantly brought to life by a beautiful handle.
I pull all of my handles entirely by hand. To be efficient, I take a large lump of clay, pull out several thick strips, and set them aside. Lubricating heavily with water, I use the web of my hand to press and pull the clay downward without creating drag, finally using my thumb to establish the central groove. They are placed on a plasterboard to set up.
Because they are hand-pulled, they can never be perfectly identical—which is exactly why I love them. Once they are no longer sticky, they are cut, scored, slipped, and firmly pressed onto the cup.
The golden rule of handles: Observe and experiment. Repeating these two actions will slowly but surely lead to a deep mastery of the form. Once the slip dries slightly, I use a wet sponge or brush to gently wipe the connection joints for a flawless finish.
Phase 4: Bisqueware, Glazing, and Firing
Unloading the bisque kiln is always a special moment. Bisqueware exists in its most beautiful state, carrying a sense of pure, porous sanctity.
The pieces are rinsed to remove silica dust, preparing the surface for glaze. Glaze must be stirred thoroughly and ideally sifted. To make post-firing cleanup effortless, I apply a liquid wax resist to the foot rings. The interior is glazed first by pouring the liquid in and quickly pouring it out, followed by dipping the rim. A different glaze is then applied to the exterior via dipping.
Opening the final glaze kiln reveals the transformation: a chamber full of soft, pale pink mugs ready to be sanded, cleaned, photographed, and sent to their new homes.
Watch the full instructional video by joining my YouTube channel membership: https://youtu.be/mSRaJoLW1ak
Shop the Collection: You can explore the finished functional pieces from this exact process in the shop. https://shop.wanyingliang.com/collections/functional-pottery