The Magic of Ceramics: My Journey of Learning and Creation
- M. Ines Ugarte
- May 26, 2024
- 2 min read
I want to share with you today the beautiful experience I have been living through learning how to use ceramics. This ancient art has allowed me to discover a deep connection with materials and creative processes. From the first contact with the clay to the revelation of the final product, each step is a discovery full of magic and transformation. The Beginning: The Clay It all starts with clay, a soft, shapeless mass that, at first glance, may seem simple and lifeless. But in reality, clay is full of possibilities. Touching it for the first time, I felt an immediate connection, as if my hands could give shape to any idea I had in mind. Molding it requires patience and creativity, and it is in this process where you begin to glimpse the potential of what will be a unique piece. The Transformation: The Biscocho Once the piece has been molded, it is time for its first transformation: the sponge cake. In this step, the piece is fired for the first time in the kiln, removing water from the clay and solidifying it. Watching soft clay turn into a solid, strong material is fascinating. The sponge cake is like the ceramist's blank canvas, ready to receive colors and designs. Creativity: Paint and Draw With the cake ready, the next step is to give it life and color. Painting and drawing on ceramics is a form of artistic expression that has allowed me to explore my creativity in ways I never imagined. Every stroke and every brushstroke tells a story, and it's incredible to see how a piece can transform just by adding a little color. Here, ceramics begin to reflect not only the technique, but also the personality and style of the creator.
The Final Touch: The Furnace Revelation Finally, the most anticipated moment arrives: the final cooking. This second firing not only sets the colors and designs, but also reveals the final shape and color of the piece. It is a process full of expectation and emotion. Opening the oven after cooking is like opening a gift, full of surprises and wonders. The final piece is a testament to the transformation journey it has taken from clay to a work of art. Final reflection Learning to work with ceramics has taught me much more than techniques and processes. It has shown me the beauty of transformation and the importance of patience and dedication. Each piece I create is a part of me, a tangible expression of my ideas and emotions. This journey has been truly beautiful and I am excited to continue exploring everything the world of ceramics has to offer.

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