Potter and Ceramic Artist
Potters and Ceramic Artists (Visual Arts and Crafts Professionals) use pottery materials such as stoneware, earthenware, porcelain and ceramics to create a variety of items such as bowls, pots, cups and works of art. Potters and Ceramic Artists must be skilled at working at a pottery wheel and at various stages of production, and be able to follow drawings and measurements to complete order specifications. They should have strong hand-eye coordination and be able to visualize a product from the beginning stages to completion.
Duties and tasks
- Ability to analyse drawings, designs and customer needs to create the desired product
- Design and develop ideas and styles for pottery and ceramic art pieces, conceptualising functional or abstract art pieces
- Identify and work with appropriate ceramic materials for specific job requirements
- Mix appropriate glazing materials and dip or paint them onto dried pottery
- Mould clay and pottery materials into artistic and functional pieces using pottery wheels, carving with tools, moulding and hand techniques
- Place finished and decorated pottery items into kilns to set
- Safely operate machines and tools required for creation of products such as pottery wheels
Skills required
- Artistic Abilities
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Strong Attention to Detail
- Strong Hand-eye Coordination and Manual Agility
- Time Management
Working conditions
Potters and Ceramic Artists typically work in a workshop environment, which includes operating a variety of equipment and tools needed to produce ceramic objects. A typical work week is Monday through to Friday, however they may be required to work long hours to complete orders on time and meet deadlines.Professional associations / Industry information
Manufacturing Skills AustraliaNational Association for the Visual Arts Ltd
The Australian Ceramic Society
The Australian Ceramics Association
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- Art Teacher
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