Is Pottery the same as Ceramics?

Exploring the Craft of Handmade Pottery and Ceramics in Australia

Written by Australian Artist ~ Billie Wagtail Pottery

Creating with clay involves transforming raw earth materials into solid, three-dimensional works of art. The terms "pottery" and "ceramics" are often used interchangeably to describe clay-made items, but are there distinctions between the two?

What sets a potter apart from a ceramicist?

Let's dive into the world of handmade pottery and ceramics in Australia and discover the nuances.

Ceramics: The Art of Fire and Earth

The term "ceramics" originates from the Ancient Greek word "keramos," which denotes items made from non-metallic materials that are subjected to high temperatures. This category includes all forms of clay which, when fired, become durable and non-biodegradable.

Remarkably, pieces of ancient ceramics are still unearthed today, testimony to their enduring nature.

Ceramics are characterised by their transformation during the firing process, evolving from a pliable state into a robust form. This process also imparts properties like electrical resistance and corrosion resistance.

Typically, when discussing clay creations, "ceramics" often refers to decorative pieces such as clay sculptures, mosaics, and clay jewellery, tagging them as ceramic art. Beyond artistic applications, ceramics play crucial roles in the medical and industrial fields, from insulators to prosthetic components.

Pottery: Functional Beauty from Clay

Pottery, a subset of ceramics, specifically involves using clay to craft functional vessels such as pots, planters, vases, and serving ware. Derived from the French term "poterie," pottery traditionally encompasses items that fulfill a utilitarian purpose or act as containers.

What distinguishes pottery from ceramics is its practical application. 

A piece of pottery can be both aesthetically pleasing and functionally useful. For instance, items created from the same batch of clay might include porcelain bowls classified as pottery, whereas porcelain earrings would fall under ceramic pieces.

The flexibility of clay allows for a broad range of creations, where "pottery" might seem somewhat restrictive; "ceramics" aptly covers both decorative and functional items.

Identity in Craft: Potter vs. Ceramicist

Whether an artisan identifies as a potter or a ceramicist often comes down to personal preference.

Potters may value the dual beauty and utility of their creations, while ceramicists might prefer a title that encompasses a variety of techniques. As the fields of pottery and ceramics continue to evolve with new materials and methods, the line between decorative and functional items increasingly blurs.

Today, many mugs and bowls serve as functional art pieces, meant to enhance both the culinary experience and the aesthetic environment.

Ultimately, whether labeled as pottery or ceramics, each piece sold in Australia reflects meticulous handcrafting and a passion for the art form. These creations are not just objects but experiences, shaped with care and often accompanied by a hopeful anticipation during the unloading of a kiln.

In conclusion, while all pottery qualifies as ceramic, not all ceramics are pottery.

Authored by Billie White, an artisan dedicated to the craft of handmade pottery and ceramics in Australia.