- THE MAGAZINE Ceramics Handbuilding: Pinch and Coil
Construction is an excellent introduction to pinching and
coiling as a process of pottery making. According to the video
instructor, Mollie Favour, the advantage of handbuilding is that
it only takes some clay and a few simple tools-many that can be
supplied directly from the kitchen. In this lesson, Favour
instructs viewers in the production of several complete
projects. Favour teaches the viewer four basic skills needed for
building pottery by hand. First, she demonstrates clay
preparation by “spiral” wedging. This is a primary skill all new
potters must acquire, and Favour demonstrates the method
clearly. Next she shows how to make pottery via the pinch
method. Then, she shows how to make and use coils. And finally,
she demonstrates how to pull a handle. These basic actions equip
new artists to tackle the many handmade projects in the video.
These projects include: a bowl, a box with lid, an oval vessel,
and a coffee mug. Basic materials, such as slip an