The process by which a work of art is created out of clay has been explored for thousands of years, and yet so much of its mystery remains today.

Here's what goes in to making a simple vase: 

Clay

First, an appropriate clay is selected, taking into account the temperature and technique planned for the firing and for the decoration of the clay's surface.

A wire is used to cut off a piece of clay that weighs enough to allow creation of a vase of the desired size.

Wedging

The clay is then wedged (something like kneading bread) on a wedging table to align the molecules of the clay and to get out any air bubbles, which could cause the piece to explode during firing.