What is the difference between modeling and pottery?

You are new to ceramics as a hobby and wonder whether you should learn modeling or pottery first? We at Formwerk Berlin are happy to guide you on this path!

Modeling and pottery both belong to the same craft: ceramics. Technically speaking, pottery is the umbrella term for working with clay. In everyday use, though, the term is often meant more narrowly. While modeling means building the clay entirely by hand, without a wheel, many people mean mainly throwing on the pottery wheel when they say pottery. There you shape the clay on a rotating plate into even, symmetrical vessels.

In the following expert article we explain these terms in more detail and show you which technique is particularly well suited for getting started.

What is hand building?

In hand building (modeling), you build your piece without a pottery wheel. With your hands, thumbs, wooden sticks, slabs or other tools, you freely shape bowls, cups or figures, for example, by feel. As a ceramics encyclopedia puts it: “Hand-built ceramics are made without the aid of a pottery wheel”.

This method is considered the oldest and most original form of ceramic making. Every piece turns out completely individual. You can experiment freely, press together and build up until your work of art is finished. Usually a somewhat grogged clay (clay with coarse particles) is used for this, e.g. Sibelco Stoneware Clay W2510, because it stays stable during building and allows tall forms. Hand building is ideal if you enjoy working artistically, for example if you want to create figures or decorative one-of-a-kind pieces.

What is pottery?

Strictly speaking, pottery is the umbrella term and includes hand building. In everyday use, however, pottery often stands for working at the wheel. The pottery wheel is a rotating disc made of wood or metal on which you form a single lump of clay into an even, symmetrical vessel.

You center the clay, open it up by pressing a hollow into the center, and then pull up the walls until a smooth, even wall forms. This is how cups, bowls, vases or pitchers are made. Historically, the invention of the potter’s wheel about 5,000 years ago was a revolution: suddenly it became possible to make “vessels of all kinds from clay… in a relatively short time.”

Differences at a glance

• Tools & technique: For hand building you only need a table and simple tools – you shape the clay with just your hands, thumbs, slabs and so on (the pottery wheel isn’t involved). Classic pottery, on the other hand, requires a wheel (kick or electric), plenty of water and specialty tools (sponges, wire, knives) to work the clay while throwing.
• Shape & appearance: Hand-built pieces often look organic, relaxed and irregular – every hand-built work is one of a kind. Thrown vessels, by contrast, have smooth, symmetrical walls. On the wheel you get precise, regular shapes (ideal for matching tableware), while hand-built pieces are often artistically ornate or rustic.
• Clay body: For hand building, people often use clay with grog (a coarse additive) because the particles make the vessel stable as you build it up. For throwing, on the other hand, soft, fine clay without grog is advantageous because it is easier to center and pull up smoothly.
• Uses: Hand building is perfect for artistic one-off pieces, sculptures or playful decor. Pottery (throwing) is ideal for functional everyday ceramics and series production – cups, plates, bowls or vases that are often needed in matching shapes.
• Beginner-friendliness & pace: Hand building is often more accessible for beginners, because you can start right away and get to know the clay at your own pace. A wheel requires some practice at first (centering is tricky), but with a bit of training it allows a meditative flow and quick, even results.

Which way in is right for you?

Both paths have their appeal! In our Formwerk Berlin team we say: just try it out. If you are very creative and enjoy designing freely, you will have a lot of fun with hand building. If you love an even rhythm and want to throw precise vessels, try throwing on the wheel. Many of our participants combine both, for example by throwing a cup first and then attaching a handle by hand.

Above all, what matters is that you enjoy working with clay. In our online shop and in workshops at Formwerk Berlin you will find grogged clay and modeling tools as well as pottery wheels and throwing clay. That way you can try both techniques and discover which suits you better. Come by, bring your curiosity and become part of our creative community.

Enjoy your pottery (or modeling), wishes your Formwerk Berlin Team!