Are you a beginner in the hobby of ceramics and wondering whether you should learn modeling or pottery ? We at Formwerk Berlin are happy to accompany you on this journey!
Modeling and pottery both belong to the same craft: ceramics. Technically speaking, pottery is the umbrella term for working with clay. In everyday language, however, the term is often used more narrowly. While modeling involves building up the clay entirely by hand – without a wheel – many people understand pottery primarily to mean throwing on the potter's wheel. In this process, you shape the clay on a rotating plate into uniform, symmetrical vessels.
In the following article, we will explain these terms in more detail and show you which technique is particularly suitable for getting started.
What is modeling?
In hand-building (modeling), you construct your piece without a potter's wheel. Using your hands, thumbs, wooden sticks, slabs, or other tools, you shape items such as bowls, cups, or figures freely, guided by intuition. As a ceramics encyclopedia explains: "Modeled ceramics are produced without the aid of a potter's wheel."
This method is considered the oldest and most original form of ceramic design. Each piece is unique. You can freely experiment, press and build up the clay until your artwork is complete. It's usually done with grogged clay (clay with coarse particles), such as Sibelco stoneware clay W2510 , because it remains stable during construction and allows for tall forms. Modeling is ideal if you enjoy artistic work, for example, creating figures or unique decorative pieces.
What is pottery?
Strictly speaking, pottery is the umbrella term and includes modeling. In everyday language, however, pottery often refers to working on the potter's wheel. The potter's wheel is a rotating disc made of wood or metal, on which you shape a uniform, symmetrical vessel from a single lump of clay.
You center the clay, poke a hollow into it, and then draw up the sides until a smooth, even surface is formed. This is how cups, bowls, vases, or jugs are made. Historically, the invention of the potter's wheel about 5,000 years ago was revolutionary: suddenly, "vessels of all kinds could be made from clay in a relatively short time..."
Differences at a glance
- Tools & Technique: For modeling, you only need a table and simple tools – you shape the clay using only your hands, thumbs, slabs, etc. (the potter's wheel isn't involved here). In contrast, for traditional pottery, you need a potter's wheel (foot- or electric-powered), plenty of water, and specialized tools (sponges, wire, knives) to work the clay while turning it.
- Form & Appearance: Modeled pieces often appear organic, loose, and irregular – each modeled piece is unique. Thrown vessels, on the other hand, have smooth, symmetrical walls. Precise, regular shapes are created on the wheel (ideal for uniform tableware), while hand-built motifs are often artistically ornate or rustic.
- Clay material: For hand-building, clay with grog (a coarse additive) is often used because the particles stabilize the vessel when you pull it up. For throwing on the wheel, however, softer, finer clay without grog is advantageous because it is easier to center and smooth.
- Applications: Modeling is perfect for artistic one-of-a-kind pieces, sculptures, or playful decorations. Pottery (throwing) is ideal for functional, everyday ceramics and mass production – cups, plates, bowls, or vases that are frequently needed in the same shapes.
- Ease of use & pace: Hand-held tuning machines are often more accessible for beginners, as you can start immediately and learn the tone at your own pace. A turntable requires some initial practice (centering is tricky), but with a little training, it allows for a meditative flow and quick, consistent results.
| criterion | Modeling (hand building) | Pottery (throwing on the wheel) |
|---|---|---|
| Tools & Technology | Without a potter's wheel, shaping is done by hand and simple tools. | With turntable, plenty of water and special tools |
| Shape & Appearance | Organic, individual, unique pieces | Smooth, symmetrical, precise and repeatable |
| Sound material | Often grog clay is used for stability during construction. | Mostly fine, soft clay without grog |
| Areas of application | Sculptures, decorations, unique artistic pieces | Functional ceramics, series such as cups, bowls, vases |
| Ease of use & speed | Direct entry, free and at your own pace | More practice at the beginning, later flow and fast, consistent results. |
Which entry point suits you best?
Both approaches have their appeal! At Formwerk Berlin, we say: Just give it a try. If you're very creative and enjoy free-form design, you'll have a lot of fun with modeling . If you love a steady rhythm and want to throw precise vessels, then try throwing on the wheel . Many of our participants combine both, for example, they first throw a cup and then shape a handle by hand.
The most important thing is that you enjoy working with clay. In our online shop and at workshops at Formwerk Berlin, you'll find both grogged clay and modeling tools, as well as potter's wheels and throwing clay. This way, you can try out both techniques and discover which one suits you best. Come by, bring your curiosity, and become part of our creative community.
Have fun with your pottery (or modeling)! Your Formwerk Berlin Team