Ceramics
Ceramics is the art and technique of creating objects from clay and other materials through the application of heat. This process includes shaping, drying, firing and, in many cases, glazing, transforming the materials into durable pieces. Ceramic products can be functional, such as tableware, cookware and bricks, or decorative, such as sculptures and tiles.
Depending on the materials used and firing temperatures, ceramics are classified into earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. Earthenware is fired at low temperatures, which makes it porous and requires glazing to waterproof it; stoneware, fired at medium-high temperatures, is more resistant and naturally non-porous; and porcelain, fired at very high temperatures, is waterproof and extremely durable.
Ceramics has a millenary history, being one of the first crafts developed by mankind, with examples dating back more than 20,000 years. It has played an essential role in the material culture of civilizations such as those of Egypt, Mesopotamia, China and pre-Columbian America, providing both utilitarian objects and artistic expressions.
Today, ceramics continue to be a mainstay in everyday life and industry. In addition to its use in tableware and decoration, it is fundamental in architecture (as bricks and tiles) and in advanced technical applications, such as electronic components and refractory materials. Ceramics continues to evolve, fusing tradition and modernity in an art that transcends cultures and generations.Interesting Fact
The word "ceramic" comes from the ancient Greek "keramos", meaning clay. This term not only referred to the base material, but also to the craft of working with it. Interestingly, "keramos" is etymologically related to "to burn", which underlines the importance of heat in the process of transforming clay into ceramics.Helpful Tip
When starting out in ceramics, experiment with different types of clays, techniques and glazes to discover which materials and techniques best suit your artistic style and the tools at your disposal.
