Ceramics: Design and Create Self-Watering Pieces

To get the course rolling, Clara Gutiérrez, better known as Clarina, tells you about herself, how she discovered ceramics, and her journey to opening her own studio. She also shares her biggest influences and how she built her ceramic universe around a creative vocabulary that promotes concentration and sparks imagination.

Discover the difference between high-fire and low-fire ceramics, what each type is used for, and why porosity can in fact be advantageous when making certain objects. Then, learn about the science behind watering with capillary action and go over the materials you need for your project.

Take an in-depth look at self-watering ollas and examine the design features that make them so efficient. Now it's time to shape your own using the pinch technique. Top off your piece by making a lid.

Next, Clarina teaches you how to craft a self-watering pot using the slab technique and demonstrates how to customize it. Roll out your slab and cut sections to make the plate, the pot, the water reservoir, and the lid.

Once they're ready, focus on giving them a unique finish before getting some tips on firing, glazing, and safely transporting your pieces. Clarina wraps up the course by sharing her tricks on how to optimize your self-watering system so you can go on vacation knowing your plants are in good hands!