Bringing the Glow: Working with Metallic Copper in Stoneware Pottery

There is a deeply satisfying magic that happens when you pull a piece of pottery out of the kiln—that moment when the raw earth transforms into something permanent and beautiful. But sometimes, the magic doesn't just come from the firing process; sometimes, it's something you weave into the clay itself.

If you’ve been dipping into the world of ceramics, you know that the materials are everything. We often talk about the perfect glaze or the right clay body, but what about the inclusions? What if we could make the clay sing with subtle, metallic tones?

This process, utilizing metallic particles like copper and bronze, adds an unparalleled depth and character to functional art. It's a technique that elevates a simple mug or vase into a piece with a dramatic story.

The Alchemy of Inclusion: Mixing Metals into Clay

In this process, the metallic particles—composed of elements like copper and tin—are mixed directly into the clay body. When the piece goes through the reduction firing process, these minerals react beautifully, leaving behind those wonderful, telltale crimson or reddish blossoms throughout the piece. It’s like adding streaks of sunset into the solid form of the stoneware.

While some artists, like the one featured here, are skilled enough to keep the metallic additions to small, scattered 'sprinkles,' the true drama comes when the metal is overloaded, creating a pot that is practically red when fired. These inclusions don't just sit on the surface; they are woven into the very structure of the piece, giving it a rich, varied texture and depth.

From Form to Finish: The Throwing Stage

The process begins, as always, on the wheel. The artist demonstrates how they start with a base form—for this example, a tall, straight cylinder that is then belied out into an angular vase. While the throwing of the piece itself is straightforward, the real challenge, and the most fascinating part, comes later.

Once the piece is thrown and has reached the 'leather hard' stage, the hands-on work begins. The artist uses specialized tools—in this case, a plastic kidney—to define the exterior shape, scraping away the excess slip and, crucially, scraping away many of those loose metallic fragments. This step gives the piece a neater, straighter surface that is ready for the final trim. This meticulous trimming stage requires careful, back-and-forth work to correct gouges and smooth surfaces, a true test of patience and precision.

The Art of the Trim: Precision and Patience

The transition from the soft, pliable clay to the defined, durable piece is where the greatest skill is needed. The video highlights that while the initial throwing is relatively easy, the subsequent trimming stage is where the pieces get 'considerably trickier.' It requires the artist to become intensely focused, correcting every imperfection and ensuring the vessel has the structural integrity needed for display. The final result is a piece that doesn't just hold water—it holds a story, a visible record of the labor and the chemistry involved.

Whether you are mastering the perfect curve of a portrait, blending the subtle value shifts in a still life, or learning to throw a vessel that defies gravity, remember that the greatest art is always the tactile kind. It’s the feeling of the clay beneath your fingers, the smell of the wet earth, the satisfying scrape of the trimming tool.

Ready to Get Your Hands Dirty?

Rogue Artists exists for moments exactly like this—moments when the best inspiration can't be scrolled to, but must be physically created. We connect artists who want to trade the glow of a screen for the glow of the kiln.

If the idea of mixing your own metallic elements into your next batch of clay sparks your interest, or if you simply want to deepen your skills in composition or figure drawing, we have a path for you. Find an Art Angel near you, book a local workshop, or list your own studio with us. Let’s get back to the work.