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PINCH POTS AREN'T JUST FOR BEGINNERS

Find inspiration to up your pinch pot game

Pinch pots are a great way to start to get familiar with working in clay. In fact, Paulus Berensohn's classic book, Finding One's Way with Clay, is all about the humble pinch pot. Berensohn brought a reverence and mindfulness to the pinch pots he made, making them very personal and special in their simplicity. But a number of artists have employed the act of pinching clay to make more varied forms, celebrating this technique that truly showcases the mark of the maker.

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MAKERS

EMILY SCHROEDER WILLIS

Emily Schroeder Willis makes delicate pinch pots and offers a beautiful explanation of the intimacy of creating by pinching clay. Watch Emily pinch a cup and handle as she talks about her process and approach to making.

DIDEM MERT

Didem Mert uses a variety of construction methods, but has sometimes employed a hybrid technique that combines slab construction with pinching that she demonstrates in this video.

CANDICE METHE

Candice Methe's pots echo ancient forms while incorporating a contemporary vibe. The "Methe Method" begins with  pinching and coiling. Forms are then cut up and reassembled, exposing seams as decorative elements. A series of videos explains how to make one of her Duckbutt mugs.

PAULUS BERENSOHN

Paulus Berensohn's thoughtful approach to making is inspiring. To get a taste of his spirit, watch this video clip from a film made to document his life and work.

LINKS

TUTORIALS

Combining 2 pinch pots to create a hollow form (egg, rattle, etc.), the preliminary step to making a hedgehog

Hedgehog 

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OTHER PINCH POT ARTISTS

Jenny Mendez

Holly Walker

Ingrid Bathe 

Leanne McClurg

Ana Haberman and her brand Tri Lukne offer simple pinched pots, inspired by nature, beautifully photographed

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