A brief discussion of some of the terms we use when discussing ceramics. What’s the difference between earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain? Or between folk pottery, art pottery, and studio pottery? Read on, and find out!

Paul Soldner preparing a raku glaze in his Glendale, California studio, 1966. A “studio potter” is an artist, someone who has put in the time and effort to take their work to the next level. It’s not a term to be used casually.

Is it beautiful? Is it useful? Is it ugly? Is it ART? If an object makes you ask these kinds of questions, you may have a readymade on your hands.