Ceramic Making with Sticky Earth Ceramics: Here's How We Do Ours
The transformation of clay into functional, lasting art is both ancient and intricate. At Sticky Earth Ceramics, each of our handcrafted pieces begins with thoughtful intention. Every form is shaped by our ceramic artist, Rafal, who carves emotion and story into the surface of each vessel. No two ceramic pieces are ever the same.
Yet behind the quiet elegance lies a demanding process.
Firing, especially at high temperatures, is the most energy-intensive phase of ceramic making and can carry an environmental impact. As a mindful ceramics studio in Melbourne, we are conscious of this footprint. Our philosophy is rooted in wabi-sabi — we embrace imperfection, slowness, and materials that reflect the beauty of the everyday.
Clay as Character: Material Choices in Our Ceramic Process
Every vessel begins with earth. We work with high-quality Australian stoneware clay sourced from trusted local fabricators, selecting only those rich in natural iron. This choice results in the distinct dark, textural finish that defines our ceramic pieces after firing. From the beginning of the ceramic process, our potter selects clays that are expressive, tactile, and full of character - even before shaping begins.
To strengthen the clay body and minimise cracking, we also maintain a sustainable practice of reclaiming and reusing materials. All dry remnants and trimmings are returned to the studio cycle as recycled clay, creating a near closed-loop system that significantly reduces material waste.
The Art of Heat: Pottery Techniques Behind Glaze-Fired Pottery
Each of our pottery pieces begins with care long before the kiln.
Raw clay is kneaded to eliminate air bubbles, then shaped and left to thoroughly air-dry. It is an essential stage in the pottery techniques, where we practice to prevent cracking and ensure structural integrity before firing.
Once dried to greenware, the piece enters its first firing chamber for bisque firing, reaching around 1,000°C. This initial heat removes moisture and organic matter, transforming the fragile clay body into a porous, resilient form ready for glaze.
Our glazes are formulated in-house using a minimalist blend of raw powdered materials: feldspar, silica, dolomite, kaolin, and zirconium. For subtle colour, we introduce trace amounts, often under 4%, of mineral oxides like copper carbonate for green hues and iron oxide for the earthy yellow tones.
The second firing, known as the glaze firing, reaches approximately 1,270°C in an oxidising atmosphere, typical in electric kilns.
At this stage, the glaze melts and fuses to the body, creating glaze-fired pottery that is food-safe, waterproof, and durable enough for everyday use that can last for a lifetime. Once cooled, each piece is hand-polished or lightly sanded before it reaches you or your loved ones.
Safety First: How Our Ceramics Studio Ensures Zero Toxic Substances
Firing is a transformative chemical process that ensures your pottery pieces are safe to use. As the clay reaches high temperatures, organic matter and volatile compounds naturally present in the raw material are completely burned off.
At our ceramics studio, we take extra care during the glaze stage. The intense heat of the second firing vitrifies the glaze, sealing minerals into the ceramic surface and preventing any leaching. This is what gives glaze-fired pottery its food-safe, waterproof qualities.
But this safety is not automatic.
It requires precise control over firing temperatures and techniques. We meticulously monitor every stage of the firing process to ensure that each piece you bring home is not only beautiful but also safe for everyday meals, rituals, and moments.
The Hidden Cost: Environmental Impact
Behind the beauty of every finished ceramic lies a more complex story. Both bisque and glaze firings—integral steps in the ceramic process—release gases such as CO₂, CO, NOₓ, and methane, along with nanoparticles as small as 30–70 nm.
These emissions occur as the firing chamber purges impurities and strengthens the clay producing safe, long-lasting pottery pieces. While essential to creating high-quality, glaze-fired pottery, this transformation has a notable environmental impact.
Our Solution? Carbon-Conscious Approach to Firing
As a small-batch ceramic studio, Sticky Earth Ceramics is committed to reducing our environmental footprint without compromising craftsmanship. We operate using two electric kilns, both built in Sydney, which emit no direct fossil fuels during the firing process. This choice allows us to maintain clean, precise control over each piece—ensuring durability and beauty with less environmental cost.
What truly sets us apart is how we power our practice. For over five years, our studio has run entirely on solar energy. From wheel throwing on the pottery wheel to final glaze firings, every stage is powered by rooftop solar panels. We only fire on sunny days, drawing electricity directly from the sun rather than the grid—allowing us to create nearly carbon-neutral glaze-fired pottery.
But our values extend beyond making.
Through hands-on workshops and pottery classes, we invite others to experience the meditative joy of working with clay. Whether you're new to wheel throwing or prefer the tactile rhythm of hand building, such sessions offer a deeper connection to the process, the material, and yourself.
Beyond making ceramics for others, we also believe in inviting the community into the process. Through hands-on workshops and pottery classes, you can explore the joy of working with clay — whether you're trying your hand at wheel throwing or shaping a vessel through hand building on a pottery wheel. Every step is a chance to connect with craft, nature, and yourself.