Behind every ceramic piece there’s time, silence, hands, mistakes, fire… and beauty. People often ask me how a handmade ceramic piece comes to life. Each one has its own journey, but they all begin with something very simple, clay, water, and the intention to shape them. 

In my studio, it all starts by preparing the clay. This is almost meditative: touching it, kneading it gently, and feeling what it needs before placing it on the wheel.

Then comes one of my favorite moments: the pottery wheel. Here, shapes emerge little by little. Sometimes I have a clear idea; other times I let my hands guide me. I love working with contemporary ceramics, and I embrace the slight imperfections that make each piece feel alive.

Not every piece begins on the wheel. I also love working to handbuilt ceramics, using techniques like coiling, pinching, and slab building. This slower, tactile process allows me to create sculptural forms that feel organic and unique. Shaping clay directly with my hands is deeply intuitive, it’s where I feel most connected to the material.

Once shaped, the piece dries for days. There’s no rushing; ceramics take time. The first kiln firing, called bisque firing, transforms raw clay into a strong base ready for glaze. Then comes the final high-temperature firing, where shape, fire, and intention come together. Each time I open the kiln, there’s still a sense of wonder.

Every handmade piece that leaves my studio is unique. That’s the beauty of ceramics.

Thank you for joining me in this process.

Miriam Cernuda