Pottery is the art and craft of creating objects from clay, which are then fired (baked) at high temperatures to harden them into durable, ceramic forms. 

Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Shaping the Clay:

Handbuilding:

This involves shaping the clay by hand, using techniques like pinching, coiling, or slab construction. 

Potter's Wheel:

A rotating wheel allows for the creation of symmetrical forms by throwing clay on the wheel. 

2. Drying and Trimming:

Drying: The shaped clay pieces are allowed to dry, but not completely, to a "leather-hard" state where they can be trimmed and cleaned up.

Trimming: Excess clay is removed to refine the shape and create a smooth surface. 

3. Firing (Bisque Firing):

Bisque Firing: The dried pottery is fired at a lower temperature to harden the clay, but before glazing. 

4. Glazing:

Glaze Application:

A glassy coating, called glaze, is applied to the bisque-fired pottery to add color, water resistance, and a smooth surface.

Glaze Firing:

The glazed pottery is fired again at a higher temperature, causing the glaze to melt and fuse to the clay, creating a durable, waterproof surface. 

5. Decoration (Optional):

Decoration: Pottery can be decorated with various techniques, such as painting, carving, or applying decals before or after the glaze firing.