I started experimenting with clay a couple of years ago and tried various methods of construction but was never really happy with the outcome as far as overall finish I wanted to achieve. An additional problem was trying to make really small pots with my big clumsy fingers, that was when I started carving.
Since then I havent stopped and over that time a few people have asked about my methods so finally I have done a little photo series to share. A solid block is roughly trimmed to size, as I want a rounded corner they have been cut & roughly hollow out the core. Now to give the first corner its shape, this will be refined in later stages but I try to get the line right first time. Clean the line across the front & round the next corner then follow the same line with a deeper cut into the clay to form a rim. Work right round till all four sides are done. Next is to trim the lower half of the block, a little out from the last cut to give a bottom rim. Then start cleaning out the core following the now established outer line. Flip the block over & cut the line of the feet a little deeper than the main face of the pot. I flip it back over & give the inside its final trim, leveling the bottom & cutting the main drainage hole. Back over onto its rim & start working on the underside & feet. Be careful at this stage to not stretch the clay that will form the floor. Now the main lots cleared out the feet can be trimmed down to the right height. First round of work completed its off to the drying cupboard, it looks pretty messy at this stage but the basic form is there.
The clay is wedged & formed into the basic block, for real small pots the blocks are then stored in plastic containers with newspaper to dry them slightly to make it easier to cut without distorting the clay. With midsize pots like the ones pictured I work the blocks straight away (no waiting to flip for the feet just a gentle touch), with larger pots the basic shape is made then they are allowed to harden a bit before completing.
