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Originally, clay determined where the potters worked. This is still true in Japan where whole communities of potters have worked for generations with only the clay indigenous to the area. The techniques used to work the clay, the shapes that were made, kiln types and ways of firing, all developed out of their intuitive understanding of that specific clay. The potters, intimate relationship with the clay is reflected in the final pieces.
Things are different now in our modern world where we have access to any clay we want. In the US, with the exception of the Native American traditions, we don't have the deep roots, the thousands of years, tradition in the use of clay from which to learn. Some potters choose to work with many different kinds of clay.
The aesthetic and tradition in which I grew up as a potter shaped my choice to work with one clay similar to that which I worked with in Japan. I find it liberating to explore in depth the relationship between this clay, the kiln and firing, the shapes, and my own intention. The process of integrating these elements empowers the work.
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