Clay is an amazing substance because you start with a soft material that ends up as a finished piece that is fixed and hard. Initially, you are able to manipulate the clay with ease, then through the firing process, what was once pliable is now permanent. I don't think there is another material quite like it.
One of the things I love about working with clay is being able to create texture simply by pressing or rolling into the moist clay. The dictionary defines texture as the feel and appearance of a surface, especially how rough or smooth it is. It can also mean distinctive character. In my sculptures, I like to juxtapose textured surfaces with smooth glazes (see Heartbeet above). When I see a textured clay artwork it reminds me that the clay was once fluid.
The images below show just a few of the ways I like to create texture in my work.
