Pronunciation: [sɪɹˈamɪsˌɪst] (IPA) 
The spelling of the term "ceramicist" can be a bit confusing. The word is derived from the noun "ceramics" which refers to the art and science of making objects from clay. The suffix "-ist" indicates someone who practices or has a particular expertise in a certain area, so "ceramicist" refers to a person who specializes in the creation of ceramic objects. The IPA phonetic transcription of "ceramicist" is /səˈræmɪsɪst/.
A ceramicist is an artisan or artist who specializes in creating ceramic artwork using various techniques, tools, and materials. A ceramicist is skilled in the practice of ceramics, which encompasses the production of pottery, sculptures, and other decorative or functional objects made from clay or other earthen materials. The term "ceramicist" is derived from "ceramics," which refers to the art and science of creating ceramic objects.
Ceramicists typically possess a deep understanding of the properties of clay and how it reacts to various firing processes. They are proficient in hand-building techniques such as coiling, slabbing, and pinching, as well as wheel-throwing, which involves shaping clay on a spinning wheel. Additionally, a ceramicist is knowledgeable about glazing, where they apply a liquid coating to the surface of the object to enhance its appearance and functionality.
Ceramicists often experiment with texture, shape, and form to create unique and aesthetically pleasing pieces. They may creatively incorporate various decorative techniques like etching, carving, painting, or applying different types of glazes. Their expertise can range from functional pottery, such as bowls, cups, or plates, to large-scale sculptures and intricate art pieces. Ceramicists may work independently in their own studios, as part of collective pottery studios, or within the context of educational institutions.
In summary, a ceramicist is an artist who possesses a high level of skill and knowledge in working with clay and is dedicated to creating beautiful and functional ceramic objects using techniques such as hand-building, wheel-throwing, glazing, and decorative applications.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "ceramicist" has a fairly straightforward etymology. It is derived from the word "ceramics", which refers to objects made from clay that are hardened by heat, such as pottery, porcelain, or earthenware. The suffix "-ist" is added to denote a person engaged in or practicing a particular art or discipline, in this case, ceramics. Therefore, a ceramicist is someone who specializes in or works with ceramics. The term first appeared in the English language in the mid-20th century.
