Keramics is a term used to describe the materials, processes, and products related to the art and science of making ceramics. Derived from the Greek word "keramos" meaning pottery or earthenware, keramics primarily refers to the field of working with clay to create various objects, such as pottery, statues, tiles, and other forms of ceramic art.
In its broader sense, keramics encompasses the entire process of ceramics production: from gathering raw materials like clay, minerals, and oxides, through shaping and forming the clay, to firing and glazing techniques. The field also includes the study of different ceramic types, such as earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain, as well as the historical, cultural, and technical aspects of ceramics.
Keramics involves various techniques, including throwing on a potter's wheel, hand-building with clay slabs or coils, and molding using plaster or other molds. Surface treatments like sculpting, carving, painting, and applying glazes are also part of the diverse range of techniques employed in keramics.
Moreover, keramics plays a significant role in numerous industries, including architecture, construction, kitchenware, and art. Ceramic materials are known for their durability, heat and chemical resistance, and versatility, making them invaluable in applications such as building materials, electrical insulation, cookware, and decorative or functional objects.
Overall, keramics encompasses the study, practice, and artistic expression involved in working with clay and other ceramic materials to create a wide range of functional and artistic objects.
