Why Clay on the Wall
Most pottery competes for limited table and shelf space. Wall art uses the largest surface in any room. A large ceramic panel or collection of sculpted tiles can transform a blank wall into a gallery. And because clay has texture and depth, it adds dimensionality that flat art cannot match.
Stephen Jepson created wall pieces throughout his career and considers them underexplored territory for most potters. The techniques are accessible but the results can be spectacular.
Wall Art Projects
Decorative Wall Tiles
Individual tiles — six to twelve inches square — decorated with carved, stamped, or painted designs. Hang singly or in groups. Press molds allow reproducing designs across multiple tiles. Mount with picture-hanging hardware attached to the back.
Sculptural Wall Panel
A large slab — twelve to twenty-four inches — with carved or modeled relief. Trees, landscapes, abstract forms built up from the surface. The relief creates shadows that change throughout the day. Build on a plaster bat to control warping.
Ceramic Wall Pocket
A half-vase that hangs flat against the wall and holds dried flowers or herbs. Throw a cylinder, cut it in half lengthwise, and attach a flat back slab. Include a hanging hole. Wall pockets are charming and functional.
Tile Mural
A large image broken into multiple tiles that assemble into a cohesive picture. Roll a large slab, create your design, then cut into individual tiles along a grid. Number the backs so they reassemble correctly. A tile mural can be any size.
Dimensional Wall Sculpture
Three-dimensional forms that project from the wall. Clay flowers, leaves, faces, fish — mounted on wire armature or directly on the wall. Build each element hollow for even drying and firing.
Making Wall Art
Controlling Warping
Flat clay pieces are prone to warping, and wall art must hang flat. Use clay with grog. Roll slabs evenly. Dry slowly between plaster bats, flipping daily. Fire on flat kiln shelves.
Hanging Hardware
Options: drill holes and use picture wire, embed keyhole hangers before firing, or glue D-ring hangers after firing with epoxy. For heavy pieces, use two hanging points. Plan during construction.
Surface Decoration
Wall art is viewed from a distance, so bold designs work better than fine detail. Deep carving, high-relief modeling, and strong color contrasts read well. Consider lighting — side lighting emphasizes texture.
Learn from Stephen Jepson
Stephen's pottery video lessons cover slab work, carving, relief modeling, and surface decoration — the core skills for wall art. One-time purchase, lifetime access.